2008 OUTLOOK: The Chippewas will be considered among the favorites again in the MAC as they try to attempt a rare three-peat as conference champions. They will likely have no trouble scoring points again with all of their top offensive weapons, including MAC Offensive Player of the Year, QB Dan LeFevour -- one of only two players in NCAA history to throw for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a single season -- returning for the 2008 campaign. The Chips averaged just under 35 points per game in 2007 and if early signs are any indication, could top that figure this season.

However keeping teams off the scoreboard may still be an issue with the defense in flux, especially with significant losses at linebacker. Last season the Chips' defense surrendered nearly 37 points per game and finished at or near the bottom nationally in most defensive categories. If the Chips can show even moderate improvement on defense, they may be unstoppable in their march toward a third straight MAC title.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
The Chippewas offense was one of the most explosive in the MAC last season. CMU averaged 447 yards per game in 2007, and with junior QB Dan LeFevour, a legitimate dark-horse Heisman Trophy candidate, returning along with the rest of the Chips' top offensive weapons from last season, the offense could be even more dangerous...a scary thought for the rest of the MAC. LeFevour alone accounted for nearly 4800 yards of offense and 46 touchdowns while WR Antonio Brown set a MAC freshman record last season with 2,267 all-purpose yards and set a school record with 102 receptions. With Brown returning along with junior WR Bryan Anderson, who had 1132 yards receiving, the Chips' offense is well situated for 2008. The running game received a boost in the spring with Carl Volny emerging while starters Justin Hoskins and Ontario Sneed recover from injuries.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
Several issues remain on defense for the Chippewas. With the loss of three solid starters from the middle of the defense, including two of their three starting linebackers from last season, the Chips are likely going to give up a bunch of points again this season. The defensive line appears to be a work in progress and is a bit undersized, averaging only 246.5 pounds. The situation at linebacker is far from settled with only sophomore MLB Nick Bellore returning with any significant experience. The Chips will need to stay away from injuries while also hoping their secondary, which should show improvement with the return of Josh Gordy and a healthy Chaz West, can provide better downfield coverage for a unit that allowed 303.5 yards passing per game last season.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
The Chips look to be in good shape on special teams. Junior PK Andrew Aguila kicked well in the spring, including going 2-for-2 in the spring game with efforts from 36 and 44 yards. Aguila was 9-of-14 last season, including a season-best 51 yarder at Ball State. Sophomore Bret Hartmann is the leading contender to take over the punting duties after four-year starter Tony Mikulec's graduation. Antonio Brown proved himself to be one of the MAC's most dangerous return men in 2007 and is the leading candidate again for return duties on punts and kickoffs. Brown averaged 26.2 yards on KO returns in 2007 and recorded a 90 yard return for a touchdown.

ROSTER REPORT

--RB Malek Redd committed to Central Michigan. As legend has it, Redd impressed the coaching staff at several camps and combines, but not before the Chippewas' staff viewed Redd's highlight reel on YouTube did the 5-foot-6 lightning rod get the full stamp of approval.

"When I first got to Michigan, it was a one-day camp, so we just went through stretching, working on speed, form running and circuits," Redd told the Baltimore Sun. "After that we ran 40s and my first 40 I ran a 4.27. All the coaches heard about it and they all came over to watch my second one, and I ran the same exact time.

"After the camp the Central Michigan coaches were talking to my stepdad, asking what my e-mail was so they could keep in contact with me," Redd told the paper. "(CMU head coach Butch) Jones said he was going to e-mail me the next day. As I was about to leave, he told me to check my e-mail whenever I got the chance. He hadn't seen my highlight film yet, so I told him to go on YouTube and check out my highlight film."

Jones did just that, not wasting any time. Redd was talking with his stepfather to Michigan's recruiting coordinator. The Wolverines staff invited Redd to stay for the next day at camp, which he accepted. Then came good news from the Chippewas.

"I was about to leave (and Jones) sent his offensive coordinator down (to offer a scholarship) because he saw my highlight film (on YouTube) and he loved it."

Jones, according to the story in the Sun, told Redd he could be a star right away. That convinced Redd not to wait for the Wolverines to make an offer.

--WR Bryan Anderson was held out of spring while recovering from a shoulder injury. He is expected to return to full duty in plenty of time before the season starts.

--RB Justin Hoskins is also expected back after missing the spring with an ankle injury.

--RB Ontario Sneed continues to fight the injury bug. Sneed missed the spring while recovering from a fractured forearm that required surgery. A timetable for his return has not yet been established.

--DB Calvin Hissong was expected to work out in the spring with the linebackers but has been hampered after undergoing offseason surgery for shoulder and neck injuries.

--WR Kito Poblah was also held out of spring, recovering from a knee injury that should be healed in time for fall camp.

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