
CMU already has two wins, including one in MAC competition. The Chippewas came close to a third overall victory last week when they fell to Miami (Fla), 17-12.
Western Michigan, meanwhile, finished . . .
This week’s winner will capture the Rivalry (Cannon) Trophy. Since its debut in 2008, WMU has won six series meetings and Central has five “cannon” victories to its credit. The series dates back to the early 1900s.
ABOUT CENTRAL MICHIGAN (2-1, 1-0 MAC)
-- CMU has one “lopsided” loss on its record, falling hard (61-0) in Week Two to a Wisconsin team that has been very impressive in 2019.
-- The Chippewas never led last week against Miami, but a strong defensive effort allowed Central to close within five points (17-15) on David Moore’s 1-yard run with 3:16 remaining in the game. CMU’s first score came on a safety and Ryan Tice booted a 55-yard field goal in the third period.
-- Central Michigan registered 21 first downs to 16 for Miami. However, the Chippewas committed three turnovers, while UM had one.
-- The yellow flags were flying Saturday as Central drew nine penalties for 60 yards and Miami absorbed 13 penalties for 93 yards.
-- Central Michigan held Miami to 1 of 10 on third down conversions.
-- Rushing was a problem for both teams as Central picked up 31 yards and UM totaled 51. The Chippewas are second among MAC teams in rushing defense (85.5 ypg). They are 11th against the pass (292.8 ypg).
-- Quarterback David Moore has completed 46 of 92 (50%) for 534 yards and two touchdowns (1 int). He has been sacked four times.
-- Kobe Lewis leads the Central ground game with 58 trips for 248 yards (4.3 ypc) and three TDs.
-- The last time CMU went 2-0 in MAC play to start the season was 2009. It ran the table that year, finishing 8-0.
ABOUT WESTERN MICHIGAN (2-2, 0-0 MAC)
-- The Broncos’ two losses were to No. 19 Michigan State (51-17) and Syracuse (52-33).
-- The Orange jumped out to a 21-0 advantage before Western Michigan rallied for two straight touchdowns. The Broncos were within five points (38-33) after three quarters, but the ‘Cuse pulled away with two fourth quarter TDs.
-- Western Michigan outgained the hosting Orange 557-545.
-- Both teams owned 25 first downs, and had over 200 yards rushing (WMU 201, SU 258).
-- WMU committed four turnovers (three fumbles) in the loss to Syracuse.
-- The Broncos are second among MAC teams in pass offense (313.2 ypg) and first in pass efficiency. Senior quarterback Jon Wassink has completed 63.3 percent of his passes. He has already provided 1,222 yards with nine TDs with three interceptions.
-- Senior RB Levante Bellamy carried the ball 15 times in each of the last three games. After being held to 44 yards against No 19 Michigan State, he picked up 19 yards and scored three touchdowns in a win over Georgia State. Last week’s totals included 165 yards and two scores.
-- Junior linebacker Treshaun Hayward is third among all MAC tacklers with an average of 10.8 tackles per game.