2009 Central Michigan Chippewas Football Preview
2009 Central Michigan Chippewas season preview from Maddux Sports. Below you can find our official Central Michigan Chippewas football preview as well as the 2009 Central Michigan Chippewas Football Schedule. Get Free football predictions against the sportsbooks college football betting line.
Coach: Butch Jones (3rd year at Central Michigan)
Team Name: Chippewas
2008 Overall Record: 8-5
Returning Starters: 16
2008 marked the third straight year that the Central Michigan Chippewas (8- 5 overall, 6- 2 MAC) made a bowl appearance. Each of those years, they’ve been to the Motor City Bowl, losing two and winning one. Last year, after finishing tied for second in the West, the Chippewas were beaten by Florida Atlantic 21- 24. This season, Central Michigan could be poised to take the division and the conference.
Senior QB Dan LeFevour (376 ATT, 251 COMP, 2,784 YDs, 6 INTs, 21 TDs) completed 66.8% of his passes last season. He’s the ideal signal caller for the Chippewas’ spread offense. LeFevour, a versatile athlete, also led the club in rushing, running for 592 yards and six scores. The receiving unit is deep and includes three starters—junior Antonio Brown (93 REC, 998 YDs, 7 TDs), senior Bryan Anderson (63 REC, 865 YDs, 6 TDs) and junior Kito Pobiah (43 REC, 532 YDs, 3 TDs). Sophomore Bryan Schroeder (59 ATT, 208 YDs, 2 TDs) could have a breakout season this year. Although much of the frontline is sound, there are worries on the outside with undersized players.
The problem for Central Michigan last season was its 89th ranked defense that gave up 30.2 PPG. Although the “D” was rated 49th nationally versus the rush, they were ranked 118th against the pass. The backfield was porous as opposing signal callers completed 63% of their passes, tossing 25 touchdowns. The Chippewas grabbed only eight picks. Four starters, three of whom are seniors, return to the secondary. The big question is will they step up? Free safety Bobby Seay had just one interception last season, but he did make 90 tackles. Strong safety Eric Fraser, who made 36 tackles, was tops on picks with two. Junior MLB Nick Bellore (148 TKLs, 0.5 SK, 4 TFL) led the club in tackles. He anchors what is a very fine squad. On the frontline, the defensive ends are tops. Frank Zombo and Sam Williams combined for 15.5 sacks and nine tackles for a loss in 2008.
MAC Special Teams Player of the Year Antonio Brown, a junior, is back as the team’s top return man. Brown averaged 20.8 yards per kick return and an amazing 20.5 yards per punt run back. Junior Brett Hartman (51 Punts, 2,040 YDs, 40.0 YPP, 17 In20) is a fine punter. Senior Andrew Aguila (44- 46 Extra Pts, 16- 21 FG) hit a 48-yard field goal last year. He’s a solid performer.
Coach Butch Jones (16- 11 in two years at Central Michigan) has brought in some fine local talent that will help bolster a veteran team. The Chippewas’ non-conference schedule includes a road trip to Michigan State on September 12. The October 3 game away at East Division rival Buffalo is a huge test for this team. Overall, the Chippewas play a fairly friendly schedule with a veteran crew. Central Michigan will travel to a lower tier bowl after vying for first place in the Mid-American Conference in 2009.
Central Michigan Chippewas Football Schedule
| Date | Team | Opponent | Site | Line | Total | Points | Opp Points |
| 9/5/2009 | Cent. Michigan | Arizona | away | ||||
| 9/12/2009 | Cent. Michigan | Michigan St. | away | ||||
| 9/19/2009 | Cent. Michigan | Alcorn St. | home | ||||
| 9/26/2009 | Cent. Michigan | Akron | home | ||||
| 10/3/2009 | Cent. Michigan | Buffalo | away | ||||
| 10/10/2009 | Cent. Michigan | East. Michigan | home | ||||
| 10/17/2009 | Cent. Michigan | W. Michigan | away | ||||
| 10/24/2009 | Cent. Michigan | Bowling Green | away | ||||
| 10/31/2009 | Cent. Michigan | Boston Coll. | away | ||||
| 11/11/2009 | Cent. Michigan | Toledo | home | ||||
| 11/18/2009 | Cent. Michigan | Ball St. | away | ||||
| 11/27/2009 | Cent. Michigan | Northern Illinoi | home |
For more info on the 2009 Central Michigan Chippewas football program, view the Chippewas website or read up on the rest of the non BCS ncaa football teams below.
