College Football News Preview 2020: Central Michigan Chippewas Keys To The Season
Biggest Key To The Central Michigan Chippewas Offense
Run well, don’t fumble, win. It wasn’t a hard formula for a CMU offense that had the second-worst fumbling problem in college football – giving it up 17 times – when it ran for over 112 yards, it won. When it didn’t, it lost.
The Chippewas didn’t have a blasting offensive line, but it was good enough and most of the key parts are back to open things up for veteran Kobe Lewis. 8-0 when they came up with more than 112, 0-5 when they didn’t. They averaged more than six yards per carry in seven of those eight wins.
Biggest Key To The Central Michigan Chippewas Defense
Force and recover more fumbles. The CMU defense was among the best in the MAC last season and it should be every bit as strong if not better. A little more help up the middle would be nice, and a few more pass rushers would be a help, but the veterans are there. Now they have to make more big plays.
The D started out the season with a fumble recovery in each of the first four games and came up with just two over the final ten games. -11 on the year in turnover margin, the defense might have to do even more to help out the offense.
Key Central Michigan Chippewas Player To A Successful Season
QB Daniel Richardson, RFr.
Is one of Jim McElwain’s better signings last year ready to be the main man? He’s 5-10 and built more like a running back, but he’s a potentially high-powered passer.
If he’s not the guy, then it has to be veteran David Moore, Cincinnati transfer John Keller, or Sam Houston State transfer Ty Brock who rises up and settles the gig. No matter who it is, consistency with a great receiving corps to work with – and fewer interceptions – is a must.
Key Game To The Central Michigan Chippewas Season
at Toledo, Nov. 11
The Chippewas appeared to be rolling on the way to a MAC title when they whacked around Toledo 49-7 at the end of the regular season. That didn’t quite happen with a loss to Miami in the MAC title game to follow, but the destruction of the Rockets showed just how good the team could be – and then it lost its final two games.
In the battle for the West, the Western Michigan game is at home – as are tough dates against Ohio and Miami University from the East – but the road date at Toledo will be a huge deal.
– Central Michigan Chippewas Schedule Breakdown & Analysis
2019 Central Michigan Fun Stats
– Field Goals: Opponents 18-of-20 – Central Michigan 13-of-21
– Fumbles: Central Michigan 26 (lost 17) – Opponents 13 (lost 6)
– Central Michigan 1st Quarter Scoring: 86 – Central Michigan 2nd Quarter Scoring 152