Central Michigan Chippewas - NCAA Football Odds, Lines & Betting

The Chippewas lost only one conference game en route to the MAC championship, pounding Ohio 31-10 at Ford Field.  The Chippewas then defeated Middle Tennessee State 31-14 in the Motor City Bowl to cap the most successful season in recent memory.  Coach Butch Jones returns seven starters on each side of the ball in 2007, and the offense is in great hands with quarterback Dan LeFervour (63.7%, 3,031 yards, 26 TD, 10 INT, 521 rush yards, 7 TD) back at the helm.  LeFervour can beat teams with either his arms or his legs, and his decision making has improved dramatically. 

Leading running back Ontario Sneed (135 attempts, 764 yards, 4 TD) gives LeFervour a dependable outlet out of the backfield, and Bryan Anderson (73 receptions, 867 yards, 5 TD) will see more balls with the loss of Damien Linson.  The offensive line could be a problem, though, especially with the loss of left tackle Joe Staley to the first round of the NFL draft.  Someone will need to protect LeFervour’s blind side if Central Michigan hopes to repeat last season’s success.  On the defensive side, the Chippewas were 67th in total defense and 58th in scoring defense, which are solid numbers for a mid-major team.  Linebacker Thomas Keith (127 tackles) is the unquestioned leader of this unit, and he will get some help from Ike Brown.  However, the graduation of defensive end Dan Bazuin robs the Chippewas of 10.5 sacks, and Steven Friend (five sacks) will be hard-pressed to double his production to match Bazuin’s output.  Friend will see more double-teams, so it is important that Jones adjusts his defensive scheme accordingly. 

Central Michigan’s season will be decided in three games, all on the road at Clemson, Kent State, and Western Michigan.  The Chippewas have the tools to repeat as MAC champions, and they should make it back to the bowls.

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