Central Michigan Football Preview

by Maize_in_Spartyland

2012 Central Michigan Chippawas Football Preview

2011 Record: 3-9 (2-6 Mid-American)

Head Coach: Dan Enos, third season (6-18 all at Central Michigan)

Projected Returning Starters: 18

Spring Game: April 14^th (Maroon 49 Gold 48)

Notes: To say Chippawa fans are frustrated with Coach Enos would be an understatement. Central Michigan is in the top-25 in all time winning percentage and among the top five when looking at non-BCS schools. Coaches Brian Kelly and Butch Jones took the Chips to a combined three MAC Championship appearances, winning all three, in a span of four years. Its highly unlikely that CMU would get rid of Enos if there is another less than stellar year – AD Dave Heeke extended Enos’ contract through 2015, an additional year, back in February. What’s most disturbing for Chips fans has been the team’s performance against rivals Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan. After beating both in Enos’s first season, EMU by 38 and WMU by 4, CMU lost to both in 2011, EMU by 7 and WMU by 30.

BVTSB Take: The Chippawas finished in last place, two games behind their nearest competitors in the MAC West. CMU had 5 games decided by a touchdown or less, going 2-3 in those games. A rough non-conference schedule in 2011 put the Chips off to a bad start, with losses to Kentucky (by 14), Michigan State (by 38), and North Carolina State (by 14). CMU was 1-6 in games decided by 14 or more points – they barely looked competitive in their last game of the season. The non-conference schedule looks to be another 1-3 mark, with CMU facing Southeast Missouri State, Michigan State, at Iowa, and Navy. A lot rides on the arm of quarterback Ryan Radcliff, who 1.5 touchdown-to-interception ratio – he needs to cut down on the turnovers. Having wide receiver Titus Davis back should help, but running back Paris Cotton has graduated. We like the Chips to improve from three wins, but they may fall just short of bowl eligibility.

2012 Early Projection: 6-6

 

 

To see the 2012 MAC composite schedule, click here.

 

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