Offensive Strengths
Central Michigan returns one of the best running backs in the MAC. Junior Terrence Jackson rushed for 1,194 yards and 10 TDs and started eight games earning 2nd team All-conference honors. Possessing both size and speed, the 230-pounder can run inside or outside and has good receiving hands coming out of the backfield. The ?Chips have quality backups in Kenan Lawhorne (5.1 yards per carry) and speedy Robbie Mixon. Central is one of the rare teams that still utilize the fullback position. Adam Supianoski is an excellent blocking back (6?3?? 242). The Chippewas offensive line should be the team?s strength after producing 199 yards per game rushing while only giving up 18 sacks all year. Offensive guard Kyle Croskey (6?3?? 310) should finally receive the all conference accolades that have eluded him as a four-year starter. Other returning linemen include Adam Kieft (6?7?? 305), Paul Brieger (6?4?? 308) and Derek McLaughlin (6?5?? 295). Central has long been known to produce quality offensive lineman and have exceptional depth as well with quality backups Eric Ghiaciuc (6?5?? 290), Jeff Jenerou (6?7?? 292), Tom Langton (6?9?? 315), Joe Myler (6?3?? 354), Brandon Pitzer (6?3?? 285) & Eric Schulenburg (6?4?? 290). At the tight end position, Central has a quality player in sophomore Tory Humphrey who averaged 10-yards per catch and added 3 TDs.
Offensive Concerns
The top three wideouts return in Rob Turner (6?3?? 200), Rod Means (6?3?? 198) and Willie Hill (6?0?? 185). The problem though is that much of this unit contributed to the 43 dropped balls last year, and that is not acceptable to Coach DeBord. These three players made up nearly 63% of the entire receiving yards for the team. Junior Steve Messam, freshmen Obed Genaille and Markus Naves, may have to contribute this fall. Both Derek Gorney (6?2?? 200) and Derrick Vickers (5?11?? 190) return to a position that saw both players trade starting roles throughout the season. Neither player was very effective as Gorney passed for 831 yards and five TDs while Vickers added 1,156 yards passing and 7 TDs. If the Chippewas want to move up in the standings, they will need more consistent production from the quarterback position. "I don?t care if it?s a senior or a freshman, we are going with the guy who gives us the best opportunity to win," stated DeBord. Also in the mix will be Darren Tolley (6?1?? 190), Grant Arnoldink (6?4?? 230) and Kent Smith (6?6?? 215).
Defensive Strengths
The coaching staff feels that Jovan Clarke (6?3?? 240), who produced 96 tackles in 2001, and Darvin Lewis (6?3?? 235), might be some of the best in the conference. Lewis has already earned all-conference honors in the past. Ed Hillery (6?1?? 230) and James King (6?1?? 200) also return to this improving unit. Anthony Tyus (5?1?? 225) had a great spring practice and is pushing Jovan Clarke for the starting role. Jon Nelson (6?1?? 215), Bryan Keim (5?10?? 195), Derrick Wallace (6?0?? 212) are quality backups.
Defensive Concerns
Three starters return from a unit that was the second worst rush defense in the MAC. Central gave up 208 yards per game on the ground but veteran DEs Cullen Jenkins (6?2?? 255) and Matt Reynolds (6?3?? 270), along with DT Marvin Smith (6?1?? 280) hope to reverse that statistic. "We want to stop the run and become a better tackling team," DeBord stated. William Brookshire (6?3?? 248), Jay Davidson (6?4?? 285), Dominic Mancini (6?3?? 278), Morgan Sheppard (6?5?? 275) and Matt Wohlgemuth (6?5?? 265) all have playing experience and are looking to become bigger playmakers. Caleb Anthony (6?5?? 270) has been moved from TE to assist on the defensive line. In a league that is becoming more and more a pass happy, having quality DBs is a must. "We are going to have very athletic corners back there and I expect Derrick Holoman to be a real surprise," said DeBord. Returning letterman Ron Bartell and Dante McKnight, who is making a switch from a WR to CB, will join him. Fabrice Raymond, Richard Kiel and freshman Dennis Doe look to contribute. If the Chippewas want to make a run towards a championship, this is the unit that must vastly improve. CMU gave up 18 TD passes while intercepting only 8. Finally, DeBord noted that his team needs to become a more aggressive and better tackling unit.
Special Teams
The punting chores are in good hands with the return of Brian Brandt who averaged 40-yards per boot last fall. The place kicking duties are wide open after the graduation of Paul Savich, a four-year starter. Coach DeBord needs better production in the kickoff return area. The ?Chips averaged only 15-yards per kickoff return last year and that put too much strain on the offense to sustain long drives. Dante McKnight, Derrick Holoman & Willie Hill will be looked upon for more production in this area. On September 8th, 2001, OLB James King blocked four punts, two that were returned for touchdowns, in a 35-21 loss at Michigan State. King would block 7 kicks for the season, one shy of an NCAA record.
Overview
Central Michigan is making strides to return to the MAC?s elite. Throughout the mid-1970s to the early 1990s, a MAC Championship meant you had to get past the Chippewas. After going 2-9 and 3-8 in his first two years, Coach Mike DeBord is looking for a breakout season in his third year at the helm. The ?Chips have made great strides in terms of strength and speed and now they are looking to prove these positive results by winning more games. DeBord stated, "We were more competitive last season, now we need to win." Much of this problem was that CMU was 5th in the MAC in total offense but only 9th in conference scoring (12th of 13 in turnovers). DeBord, a former offensive coordinator at Michigan, is following a patient formula for success in Mount Pleasant. Central Michigan returns nine players on both sides of the ball and 41 lettermen, so the coaching staff is hoping this experience, along with the strides from a vigorous off-season workout program, will push these players to win the close games. CMU lost four games in the fourth quarter to MAC rivals last fall. "I think people will be surprised that we are a much faster team this year," said DeBord. A favorable schedule that features home games against Wyoming, Bowling Green, Marshall and archrival Western Michigan, may assist Central Michigan to that "breakout" year. If the Chippewas protect their home field like they did during those championship years not long ago, this might very well be the breakout year the school has been pointing to for nearly a decade.
Schedule
Central Michigan has a very nice schedule put together for a team looking to surprise in 2002. After opening with decent I-AA team in Sam Houston State, the ?Chips play host to Wyoming from the Mountain West, a winnable game. Other non-conference games are visiting both Indiana and Boston College. Neither team should be a top-25 contender. Within the MAC, CMU gets crossover games with Marshall, and travels to Akron. Divisional games feature traveling to NIU & Toledo, but hosting BG, Ball State and archrival Western Michigan. Without a doubt, this is the best home schedule in Central?s football history!
Omar?s View = 5-7; wins against SHS, Wyoming, @EMU, Ball State & @Akron; losses Western Michigan, @Indiana, @Boston College, BG, @NIU, Marshall & @Toledo.
BOLD PREDICTION The ?Chips will host their archrival on Western Michigan November 23rd. CMU has not lost at home to their most bitter foe since 1973; 15 straight times. Mark it down right now, 16 straight times!
Pivotal Game:
Wyoming (9/7/02): DeBord is trying to show everyone that his program is making major strides and here is a game to prove it. Wyoming would probably finish in the lower third of the MAC this year, but they are a "name" from a more notable conference and a win over the Cowboys would get this program some notice. More importantly, it would increase the confidence in the team this year and get the Chippewas faithful to comeback to Kelly Shorts Stadium for the remainder of the year
Central Michigan returns one of the best running backs in the MAC. Junior Terrence Jackson rushed for 1,194 yards and 10 TDs and started eight games earning 2nd team All-conference honors. Possessing both size and speed, the 230-pounder can run inside or outside and has good receiving hands coming out of the backfield. The ?Chips have quality backups in Kenan Lawhorne (5.1 yards per carry) and speedy Robbie Mixon. Central is one of the rare teams that still utilize the fullback position. Adam Supianoski is an excellent blocking back (6?3?? 242). The Chippewas offensive line should be the team?s strength after producing 199 yards per game rushing while only giving up 18 sacks all year. Offensive guard Kyle Croskey (6?3?? 310) should finally receive the all conference accolades that have eluded him as a four-year starter. Other returning linemen include Adam Kieft (6?7?? 305), Paul Brieger (6?4?? 308) and Derek McLaughlin (6?5?? 295). Central has long been known to produce quality offensive lineman and have exceptional depth as well with quality backups Eric Ghiaciuc (6?5?? 290), Jeff Jenerou (6?7?? 292), Tom Langton (6?9?? 315), Joe Myler (6?3?? 354), Brandon Pitzer (6?3?? 285) & Eric Schulenburg (6?4?? 290). At the tight end position, Central has a quality player in sophomore Tory Humphrey who averaged 10-yards per catch and added 3 TDs.
Offensive Concerns
The top three wideouts return in Rob Turner (6?3?? 200), Rod Means (6?3?? 198) and Willie Hill (6?0?? 185). The problem though is that much of this unit contributed to the 43 dropped balls last year, and that is not acceptable to Coach DeBord. These three players made up nearly 63% of the entire receiving yards for the team. Junior Steve Messam, freshmen Obed Genaille and Markus Naves, may have to contribute this fall. Both Derek Gorney (6?2?? 200) and Derrick Vickers (5?11?? 190) return to a position that saw both players trade starting roles throughout the season. Neither player was very effective as Gorney passed for 831 yards and five TDs while Vickers added 1,156 yards passing and 7 TDs. If the Chippewas want to move up in the standings, they will need more consistent production from the quarterback position. "I don?t care if it?s a senior or a freshman, we are going with the guy who gives us the best opportunity to win," stated DeBord. Also in the mix will be Darren Tolley (6?1?? 190), Grant Arnoldink (6?4?? 230) and Kent Smith (6?6?? 215).
Defensive Strengths
The coaching staff feels that Jovan Clarke (6?3?? 240), who produced 96 tackles in 2001, and Darvin Lewis (6?3?? 235), might be some of the best in the conference. Lewis has already earned all-conference honors in the past. Ed Hillery (6?1?? 230) and James King (6?1?? 200) also return to this improving unit. Anthony Tyus (5?1?? 225) had a great spring practice and is pushing Jovan Clarke for the starting role. Jon Nelson (6?1?? 215), Bryan Keim (5?10?? 195), Derrick Wallace (6?0?? 212) are quality backups.
Defensive Concerns
Three starters return from a unit that was the second worst rush defense in the MAC. Central gave up 208 yards per game on the ground but veteran DEs Cullen Jenkins (6?2?? 255) and Matt Reynolds (6?3?? 270), along with DT Marvin Smith (6?1?? 280) hope to reverse that statistic. "We want to stop the run and become a better tackling team," DeBord stated. William Brookshire (6?3?? 248), Jay Davidson (6?4?? 285), Dominic Mancini (6?3?? 278), Morgan Sheppard (6?5?? 275) and Matt Wohlgemuth (6?5?? 265) all have playing experience and are looking to become bigger playmakers. Caleb Anthony (6?5?? 270) has been moved from TE to assist on the defensive line. In a league that is becoming more and more a pass happy, having quality DBs is a must. "We are going to have very athletic corners back there and I expect Derrick Holoman to be a real surprise," said DeBord. Returning letterman Ron Bartell and Dante McKnight, who is making a switch from a WR to CB, will join him. Fabrice Raymond, Richard Kiel and freshman Dennis Doe look to contribute. If the Chippewas want to make a run towards a championship, this is the unit that must vastly improve. CMU gave up 18 TD passes while intercepting only 8. Finally, DeBord noted that his team needs to become a more aggressive and better tackling unit.
Special Teams
The punting chores are in good hands with the return of Brian Brandt who averaged 40-yards per boot last fall. The place kicking duties are wide open after the graduation of Paul Savich, a four-year starter. Coach DeBord needs better production in the kickoff return area. The ?Chips averaged only 15-yards per kickoff return last year and that put too much strain on the offense to sustain long drives. Dante McKnight, Derrick Holoman & Willie Hill will be looked upon for more production in this area. On September 8th, 2001, OLB James King blocked four punts, two that were returned for touchdowns, in a 35-21 loss at Michigan State. King would block 7 kicks for the season, one shy of an NCAA record.
Overview
Central Michigan is making strides to return to the MAC?s elite. Throughout the mid-1970s to the early 1990s, a MAC Championship meant you had to get past the Chippewas. After going 2-9 and 3-8 in his first two years, Coach Mike DeBord is looking for a breakout season in his third year at the helm. The ?Chips have made great strides in terms of strength and speed and now they are looking to prove these positive results by winning more games. DeBord stated, "We were more competitive last season, now we need to win." Much of this problem was that CMU was 5th in the MAC in total offense but only 9th in conference scoring (12th of 13 in turnovers). DeBord, a former offensive coordinator at Michigan, is following a patient formula for success in Mount Pleasant. Central Michigan returns nine players on both sides of the ball and 41 lettermen, so the coaching staff is hoping this experience, along with the strides from a vigorous off-season workout program, will push these players to win the close games. CMU lost four games in the fourth quarter to MAC rivals last fall. "I think people will be surprised that we are a much faster team this year," said DeBord. A favorable schedule that features home games against Wyoming, Bowling Green, Marshall and archrival Western Michigan, may assist Central Michigan to that "breakout" year. If the Chippewas protect their home field like they did during those championship years not long ago, this might very well be the breakout year the school has been pointing to for nearly a decade.
Schedule
Central Michigan has a very nice schedule put together for a team looking to surprise in 2002. After opening with decent I-AA team in Sam Houston State, the ?Chips play host to Wyoming from the Mountain West, a winnable game. Other non-conference games are visiting both Indiana and Boston College. Neither team should be a top-25 contender. Within the MAC, CMU gets crossover games with Marshall, and travels to Akron. Divisional games feature traveling to NIU & Toledo, but hosting BG, Ball State and archrival Western Michigan. Without a doubt, this is the best home schedule in Central?s football history!
Omar?s View = 5-7; wins against SHS, Wyoming, @EMU, Ball State & @Akron; losses Western Michigan, @Indiana, @Boston College, BG, @NIU, Marshall & @Toledo.
BOLD PREDICTION The ?Chips will host their archrival on Western Michigan November 23rd. CMU has not lost at home to their most bitter foe since 1973; 15 straight times. Mark it down right now, 16 straight times!
Pivotal Game:
Wyoming (9/7/02): DeBord is trying to show everyone that his program is making major strides and here is a game to prove it. Wyoming would probably finish in the lower third of the MAC this year, but they are a "name" from a more notable conference and a win over the Cowboys would get this program some notice. More importantly, it would increase the confidence in the team this year and get the Chippewas faithful to comeback to Kelly Shorts Stadium for the remainder of the year
