By John Agovino Aug 22, 2006, 13:40 GMT
OFFENSE: The 2005 Chippewas were one of the more explosive offensive teams in the MAC, averaging a conference-best 299.4 ypg through the air while finishing second in total yardage at 474.5 ypg. One of the main reasons for CMU's solid offensive production was the dual threat of quarterback Kent Smith who has since graduated. Smith threw for 2,799 yards and finished with 16 touchdown passes. He also rushed for 443 yards and found the end zone seven additional times. With Smith gone the QB position is up for grabs and as of now sophomore Brian Brunner will be the replacement, however, he will have to fend off red- shirt freshman Sean Price. Whether it is Brunner or Price under center, there will be options to use in the form of wideouts Damien Linson and Obed Cetoute. Linson averaged 14.9 ypr last year and finished with 832 yards and four scores. The ground game will once again be led by Ontario Sneed, who stepped in last season as a true freshman and rushed for 1,065 yards and eight touchdowns. Sneed was also extremely useful in the pass game, grabbing 51 balls for 433 yards and three scores.
DEFENSE: Last season, the Chippewas had the best rushing defense in the MAC, surrendering a meager 3.2 ypc. With three of the four starting defensive linemen back and all three linebackers returning, there is little doubt that the Chippewas will have the same success against the run in '06. Anchoring the front line is star defensive end Daniel Bazuin. Bazuin collected an amazing 16 sacks and 26.5 TFLs last year and for his efforts was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year. The 16 sacks was a school record and also tied the league's all-time mark. Juniors Steve Friend and De'Onte Burnam are also back for the Chippewas, giving Kelly a dominant front line once again. The linebacking corps should be just as strong with all three starters back in the fold. Keith Thomas led the Chippewas with 104 tackles last season. Isaac Brown and Doug Kress both tallied 73 stops apiece in '05 and should continue to complement Thomas nicely. While the front seven could be the best in the MAC, the defensive backfield is a different story. CMU was atrocious against the pass last season, allowing 281.0 ypg and the team should continue to struggle in that area this fall as only one starter returns, CB Pacino Horne. Junior Curtis Cutts will most likely man the free safety position, while redshirt freshmen Josh Gordy and Aaron Carr will see plenty of time on the field at the cornerback and strong safety slots, respectively.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Last year, the Chippewa kicking game was one of the worst in the MAC. Punter Tony Mikulec netted just 32.6 yards per punt, while placekicker Rick Albreski was inconsistent and downright ineffective at times. Albreski was just 10-of-19 on field goal attempts and missed all four tries from beyond 40 yards. Linson did a nice job as the team's return man, averaging 9.2 ypr on punts and 17.9 ypr on kick-offs.
OUTLOOK: The Chippewas posted their first winning season since 1998 in '05 and there is no reason to think they can not record another positive ledger this time around. For Central Michigan to have a solid season and make a run at the MAC West Division title, it will need another stellar performance from the defense. The schedule-makers made the Chippewas' goal of two consecutive winning seasons extremely hard, pitting them against the likes of Michigan, Kentucky, Toledo and Northern Illinois all away from Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
© 2006 The Sports Network
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