2009 Central Michigan Chippewas College Football Predictions

2009 Central Michigan Chippewas Predictions
2008 Record: (9-4, 6-2)
Coach: Butch Jones 3rd year (21-7 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Mike Bajakian (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Tim Banks (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 18 (6 offense, 10 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Dan LeFevour)

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Offense: Central Michigan has played in the Motor City Bowl in three straight seasons and they have a great chance to return. That’s because senior quarterback Dan LeFevour returns after tossing for 2,784 yards with 21 touchdowns and just six INTs. He also rushed for 592 yards and six scores. He’s a big-time pro prospect as well and returns all three starters at wide out (which can’t hurt the numbers). Senior Bryan Anderson (6-5, 213) is a big target, who caught 63 passes for 865 yards and six TDs. Junior Antonio Brown was the possession receiver who caught 93 balls for 998 yards and seven TDs. At running back, the Chippewas need to replace Ontario Sneed. Sophomore Byron Schroeder (5-9, 212) will be the key back, after rushing for 209 yards in a backup role. Up front, the Chippewas are led by junior center Collin Miller (6-3, 287), but they have to replace three positions including All-MAC tackles Andrew Hartlin and Greg Wojt. Sophomore Rocky Weaver (6-6, 253) moves over from tight end to start at right tackle.

Defense: The defense brings back 10 starters from a defense that allowed 30.2ppg (89th in the nation) and 423.7 yards per game (104th in the nation). Last season, they just outscored opponents, but allowing 111 points in their last three games (all 3 losses) had to wake up coordinator Tim Banks and his defense. They do return senior DE Frank Zombo (6-4, 260) and junior DT Sean Murnane (6-1, 258), both of whom were All-MAC selections. Zombo led the team with nine sacks last year. Junior linebacker Nick Bellore (6-1, 245) returns to the weakside spot after a tremendous sophomore season, which included 148 tackles, 5.5 for loss and two forced fumbles. They gave up over 287 yards per game in the air so the secondary is a concern. They return all four starters and five with starting experience including senior CB Josh Gordy (47 tackles, six pass breakups).

Outlook: Central Michigan faces Arizona and Michigan State on the road to start the season. They also host Alcorn State (1-AA) and Boston College on the road. In conference, they face Western Michigan, Buffalo and Bowling Green on the road. Not a favorable schedule to get back to the Motor City Bowl, but that usually doesn’t matter when you have LeFevour under center.

This MAC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com