However, my return to campus for what will likely be my swan song has helped me to prioritize what will be important to me this school year, namely time spent with friends, performance in the classroom, and of course, Central Michigan Football.
Four quick years have gone by since I arrived on campus, and in those four years, I have seen dozens of players take the field for CMU, but never to the same effect as this season. Last spring I spent several weeks covering the football team for the local campus newspaper, CM-Life (shout-out). I volunteered my time to interview players and coaches on a variety of different angles and stories, and it has given me an intimate enjoyment of what is yet to come. Some of the main reasons I look forward to this season are as follows:
- CMU's relative success last season is indicative of Dan Enos's long awaited turnaround of the program. The team could improve this year even more, since every player on the team is now "his guys" playing in his system.
- Cody Kater is an experienced quarterback who shows a lot of potential. If he does struggle, the team has two backup QB's that could show some serious potential.
- The team plays Michigan in it's first game of the season, and while it will likely be a defeat, the Chippewas play their toughest opponent first and should feel more comfortable with MAC opponents after they play in the Big House.
- Both the offense and defense retain playmakers from last season, including 1400 yard back Zurlon Tipton and safety Avery Cunningham.
- Personal opinions of Ryan Radcliffe differ greatly, but regardless of that fact, he won't be under center this season, allowing for the team to embrace a new offensive leader.
However, to win those games, the Chippewas need to work on several key areas where they have struggled under Enos in past seasons.
Pass Rush- CMU has had a rather ineffective pass rush in the past 3 seasons, resulting in low sack numbers and less quarterback pressures. An un-pressured quarterback has more time to pick apart a secondary, so it is absolutely crucial for the Chips to get after the quarterback and if possible, shove his face into the dirt.
Special teams- OK, it was better last season, I must say. Place kicking has been a laughable facet of the Chippewas under Enos, making a reasonable assumption of 3 points into a nervous prayer whenever the Chips didn't find the end zone. As far as returns, it has been far too long since Chips fans saw them take one back to the house. Now a return for a touchdown might be unreasonable, but special teams needs to put the offense in a good starting position to help put up points. The developing duo of Saylor Lavalli and Defarrel Davis should be able to help this season, but they are unproven as full time returners.
Defensive playmakers- With the departure of fiery safety Jahleel Addae, the defense lost it's biggest leader and playmaker, and the question of who can step up to fill the void remains. Teams have abused the Chippewas defense in recent seasons, keeping the Chippewas playing from behind and struggling to keep up. We can watch all the highlight films we want of Nick Bellore and Frank Zombo, but they aren't coming back. The defense must step up as a unit this season.
Western-Central Rivalry game- Ok, I'm going to level with you all on this one. I would be very upset if the football team went 1-11 this season. Terribly, dreadfully upset. I would probably weep. However if the Chips were to only beat ONE team this season, for the love of all things holy and right with the world, let it be the Western game. The series is split 2-2 since I began my time here, and nothing would make me happier to leave Central knowing they got the best of the Broncos during my time there. Oh, and for reference, the team is 1-2 under Enos vs. Western.
The season starts this weekend in Ann Arbor, and the potential of what COULD BE this season means a lot to me, and to the players. Getting close to these guys, many of whom are younger than me, was a privilege and a very cool experience.
Just as I followed the team through spring practices, I will follow them through their season, on here. Hopefully my experiences with this team will wrap up in as positive a manner as they started. I hope you all enjoy!
