2022 Record: 4-8, 3-5 MAC
2023 MAC Head Coaches Poll: Fourth in MAC West
After a 9-4 season in 2021, Jim McElwain's Chippewas dropped off to 4-8 last year. It was a roller coaster season in which CMU's only winning "streak" was two games in early November. That left Central Michigan needing two wins in the final two games to reach bowl eligibility. However, Western Michigan edged the Chippewas 12-10 and Eastern Michigan posted a 38-19 victory.
In order to move up in the standings -- and return to a bowl game -- Central Michigan will need to improve in several areas. The Chippewas finished with mid- to lower-level MAC rankings in scoring (7th - 24.8 ppg), scoring defense (6th, 28.2 ppg), and total offense (8th, 368.5 ypg). It was better in total defense (third 374.5 ypg).
>> The 2022 Chippewas ranked fourth among MAC teams, gaining an average of 160.4 ypg. While they would welcome improvements in the passing game and standout Lew Nichols is gone, the 2023 roster would suggest significant productivity from the run game once again.
A big reason for that is available quarterback options. Junior Daniel Richardson is now at Florida Atlantic. Jase Bauer carried 53 times for a total of 312 yards (5.9 ypc) and four touchdowns last year. Bert Emanuel Jr. logged 67 carries, totaling 496 yards (7.4 ypc) with seven scores.
>> As far as passing is concerned, Bauer appeared in five games and completed 59.3 percent of his passes, good for 435 yards. However, the sophomore threw just one TD and five interceptions. Emanuel, a redshirt freshman, appeared in four games, with one start. He totaled just eight attempts, completing four for a total of 54 yards.
"These are two guys that proved a year ago that they can play," McElwain said. "I like the situation we are in. Those two guys have done a great job of playing to their strengths. Now what we need to do is increase some of the other thngs so that we can (bring) multiple (threats)."
CMU's top two receivers are gone, accounting for 99 catches, 965 yards and eight TDs. Jalen McGaughy returns after recording 20 catches for 313 yards and two scores. More help could come from transfers Stephan Bracey Jr. (Wisconsin) and Thomas Pannuzio (Colorado State).
>> Junior Marion Lukes (5-9, 200) is the top returning running back. He carried 51 times for a total of 323 yards (6.3 ypc) and caught five passes (81 yards, 1 TD).
>> Three starters return along the front line, led by guard Deiyantei Powell-Woods (Third Team All-MAC). "It starts up front," McElwain said. "It's going to be, really, what we do up front to see how effective we are at getting back to running the football."
>> A point of emphasis in the spring was creating more turnovers. CMU ranked 130th (of 131 teams) in turnover margin (- 18/-1.5 per game). With nine returning starters and an enhanced focus, the Chippewas hope to improve this time around.
>> Thomas Incoom (First Team All-MAC) is gone. However, grad student Robi Stuart (Two-time All-MAC selection) will anchor the defensive line. He has played in 50 games (25 starts). Jacques Bristol and Michael Helman are also returning starters.
>> Linebacker Kyle Moretti led the team in tackles (92) last year and garnered Third Team All-MAC honors. Justin Whiteside contributed 67 hits (third on team).
>> Four starters return in the secondary, a unit that ranked fifth in pass defense and seventh in pass defense efficiency. McElwain sees the unit as a big plus in 2023. "I feel our strength is in the secondary. I feel good about all our matchups." Junior corner Donte Kent was a First Team All-MAC selection. DeJavion Stepney earned third team honors and Trey Jones registered 85 tackles.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
>> Not only did the Chippewas convert the least amount of field goals among MAC teams last year, they had the worst conversion percentage (6 of 14/.429), as well. Josh Rolston, who handled kickoffs last year, could step into the field goal role. Tristan Mattson is another option. He handled kickoffs at Arkansas State in 2022. Jake Walrath (Tarleton State) figures at punter.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
McElwain told MAC Media in Detroit that the Chippewas were "horrible" last year "and thats on me." The disappointing record led to re-evaluations on how to get back to CMU football strengths. One of the areas of emphasis is getting more physical - something he noted was a strong point for the 2019 MAC West champs.
The non-conference schedule includes road trips to Michigan State, Notre Dame and South Alabama, so the physicality probably needs to be there early. Eastern Michigan (home) and Buffalo (away) are early MAC encounters. "As we go through the first part of this season, we've got to rely on the defense a little bit as we find our identity of offense," McElwain said.
The Chippewas finish with another two serious challenges -- at Ohio and home against Toledo.