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C. Michigan Chippewas
Location: Mt. Pleasant, Mich. | Founded: 1892 | Enrollment: 27,221 | Colors: Maroon and Gold | Stadium: Kelly-Shorts | Capacity: 30,199 | Coach: Butch Jones
Record: (10-2, 8-0 Mid American)
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Chippewas report: Strategy and personnel
 

The Sports Xchange
 
 
Strategy and personnel · Inside slant · Notes, quotes
 
Presented by Epson

 

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.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.

 
 

C. Michigan Chippewas Message Board
Reputation:92
Level:All-Star
Since:Oct 12, 2008

November 19, 2009 12:06 am
Living in the realm of the Big 10 network, I've probably only seen LeFevour play a dozen times in his career, but there's not a QB in all of college football I'd rather want to watch. He's had a fantastic career and gets far, far less recognition than he deserves. In a season like this with no clear-cut Heisman frontrunner, I am simply astonished that his name hasn't at least been mentioned. He's ...(more)
Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Nov 1, 2007

November 27, 2009 6:06 pm
Ohio looked pretty good today in beating Temple.  It should be an exciting game next Friday for the MAC Championship.

Keep it rolling, Chippewas!

Fire Up Chips!!
Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 23, 2006

May 28, 2009 5:19 pm
How about we move here???
Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 8, 2006

October 19, 2009 5:22 pm
You and Idaho are looking to shake it up a little this year aren't you? If you both win the rest of your games you'll probably be in the top 15 and I would like to see the two underdogs play each other, or bigger teams, but keep it up until BC.
Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Nov 17, 2007

September 12, 2009 3:57 pm
Congratulations of a well played game.

Made for an exciting afternoon, too.

CMU will do great things this season.

Good luck with the season.
Reputation:88
Level:All-Star
Since:Mar 13, 2008

September 12, 2009 3:23 pm
HOW COULD THE COACH FOR CMU GO FOR 2 PT CONVERSION....TOTALLY SOLD OUT HIS TEAM...AFTER THEY MARCHED DOWN THE FIELD TO SCORE.  SHOWED HE DIDNOT HAVE ANY FAITH IN HIS DEFENSE...THEY HAD AS GOOD AS CHANCE TO WIN IN OVERTIME AS MSU DID...JUST A HORRIBLE CALL ON CMU'S COACH...FIRE HIM!
Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Sep 18, 2006

September 6, 2009 11:43 am
How does everyone feel about this game?  State played well against Montana St. but that doesn't really help in gauging how good they are.  If our defense can play as well as it did last night, we have a GREAT chance!  Plus, MSU's D is not as good as AZ's, so that will help.
Reputation:79
Level:Pro
Since:Aug 14, 2008

September 14, 2009 4:11 pm
Goood game Chips may you have a great season.
Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Sep 18, 2006

September 14, 2009 12:44 pm
It's about time we get to play against a weaker opponent, and with our first 2 games, 1-1 is a GREAT record!  Look for the Chippewas to have plenty of offense and we may get to see some 2nd string offensive players too...
Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 30, 2008

July 11, 2009 1:32 pm
 http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/d
raft/prospectrankings/TSX/2010_QB

I am definitely not a Central Michigan fan, unless it's bowl season and I am rooting for all of the MAC teams. But I think this is pretty cool the Dan LeFevour is the 3rd rated quarterback by CBSSports. I hope this guy has a successful season to add his name to the MAC QB's in the NFL. And what's up with all of
...(more)
Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Sep 18, 2006

August 7, 2009 10:03 pm
What does everyone think of this game?  The Chippewas can win it, but they will need the Dline to perform.  I wouldn't be comfortable with even the least experienced QB having time in the pocket, especially with a receiving corps and a TE as good as AZ's.  Should be a good game if Zombo, Murnane and company come to play.  They can hold their beast of a running back and Lefevour ...(more)
Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Oct 20, 2008

July 5, 2009 5:32 pm
Hey CMU fans. I was glancing at MSU's schedule and saw that we were down for an early september matchup against you. I saw bits and pieces of your games and I know you had a good run at the MAC championship last year. But how do you think your team will shape up this year? Do you think there's a good chance at an in-state upset?
 
 
 
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