Way back in August, few people would have predicted the Central Michigan Chippewas and Miami RedHawks would meet in December for a Mid-American Conference championship. They will, however, do just that Saturday at noon when the two collide at Ford Field in Detroit.
Ironically, with two more . . .
Central Michigan won just one game in 2019 and was winless in conference play. Such things often lead to coaching changes, and former Florida head coach Jim McElwain soon took over the Chippewa reins. Another big change for CMU came at quarterback, where former Tennessee QB Quinten Dormady came to Mount Pleasant as a graduate transfer. It has been a winning combination, especially over the last two months. After a 2-5 start the Chippewas have won six of their last seven outings.
Miami, meanwhile, entered 2019 needing its own makeover after the graduation of a huge senior class following last year’s 6-6 record. Head coach Chuck Martin predicted freshman would have to see action, and indeed, they have been a contributor to this year’s MAC East title run.
The biggest freshman footprint is at quarterback, where Brett Gabbert stepped in for the opener at Iowa and has remained at the helm. More freshmen and other underclassmen were thrown into the breach when a brutal non-conference schedule (including Iowa, Ohio State and Cincinnati) hit the ‘Hawks with a slew of injuries.
It also challenged a young team’s confidence. But in perhaps the most critical week of Miami’s entire season, the RedHawks rebounded from a 76-5 loss at Ohio State to defeat Buffalo 34-20.
After a loss at Western Michigan, MU won five straight to finish off a sweep of MAC East foes. After leading early in its final game at Ball State, Miami fell 41-27. It was the most points allowed by the RedHawks since Ohio State.
MU, of course, had already clinched its berth in the championship game and first half injuries helped head coach Chuck Martin decide on holding out some starters after halftime.
Central Michigan, meanwhile, needed a victory over Toledo to reach the title game, and the Chippewas delivered with a 49-7 thrashing of UT. That gave CMU three straight wins and six victories in over the final seven regular season outings.
BIG PICTURE-- short version
Saturday’s title game will pit Central Michigan’s explosive offense against Miami’s opportunistic defense and special teams.
The RedHawks are ninth in scoring offense (24.6 ppg), which Central is fourth (32.8 ppg). If the Chippewas offense starts clicking, as it did against Toledo last week, it is hard to stop.
Except for the second half against Ball State, the RedHawks have held their own against some very productive MAC offense. MU defeated Ohio 24021 and Buffalo 34-20. Western Michigan, however, pulled away for a 38-16 victory in Kalamazoo. Of course, the Broncos also defeated Central (31-15).
MORE ON THE TWO TEAMS . . .
MIAMI REDHAWKS (7-5, 6-2 MAC)
>> The RedHawks are 11th among MAC teams in total offense and third in total defense.
The RedHawk defense, special teams and a positive turnover margin have helped MU capitalize on short fields in several key victories. The 24-21 victory at preseason favorite Ohio was just one of example of Miami winning despite an opponent enjoying significant statistical advantages in multiple areas.
>> The RedHawks passing game has opened up some as Gabbert gained experience, but it sometimes relies on several big plays a game. R-So. Jalen Walker and freshman James Maye have shown the speed to reach the end zone from a long distance. Jack Sorenson is an experienced receiver who can be productive when healthy. Tight end Andrew Homer has also battled injuries this year.
>> For his part, Gabbert has completed 53.9 percent of his passes this year. He has tossed 10 TDs and eight interceptions. Avoiding a big turnover (e.g. the pick six interception at WMU) will be a key. He has been sacked 21 times.
>> Miami’s offense is most healthy when the running game is productive. Junior Jaylon Bester leads the way with 132 carries for 623 yards (4.7 ypc) and 11 touchdowns. Freshman Tyre Shelton is averaging 5.2 ypc on 95 rushes for 494 yards with two TDs.
>> A big challenge for Miami’s 2019 defense was replacing graduation losses at linebacker. Ryan McWood is one of the top defensive performers. He and DB Sterling Weatherford share the team lead with 86 tackles. Emmanuel Rugamba and Bart Barotta have 71 hits apiece, while LB Myles Reid is at 70.Doug Costin is one of the top defensive linemen in the conference.
>> Miami is second (MAC) in sacks by (2.92 per game).
>> Kyle Kramer leads the MAC in punting, while Sam Sloman (21/25, long of 53 yards) has been among the loop’s top placekickers. Maurice Thomas, when healthy, is a productive return man.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS (8-5, 6-2 MAC)
>> The Chippewas trail only Buffalo in third down conversions (33.5%). They are second in first downs (23.7 per game).
>> QB Quinten Dormady has completed 153-of-227 passes (67.4%) with 13 TD passes and five interceptions. He has been sacked eight times.
Dormady hit 15-of-19 passes (78.9%) of his passes for 250 yards and two scores in the win over Toledo last week.
>> CMU has two players among the MAC’s top five receivers. Sophomore Kalil Pimpleton’s 73 catches is more than 20 better than all but one other receiver in the conference. His six touchdowns is second best among MAC receivers.
JaCorey Sullivan has registered 47 catches for 712 yards and three scores. Four other receivers have combined for 110 catches, 1,460 yards and nine TDs.
>> Complimenting the passing game is a solid running attack. Two Chippewas are among the MAC’s top 10 runners. Senior Jonathan Ward (4th) is averaging 105.6 ypg and has 15 TDs to his credit. Sophomore Kobe Lewis has even more carries (170) and nearly as much yardage (953), along with 11 touchdowns.
>> CMU is last in penalties, drawing 97 flags for 754 yards (63.7 ypg).
>> Linebackers Troy Brown (77 tackles) and Michael Oliver (73 tackles) lead the Chippewas defense, which is particularly good against the run (2nd MAC, 118.3 ypg).
>> Central is actually second in total defense (358.3 ypg), one spot ahead of Miami (382.6 ypg).
>> CMU’s 12 interceptions trails only Ball State (15).