After finishing 23rd in the rankings, the Central Michigan Chippewa's capped off the 2009 season with an exciting 44-41 double-overtime victory over the Troy Trojans in the GMAC Bowl. It was a fitting ending for a team that completed the year 12-2 overall, winning all eight of their MAC West conference games. The Chippewas' potent offense rushed for 168 and passed for another 255 yards per game, scoring an average of 33.9 points to lead the conference and finish No. 13 overall in the country.
Now first year head coach Dan Enos will accept the challenge of leading a team that has lost numerous key offensive players, including star quarterback Dan LeFevour. He will put a lot of faith in a staunch defense that will be heavily replied upon to shoulder much of the load, always keeping the Chippewas within striking distance.
Here's a closer look at the 2010 Central Michigan Chippewas
For a detailed look at the 2010 MAC football predictions check this out.
Offense:
The Chippewa's will return 12 starters in all, but not among them will be star quarterback Dan LeFevour who departed the program after being snatched up by the Chicago Bears in the 2010 NFL draft. Filling his shoes will be a difficult task for any replacement. That candidate is sophomore Ryan Radcliffe, who has struggled during spring practice trying to grasp Enos' new offensive scheme. The redshirt sophomore completed 25 of 41 passes for 229 yards in the spring game, and if he can just perform at an acceptable level, the defense will cover him. He should be ready for the season opener against Hampton.
The Chippewas' offensive line has been hampered by a lack of depth and injuries during the spring and this could hurt an all-important running game.
That could be bad for the CMU running back duo Paris Cotton and Tim Phillips. Cotton showed his versatility and ability during last year's contest against Michigan State where he rushed for an average of 4.5 per yards per carry and proved he could also contribute as a fifth receiver, scoring on a 9-yard TD reception in the final minute of play to lift the Chippewas' over the favored Spartans. The small statured Phillips will look to prove himself after an injury-plagued season that limited him to just four games. The backfield is rounded out by freshman tailback Ben Brown who is coming out of Romeo High in Michigan, where as a senior he rushed for 1,405 yards and 19 touchdowns. He should expect to see some time as Enos works him into the rotation.
Meanwhile, the receiving group took a big hit when they lost wide receiver Antonio Brown to the NLF draft, being selected by the Steelers in the 6th round. This has left Enos questioning who will take over the number one receiving spot. It appears that youngster Deon Butler will have a chance to start as a freshman after a dominant high school career, but it is unclear if he will be selected as the top starter.
Defense:
Overall the Chippewas' defense has just the right mix of veterans and new additions and should be able to maintain the teams' suffocating defensive style that held opponents to a conference-best 18.9 points per game -- ranked No.17 in the nation overall in 2009.
Enos has spent much of spring practice adding size to a roster that was dominated with smaller players, sifting through the new recruits and several returning players all who are all looking to make a solid first impression in hopes of receiving a starting position on the roster.
One of those returns is DB Jahleel Addea. The sophomore will receive increased playing time this season after a decent showing in 2009, following a redshirt 2008. Addea has natural ability and most importantly -speed. He will be paired with Anthony Hollis, a junior college transfer who has impressed the coaching staff since his arrival. Hollis runs the 40-yard in 4.3 seconds so his speed will be a welcome addition to the Chippewas' secondary.
One of the newer additions to this year's defensive line will be DE Kevin Henry. The 6-5, 255lbs Henry, is endowed with size and strength while being able to have the ability of chasing down the oppositions quarterback. His presence on the line alone should strike fear into the heart of all MAC QBs.
Finally, amongst the returning starters are linebackers Nick Bellore and Matt Berning. The duo led the defense during last season's campaign, with Berning tallying up a career-high 108 tackles and Bellore with his average 100 tackles in the past three seasons and two interceptions.
2010 Prediction: First in the MAC: The Chippewas had a historic 2009 season. While I don't see them topping that feat, I do see them finishing first in the MAC West and heading for their fifth straight bowl appearance. The team will struggle offensively at first, but should find their way by Week three or four. Because of that, a lot will be riding on the defense to make more big plays and force more turnovers, especially early on in the season.
Also be sure stay up to date on all the college football odds this season right here. And check in often for more college football picks to help make your betting experience a winner.
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