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
USA
Your Talkback on this Story