Coach: Jim McElwain
2020 Results: 3-3 overall and MAC
2021 MAC MEDIA PREDICTION: Fourth
Two years ago under then new head coach Jim McElwain, Central Michigan surprised a BUNCH of people by capturing a MAC West title After going 3-3 in 2020, CMU hopes to reach the top again.
This year’s MAC media poll put the Chippewas in fourth place, and all three teams above them beat Central last year. All three also drew votes for first, while CMU did not.
About the Chippewas . . .
OFFENSE:
>> Central Michigan ranked third among MAC teams in rushing offense with 218.2 ypg. The 5.0 ypc was best among MAC West teams. MAC Freshman of the Year Lew Nichols III and junior Kobe Lewis combined for 1,016 yards and 10 TDs.
>> Daniel Richardson got the start at quarterback in four games last year, completing 64 percent of his passes for 714 yards. He tossed four touchdowns and was picked off twice. Jacob Simon, a transfer from Washington, joins the quarterback room, adding to CMU’s options. “He’s got a big arm . . . (and) he is a heck of an athlete,” McElwain said.
>> Experience permeates the offensive roster, including up front. Senior tackle Derek Smith earned All-MAC honors in 2020 and Luke Goedeke is back from injury. If the O-line can improve on pass protection, Central’s offense will be all that much more dangerous.
>> Kalil Pimpleton earned Second Team All-MAC honors after leading CMU receivers with 26 catches for 277 yards and a pair of TDs. Junior Dallas Dixon ranked sixth in the MAC in yards per catch (20.2).
DEFENSE
>> DE Troy Harrison II topped defenders last year, earning MAC Co-Defensive Player of the year. He registered 42 tackles (31 solo), 4.5 sacks and eight tfl. Mohamed Diallo is gone, but there should be enough experience to generate QB pressure and still limit opponent rushing.
>> Central allowed just 130.5 rushing yards per game (3.1 ypc). CMU’s challenge will be to improve it’s pass defense. The Chippewas surrendered a MAC-worst 297.2 yards per game through the air. They did, however, pick off eight opponent passes.
>> Linebacker Troy Brown (Second Team All-MAC) and George Douglas anchor the mid-level.
>> Safety Willie Reid picked off three enemy aerials and registered 35 hits. Junior Devonni Reed had 42 stops and is part of an experienced group in the secondary.
>> McElwain is optimistic about a Chippewas team with talent on both sides of the ball. “Now it’s a matter of those pieces coming together,” he said.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
>> CMU has a not-so-secret weapon in Pimpleton. The fleet receiver is the MAC’s top punt returner. (Kobe) Lewis is an experienced and productive kickoff returner.
>> Marshall Meeder hit all eight field goal attempts, with four beyond 40 yards. Luke Elzinga averaged 43.2 yards per punt. .
SCHEDULE:
>> The Chippewas open at Missouri before hosting Robert Morris. Week three is pretty close to the ultimate test as they tangle with LSU in Baton Rouge.
FIU concludes the non-conference schedule, but CMU travels to Miami and Ohio before hosting Toledo in the first three weeks of MAC play.