OVERVIEW:
The 2022 MAC Media football preseason poll predicted a third place MAC West for finish Central Michigan. However, seeing the Chippewas in this year's MAC Championship game wouldn't be all that much of a surprise. CMU owned 112 points, trailing Toledo (120 points) and defending champ Northern Illinois (116) points. Central also received four first place votes in the balloting.
Polling aside, CMU will field some serious talent this year. If they are able to fill a few spots and stay healthy, the Chippewas could make a title run.
There are certainly enough playmakers on the roster to make Central Michigan one of the MAC's top offensive teams. Much of the production comes through the ground game, which has been a staple of the program in recent years. The 2019 MAC West champions actually had two players with over 1,000 yards rushing that season.
Running back Lew Nichols III (5-11, 222, So.) not only led the MAC in 2021, he was the nation's top rusher with 1,848 yards while averaing 5.4 ypc. He also totaled 16 TDs on the ground and chipped in another 338 yards with two TDs among 40 catches. He will be joined this year by Kobe Lewis, who ran for 1,074 yards in 2019.
With Daniel Richardson returning at quarterback, Central Michigan is also very capable of inflicting damage through the air. The 5-10, 204-pound sophomore completed 191 of 316 attempts (60.4%) for 2,633 yards and 24 TDs and six interceptions in 2021.
Kalil Pimpleton, a First Team All-MAC wideout, is gone, as is Jacorey Sullivan (Third Team All-MAC). The latter contriibuted a team-high 10 receiving scores. However, Dallas Dixon (45 catches, 701 yards and 8 TDs) returns, along with tight end Joel Wilson (31 catches, 367 yards and 6 TDs).
Tyden Ferris and Jamezz Kimbrough are back up front, but CMU must replace both offensive tackles, along with one guard spot.
Central Michigan finished third among MAC teams in both scoring defense (23.9 ppg) and total defense (363.0 ypg). Remaining near the top may be a challenge unless the Chippewas can find solid replacements for their top five tacklers of 2021 -- all of whom left via graduation or transfer.
Senior Robi Stuart, who missed 2021 due to surgery, returns to anchor a defensive line that has depth. Central Michigan led the conference last year with 43 sacks over 14 games.
Troy Brown, a First Team All-MAC selection with 65 tackles, transferred to Ole Miss, leaving Kyle Moretti (48 stops) as the top returning linebacker. He is one of three sophomores who could lineup across the second level. Senior Rolliann Sturkey (54 tackles, 14 PBs) and sophomore Donte Kent return at cornerback. Devonni Reed (Second Team All-MAC) left for South Carolina, and CMU will be plugging both safety spots this year.
The Chippewas will miss MAC Special Teams Player of the Year Kalil Pimpleton. He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball and had two long punt returns (70- and 90-yards) in one quarter against Western Michigan. Lewis' return, however, will help with kickoff returns. Punter Luke Elzinger (41.3 ypk) and place-kicker Marshall Meeder return. The latter hit 17 of 26 field goals, including three of four from over 50 yards.
MISC:
>> CMU's only West Division setback last year was a 39-38 loss against Northern Illinois. Not only did it cost CMU another MAC championship game appearance, it was the Chippewas only defeat over their final eight games.
>> Central Michigan was supposed to play Boise State in the 2021 Arizona Bowl, but BSU opted out due to Covid issues. When the Miami Hurricanes did the same for the Sun Bowl, CMU became a late replacement for Miami. The Chippewas made the most of theier new opportunity with a 24-21 win over Washington State.
>> Central Michigan opens the 2022 season Thursday, Sept. 1 at Oklahoma State. After hosting South Alabama and Bucknell, CMU closes non-conference play at Penn State. Toledo hosts Central Michigan Oct. 1.
>> The Chippewas have a favorable inter-divisional schedule this year, crossing over to play Akron, Bowling Green and Buffalo -- three of the bottom four teams in this year's MAC media MAC East preseason poll.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
After winning the MAC West in 2019 and coming with a couple points last year, the Chippewas have enough talent to make another run this season. If CMU finds answers along the offensive line, it will put up a bunch of points. There are a few more questions on defense, but head coach Jim McElwain and staff have proven adept at molding answers.