2013 Central Michigan
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
Central Michigan put together their best season last year since Dan Enos took over as head coach back in 2010. After a couple three-win campaigns, the Chips grabbed seven overall wins including a bowl win over Western Kentucky. With some top-level talent on the way out, it’s going to be vital for CMU to keep their momentum going from last season.
The big question for this offense will be at quarterback where Ryan Radcliff (3,158 yards, 23 TDs) leaves a hole. Junior Cody Kater is in line to take his spot, but nothing will be determined on that front until the fall. He’ll have plenty of playmakers to work around that should be able to keep this offense churning out points. They scored at least 30 points in their final six MAC Games last season. Zurlon Tipton returns to the backfield after carving through defenses in 2012 for 1,492 yards and 19 touchdowns. His top blocker is gone in Eric Fisher (No. 1 NFL draft pick), but CMU is known for being a building ground for top-class talent on the offensive line. The explosive wide receiver Titus Davis is also back after catching eight touchdowns en route to 20 yards per catch.
The defense returns plenty of players from last year as well, including a couple at each level. The line returns two starters, and also two ends that didn’t start a year ago but have experience as seniors. Linebackers Justin Cherocci and Shamari Benton are back after leading the team in tackles a year ago. Even the secondary is filtered with experienced guys. However, let’s not forget all these players still allowed more than 32 points per Game last season.
2013 Central Michigan College Football Schedule
Aug. 31 at Michigan
Sept. 7 vs. New Hampshire
Sept. 14 at UNLV
Sept. 21 vs. Toledo
Sept. 28 at NC State
Oct. 5 at Miami (OH)
Oct. 12 at Ohio
Oct. 19 vs. Northern Illinois
Nov. 6 at Ball State
Nov. 16 at Western Michigan
Nov. 23 vs. Massachusetts
Nov. 29 vs. Eastern Michigan
Three road Games in non-Conference play won’t help CMU’s bowl aspirations, but two of those schools (UNLV, NC State) are beatable. If they can leave those Four Games with two wins, that should put the Chippewas in line for another bowl Game if all goes well.
Their first MAC test comes in the opener against Toledo who they allowed 50 points to on the road last year. Then they’ll get a couple road Games against Miami and Ohio. One win from those three Games should be expected and then comes a back-to-back with Northern Illinois and Ball State.
Fortunately, things open up for Central as they get Western Michigan, UMass and Eastern Michigan in their final three Games (the last two being at home). The Western Game might be the deciding factor in getting a bowl Game or not as the Broncos beat the Chips in Mount Pleasant last season. Nevertheless, even with a new quarterback, CMU is set to have at least five wins if not more. If Kater can take over at quarterback with no problems, seven wins is a possibility.