Chippewas aiming for improvement under new HC
SEASON PREVIEW: CENTRAL MICHIGAN
2024 RECORD: 4-8 (2-6 MAC)
2025 MAC HEAD COACHES POLL: 9TH
MRO STAFF
The Central Michigan Chippewas likely didn't just turn the page when they replaced Head Coach Jim McElwain with Matt Drinkall last December, One might speculate the program turned several pages.
How many remains . . .
2024 RECORD: 4-8 (2-6 MAC)
2025 MAC HEAD COACHES POLL: 9TH
MRO STAFF
The Central Michigan Chippewas likely didn't just turn the page when they replaced Head Coach Jim McElwain with Matt Drinkall last December, One might speculate the program turned several pages.
How many remains . . .
. . . to be seen, but in hiring Army's offensive coordinator, one thing is for sure. Central Michigan will embrace the run game.
OFFENSE:
• Army's option offense has routinely been at or near the top of several offensive categories (e.g. rushing yards, time of possession . . . ). Drinkall has indicated he won't be abandoning the passing game at CMU, but just how the revamping plays out remains to be seen.
Central Michigan must improve after finishing 11th among MAC teams in total offense and 10th in scoring offense.
• Redshirt senior QB Joe Labas returns after missing half of 2024 due to an arm injury. Jadyn Glasser (3 starts in 2024) and transfer Marcus Beamon (Butte College) are also in the QB mix.
• There will be a big turnover among receivers, but CMU is getting back Tyson Davis. He missed last year with an injury but caught 29 balls for 444 yards and four TDs back in 2023.
• Although leading rusher Marion Lukes is done, the running back room has several promising talents. One is newcomer Trey Cornist (Tulane). Depending on how "run-heavy" the Chippewas go, there could be regular work for several backs.
• Right guard Brady Ploucha returns on the offensive line and John Iannuzzi (Columbia) could be a nice addition. In a new offense, there is much to be learned/executed up front.
OFFENSE:
• Army's option offense has routinely been at or near the top of several offensive categories (e.g. rushing yards, time of possession . . . ). Drinkall has indicated he won't be abandoning the passing game at CMU, but just how the revamping plays out remains to be seen.
Central Michigan must improve after finishing 11th among MAC teams in total offense and 10th in scoring offense.
• Redshirt senior QB Joe Labas returns after missing half of 2024 due to an arm injury. Jadyn Glasser (3 starts in 2024) and transfer Marcus Beamon (Butte College) are also in the QB mix.
• There will be a big turnover among receivers, but CMU is getting back Tyson Davis. He missed last year with an injury but caught 29 balls for 444 yards and four TDs back in 2023.
• Although leading rusher Marion Lukes is done, the running back room has several promising talents. One is newcomer Trey Cornist (Tulane). Depending on how "run-heavy" the Chippewas go, there could be regular work for several backs.
• Right guard Brady Ploucha returns on the offensive line and John Iannuzzi (Columbia) could be a nice addition. In a new offense, there is much to be learned/executed up front.
DEFENSE:
• The Chippews ranked eighth among MAC teams in defense last year, allowing 27.9 ppg. They were sixth in total defense (363.6 ypg). Five starters return from that unit.
• Senior linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski garnered Second Team All-MAC honors after registering a team-high 96 tackles in 2024. Seniors Dakota Cochran and Lawai's Brown give CMU an experienced linebacker corps.
• Cade Costus and Michael Heldman are returnees up front.
• Both safety spots are held down by senior returning starters -- Caleb Spann and Elijah Rikard. The two combined for 154 stops last year.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
• Tristan Mattson, who hit 16 of 18 FG tries and had a 56-yard field goal to his credit last year, is gone. Cade Graham, a redhshirt senior walk-on, is relatively unproven Declan Duley (Illinois) figures to handle punting duties.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
It can take a while to assemble the requisite talent for a new system. Training/honing the troops is yet another step.
No doubt other MAC teams on the Chippewas schedule will be pouring over CMU non-conference game video to get some kind of a feel for the new Chips.
Central Michigan opens with three straight road tilts -- San Jose State, Pittsburgh and Michigan before hosting Wagner in Week Four.
The Chippewas host Eastern Michigan to open MAC play Sept. 27.
CMU avoids some of the MAC heavies, but hosts Buffalo and Toledo in two of the final three November games.
It can take a while to assemble the requisite talent for a new system. Training/honing the troops is yet another step.
No doubt other MAC teams on the Chippewas schedule will be pouring over CMU non-conference game video to get some kind of a feel for the new Chips.
Central Michigan opens with three straight road tilts -- San Jose State, Pittsburgh and Michigan before hosting Wagner in Week Four.
The Chippewas host Eastern Michigan to open MAC play Sept. 27.
CMU avoids some of the MAC heavies, but hosts Buffalo and Toledo in two of the final three November games.
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