QB/Run game likely leads way for Chippewas
CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS
2023 RECORD:5-7 (3-5 MAC)
2024 MAC Head Coaches Poll: 8th
2023 RECORD:5-7 (3-5 MAC)
2024 MAC Head Coaches Poll: 8th
MRO STAFF
Seven games into their 2023 season, the Central Michigan Chippewas were in decent shape. They were 2-1 in conference play and 4-3 overall. That left them with five games to pick up at least two wins to earn bowl eligibility.
Unfortunately for CMU, the Chippewas managed just one more victory. In four of those final five outings, they surrendered at least 31 points. After finishing 10th among MAC teams in scoring defense (31.1 ppg) on the year, one of the key's for 2024 is to improve the CMU defense.
On the other side of the ball, Central Michigan was . . .
Seven games into their 2023 season, the Central Michigan Chippewas were in decent shape. They were 2-1 in conference play and 4-3 overall. That left them with five games to pick up at least two wins to earn bowl eligibility.
Unfortunately for CMU, the Chippewas managed just one more victory. In four of those final five outings, they surrendered at least 31 points. After finishing 10th among MAC teams in scoring defense (31.1 ppg) on the year, one of the key's for 2024 is to improve the CMU defense.
On the other side of the ball, Central Michigan was . . .
BERT EMANUEL JR . . . seventh in scoring (23.2 ppg) last year, but it returns considerable experience -- particularly at skilled positions.
The big picture for 2024, therefore, is one of potential. However, CMU will have to prove it on the field. MAC coaches picked the Chippewas for eighth in their preseason poll.
OFFENSE:
Central Michigan was fifth in total offense (355.9 ypg) among MAC teams. On a given day, the Chippewas could move relatively well either through the air or on the ground. Part of that owed to a whoever might be at quarterback. Jase Bauer threw for 1,881 yards with 12 TDs and eight interceptions. Bert Emanuel Jr., on the other hand, was a bonafide dual threat when healthy and had some big games. He was twice named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week in 2023.
Bauer transferred out, but the 6-3, 235-pound Emanuel is back. He is familiar with the system, and head coach Jim McElwain comes into 2024 knowing how CMU can use Emanuel's skill set. Another option is transfer Joe Labas. The former Ohio prep standout spent two years at Iowa before hitting the portal.
With senior Marion Lukes (5-9, 200, SR) returning at running back, the Chippewas ground game could be formidable.
Meanwhile, juniors Chris Parker and Tyron Davis combined for 52 catches, 853 yards and eight receiving TDs last year and can help CMU's passing options.
Both tackles return to anchor the offensive line. Senior Brayden Swartout earned All-MAC second team honors last year. Junior Davis Heinzen is back on the other side.
The big picture for 2024, therefore, is one of potential. However, CMU will have to prove it on the field. MAC coaches picked the Chippewas for eighth in their preseason poll.
OFFENSE:
Central Michigan was fifth in total offense (355.9 ypg) among MAC teams. On a given day, the Chippewas could move relatively well either through the air or on the ground. Part of that owed to a whoever might be at quarterback. Jase Bauer threw for 1,881 yards with 12 TDs and eight interceptions. Bert Emanuel Jr., on the other hand, was a bonafide dual threat when healthy and had some big games. He was twice named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week in 2023.
Bauer transferred out, but the 6-3, 235-pound Emanuel is back. He is familiar with the system, and head coach Jim McElwain comes into 2024 knowing how CMU can use Emanuel's skill set. Another option is transfer Joe Labas. The former Ohio prep standout spent two years at Iowa before hitting the portal.
With senior Marion Lukes (5-9, 200, SR) returning at running back, the Chippewas ground game could be formidable.
Meanwhile, juniors Chris Parker and Tyron Davis combined for 52 catches, 853 yards and eight receiving TDs last year and can help CMU's passing options.
Both tackles return to anchor the offensive line. Senior Brayden Swartout earned All-MAC second team honors last year. Junior Davis Heinzen is back on the other side.
DEFENSE:
Although CMU took a couple transfer portal hits on the defensive side, it nontheless brings back enough experience to help at most levels.
It's a little thin along the back where senior safety Donte Kent (All-MAC Second Team) is now the only returning starter. Trey Jones, who led CMU in tackles last year, is now at Texas A&M.
Linebacker Kyle Moretti's 65 tackles (team-high 39 solo) was just one behind Jones. He joints Justin Whiteside to anchor the second level. Jordan Kwiatkowski, who played in 11 games last year, could get the other starting gig.
Senior Jason Williams returns at nose tackles, while DE Michael Heldman has registered 17 starts among 27 appearances. He has 4.5 sacks, 2 FF and 12 QB hurries over his career. His 10 hurries last year was a school record.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Senior kicker Tristan Mattson put himself in the record books last year. His 58-yard field goal against Akron was the longest field goal in school and stadium history. However, he was just 7 of 14 overall during 2023. That included 1 of 4 from 50-plus and 1 of 3 from 30-39 yards. David Chapeau (formerly East Carolina) figures at punter. However, he lacks game experience in a punting role.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
If healthy, Central Michigan has the offensive weapons to be a dangerous opponent. The defense is somewhat more of a question mark, but it will play a key role on just how far CMU can improve its win total.
The Chippewas open against Central Connecticut before traveling to Florida International and Illinois, so there is an opportunity to get get a good start if they play well. San Diego State is the other non-conference foe. With road games at Toledo and Miami, Central Michigan's MAC schedule will be challenging.
Although CMU took a couple transfer portal hits on the defensive side, it nontheless brings back enough experience to help at most levels.
It's a little thin along the back where senior safety Donte Kent (All-MAC Second Team) is now the only returning starter. Trey Jones, who led CMU in tackles last year, is now at Texas A&M.
Linebacker Kyle Moretti's 65 tackles (team-high 39 solo) was just one behind Jones. He joints Justin Whiteside to anchor the second level. Jordan Kwiatkowski, who played in 11 games last year, could get the other starting gig.
Senior Jason Williams returns at nose tackles, while DE Michael Heldman has registered 17 starts among 27 appearances. He has 4.5 sacks, 2 FF and 12 QB hurries over his career. His 10 hurries last year was a school record.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Senior kicker Tristan Mattson put himself in the record books last year. His 58-yard field goal against Akron was the longest field goal in school and stadium history. However, he was just 7 of 14 overall during 2023. That included 1 of 4 from 50-plus and 1 of 3 from 30-39 yards. David Chapeau (formerly East Carolina) figures at punter. However, he lacks game experience in a punting role.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
If healthy, Central Michigan has the offensive weapons to be a dangerous opponent. The defense is somewhat more of a question mark, but it will play a key role on just how far CMU can improve its win total.
The Chippewas open against Central Connecticut before traveling to Florida International and Illinois, so there is an opportunity to get get a good start if they play well. San Diego State is the other non-conference foe. With road games at Toledo and Miami, Central Michigan's MAC schedule will be challenging.
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