2009 Central Michigan Chippewas NCAA Football Predictions

Written July 2, 2009 by Jason Lowry

Central Michigan Chippewas 2009 Predictions There is a lot of hype surrounding the Central Michigan Chippewas this season, as they look to not only build off their 8-5 season from last year, but this team has the talent to win the Mid-American Conference this season. Last year the Chippewas finished tied for second on the West division at 6-2, just a couple games behind Ball State. The Chippewas earned a spot in the Motor City Bowl against Florida Atlantic, but their bowl game struggles continued, as they fell 21-24 to push their overall bowl record to 1-4. The Chippewas return 16 starters this season, and could end up being the surprise team out of this conference that makes their way into the top 25 this season.

The Chippewas return six starters on the offensive side of things, and none more important than senior quarterback Dan LeFevour, who is considered by many a top five quarterback in the country. LeFevour completed nearly 67% of his passes last year, for 2,784 yards and 21 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions. It doesn’t hurt that LeFevour has two of the top receivers in the country to throw the ball around to in senior Bryan Anderson and junior Antonio Brown. Anderson had 63 catches for 865 yards and 6 scores, while Brown shined as a sophomore grabbing 93 passes for 998 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Chippewas did lose their top running back from 2008 in Ontario Sneed, but LeFevour actually led the team in rushing with 592 yards and 6 touchdowns. Sophomore Brayn Schroeder got his feet wet with 59 carries for 226 yards and 2 scores as a freshman, and is expected to become the featured back in this high powered offense. There are some concerns with the offensive line heading into this season, as the Chippewas have just two starters back from 2008 in junior center Colin Miller and junior left guard Jeff Maddux. It looks as though they will be very young at the tackle position, as redshirt freshman Jake Olson is expected to take over at left guard, while sophomore Rocky Weaver takes over at right tackle. If the line holds up as I think it will, this offense could be as good as it gets in the MAC this season. Bet the Chippewas this season at Sportsbook.com.

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On defense the Chippewas return all but one starer from 2008, and that hole comes at defensive tackle where sophomore John Williams is expected to take over. Joining Williams are three very solid players in senior defensive ends Sam Williams and Frank Zombo and junior defensive tackle Sean Murnane. Zombo and Williams put an incredible amount of pressure on the quarterback last season, as the two combined for 15.5 sacks. At linebacker the Chippewas have another outstanding talent in junior middle linebacker Nick Bellore, who is an absolute tackling machine leading the Chippewas with 148 tackles last year. In the secondary the Chippewas bring back a veteran bunch led by senior corner Josh Gordy and senior strong safety Eric Fraser. Overall this unit unquestionably has a ton of experience, and with all the talent they have on their defensive line, I expect this unit to really put together a strong season and help this team with the tough road schedule they face. Bet the Mid-American Conference this season at Sportsbook.com.

My 2009 Prediction: 1st in MAC West. It won’t be easy for the Chippewas this season, as they have a number of difficult road games ahead of them. If this team is going to crack the top 25 this season, I think they need to pull off a non-conference upset on the road against either Arizona, Michigan State, or Boston College. I still think this team will have what it takes to not only win the west this season, but be the overall MAC Champion, and will head to their 4th straight bowl game.

For those of you looking for some help with your football picks this season, be sure to check back for our expert NCAA football predictions and the latest NCAA football odds at Betfirms.

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