Is Central Michigan the Best Team in Michigan?

As a CMU Alum, I am proud to write this article.

If you asked me who is the best college football team in the state of Michigan, I would say hands down it is the Chippewas of Central Michigan. How often can we say that?

For most seasons, it would be a no-brainer in Michigan. Every now and then it may be Michigan State. Never would you think that the best team in Michigan is CMU.

If so, you would think that both the Wolverines and Spartans are really bad. That is not the case at all though. Michigan and Michigan State will both make bowl games.

Looking at these three teams, how can you look at the season and say that the Chippewas are not the best team? Dan LeFevour is easily the best quarterback very few have heard of in college football. Antonio Brown and Bryan Anderson have been his primary weapons for four years. This year the defense is also really good, unlike in past years.

After a lackluster performance in the first game against Arizona, the Chippewas responded by beating Michigan State. Since that time the Chippewas haven't slowed down and are now 7-1.

Central Michigan can already claim bragging rights over Michigan State. The only question is whether or not they are better than Michigan.

After a hot start that featured a classic thriller with Notre Dame, Michigan was 4-0. However, just three weeks after CMU's victory over the Spartans, Michigan State dominated Michigan for most of the game and overcame a late rally to beat the Wolverines in overtime.

Since that time, it appears as though reality may be setting in for the Wolverines. After losses to Iowa and Penn State, it is clear that although Michigan is much improved from a year ago, they still are not totally back.

To be fair, Michigan can say the level of competition they have faced has been much  tougher, and they are 5-3. However, the only two common opponents they faced were Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan. Central put up more points against both of those teams than Michigan did.

To be fair, Michigan only gave up seven points to Western and Central gave up 23. However, the Wolverines gave up 17 to Eastern and Central gave up only eight.

This is a fun thing to debate this year. Most years if you suggest the Chippewas are better than Michigan, you would get laughed at. It should also be noted that since Michigan State's victory over Michigan they have been rolling and nearly beat Iowa if not for a last second touchdown.

Ordinarily, Michigan would shoot for the Rose Bowl. I am a Michigan fan and usually want that. When the Rose Bowl appears out of reach, I like to shoot for the Capital One Bowl. That is looking more unlikely too. So what bowl game does Michigan turn to? Certainly the Outback or the Alamo would be possible.

However, if we really want to settle the debate on who the best team in Michigan is, their best bet would be the Motor City Bowl. The Motor City Bowl is designed to take one of the top teams in the MAC and an at-large selection. Central appears to be a lock—could Michigan get the at-large bid?

If Central were to win, they would have bragging rights hands down. They would have beaten State, Western, Eastern, and Michigan in the same year. However, if Michigan handles them and Michigan State wins either the Capital One or the Outback Bowl, they could almost make the claim.

Michigan would really have to beat the Chippewas convincingly and hope the Spartans get destroyed to make the claim.  

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