Game 2: Central Michigan University Outlook

Home Game in Spartan Stadium
Sept. 12: Noon  (TailGate start at 7am...)

Central Michigan Chippewas

Much of what we wrote and predicted about CMU in June, seems to be coming to fruition.

We can talk about the greatness of Dan LeFevour, he is…  Or we can talk about the tough “D” of the Chips, holding Arizona to a Field goal after a fumble close to the Red Zone….  But, what stands out after the first game, and heading into the match up with the Spartans is Central’s Offensive Line.

From watching them against Arizona,  comments from June 2008 predication on the Chips “O” front jump out… They had a Bad day on their trip out west….

From the Posting in June....  http://spartymsu.com/2009/06/28/preview--spartans-2009-game-2-central-michigan-university.aspx

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 “…. Unfortunately for the Chips, they graduated key players.. they lost 2 OT and the Center, plus OG Joe McMahon dropped out of school.  They have all kinds of fix ‘in up to do. Replacing them is going to be difficult this year.   Replacements include Jeff Maddux and Allen Ollenburger at the Guards who have had 27 starts between them.  Jake Olson  (Fr) and Rocky Weaver (Soph) at OT.  But after this thin group… in the depth chart behind them.. Zip.. Zot. Nada.. No one. If they have injuries.. who’s going to fill in ?  Note: Rocky was a TE until Spring.  He’s 40 Lbs lighter than most OT…

 In a CMU Blog Drew Ellis wrote that (http://sunsportsblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/2009-football-season.html  ) even they are concerned: “ the big concern is at offensive line, yet the line will be anchored by two 3-year starters. Colin Miller and Jeff Maddux are reliable and senior Allen Ollenburger has playing experience to go on, but the two tackle positions, which are arguably the most important, are dominated with inexperience.

 …..Suffice it to say, the Chip front 5 is less than it was last year and that’s being very.. very kind.  And it is a BIG guess if the All Star QB will have time to deliver the Ball.. And playing against the Spartan “D”.. they don’t stand a chance, and LeFevour won’t get the ball away too often…. He won’t be getting many points on the board.”

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Arizona:
Chips didn’t score till Q4.
Chips didn’t have a first down till almost the end of the first half.
Chips only had 86yrds rushing.
Chips. Only had 108 yrds passing.
Chips made only 17% of the 3rd downs.
Chips were sacked twice.

I’m afraid the same will happen on Sept. 12, the Spartans will bring pressure all day on Danny. This isn’t a problem for The Green, since the Spartan LB and Secondary are so reliable…

In the Chips defense, it was a 7:30 planned kick off that due to storms didn’t get going until aprox. 11Pm Eastern Standard time. Jet Lag, time change, hurry up and wait due to the weather.. Lots of excuses…

On the positive, The held AZ. To 19 points, and only allowed a field goal in the 2nd and 3rd quarters.  Az. was only able to manage ONE touchdown.

The Chips “D” is stronger than expected, not enough for the Spartans, but, still stronger..

I have to change our original prediction from June 2008 on this game.

New Game Prediction:
Spartans  34
CMU Chips 6

Sparty On !!