Middle Tennessee Offense vs. Central Michigan Defense
Middle Tennessee is at its best when it can control the clock and keep its defense well rested by running the ball effectively. As a result, offensive coordinator G.A. Mangus should try to get RBs Eugene Gross and DeMarco McNair going early. Gross is a tough runner who fights for yards after contact and has the burst to turn the corner. McNair may not be as powerful, but he can make the first defender miss and shows good speed in the open field. The problem is it should be tough sledding for both backs because Central Michigan has been stout against the run. The Chippewa front four makes up for its lack of size with quickness and athletic ability. It excels at getting into the backfield and forcing ball carriers to make cuts behind the line of scrimmage, rather than 3 to 4 yards downfield. That hesitation gives the linebackers a moment longer to get to the ball and MLB Thomas Keith is a sound open-field tackler who takes the shortest path to the football. Look for the Blue Raiders to run behind ROT Germayle Franklin more often than not. Though Franklin may have problems preventing penetration, he is Middle Tennessee's best drive blocker, and he is big enough to engulf LDE Dan Bazuin. In addition, regularly running at Bazuin should keep the explosive pass rusher on his heels when QB Clint Marks drops back to pass.
Middle Tennessee vs.
Central Michigan
vs.
When: Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Where: Detroit
Marks can pick most defenses apart given enough time, but he doesn't always make sound decisions in the face of pressure, and he's almost thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns. That doesn't bode well for the Blue Raiders. They have surrendered far too many sacks for a run-heavy offense, and Central Michigan's front four is capable of getting to the quarterback. Bazuin is relentless coming off the edge and DT Steven Friend gets good push up the middle. Making matters worse, Marks doesn't have the mobility to consistently buy time in the pocket or take off and run when nothing is available downfield. Corners Pacino Horne and Josh Gordy, who have combined to record six interceptions, are capable of picking off any passes thrown in their area. However, WRs Bobby Williams and Jonathan Grigsby have flashed big-play ability. In addition, reserve RB Desmond Gee is a dangerous open-field runner who can turn a catch underneath into a long gain. The Chippewas can't get caught biting on play action, or they might miss many open field tackles.
Central Michigan Offense vs. Middle Tennessee Defense
Central Michigan has run more than it has passed this year, and don't expect that to change this week. First, QB Dan LeFevour admittedly needs to take better care of the football at times but he has been accurate and he keeps defenses off balance by spreading the ball around. Second, Middle Tennessee doesn't have the depth at corner to match up with wide receivers Bryan Anderson, Damien Linson, Obed Cetoute and Justin Gardner. Keeping that in mind, LeFevour should have plenty of favorable matchups to exploit when the Chippewas spread the field. Third, there is reason to believe Central Michigan will be able to keep a productive Blue Raider pass rush at bay, and it starts with LOT Joe Staley. Staley has the quick feet and lateral mobility to keep DE Erik Walden, who has recorded nine sacks, out of the backfield. If Middle Tennessee plays Walden on the left side, the Chippewas can use a back and/or tight end to help ROT Andrew Hartline, who is also an above-average pass blocker. In addition, RB Ontario Sneed is the team's third-leading receiver, and he should be an excellent safety valve for LeFevour when nothing is available downfield. Fourth and perhaps most important, Central Michigan should try to soften up a Blue Raider run defense that is giving up an average of 3.5 yards per carry by stretching the field.
Middle Tennessee must stay disciplined or Sneed could have a big game. If the defensive linemen start getting caught out of their gaps because they are playing the run on the way to the passer, it will create seams that Sneed has the vision and lateral mobility to exploit. If the linebackers start sitting back on their heels rather than attacking upfield, it should make it easier for blockers to get into position at the second level. That should be a concern for the Blue Raiders because Central Michigan's offensive line is experienced and mobile. The line takes sound angles to its downfield blocks and can sustain once in position. If safeties Jonathan Harris and Damon Nickson don't fill hard when they read a run, it will create space between Sneed and them. Sneed is a dangerous open-field runner who can make the first defender miss and has the speed to break away when he gets a seam. In addition, the Chippewas spread sets will force defensive coordinator Manny Diaz to make a tough decision: play his nickel or dime package so Middle Tennessee's pass defense isn't as vulnerable, or stay in his base 4-3 look in an effort to stop the run.
Special Teams
Colby Smith handles the place kicking and punting for Middle Tennessee. As a punter, he has flashed outstanding range and placed 20 of his 64 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Smith has connected on eight of his 12 field goal attempts with all four misses coming on field goal attempts beyond 40 yards. However, he has had a field goal attempt and a punt blocked. That's reason for concern because Central Michigan blocked a punt earlier this year. Matt King kicks off for the Blue Raiders and he has shown adequate range. Although he faces a strong kickoff cover unit, Damon Nickson has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns this year, and he is more than capable of going the distance again if he gets a seam. Desmond Gee hasn't been as flashy as Nickson, but he is consistent and efficient so he should pick up whatever he can against a strong Chippewa punt cover unit. It's also worth mentioning that Middle Tennessee failed to recover two onside kicks this year, including one that set up Troy's game-winning touchdown in the regular-season finale.
Central Michigan's Rick Albreski possesses adequate range and can get decent distance when asked to kickoff, but he's an inconsistent place kicker who misses far too many field-goal attempts inside 40 yards. Keeping that in mind, interim head coach Jeff Quinn may have to make a difficult decision if and when the Chippewas get into fourth and short situations inside the 30-yard-line. Brett Hartmann has handled the bulk of the kickoff duties. Though he has fared slightly better than Albreski, neither has been that effective. At least P Tony Mikulec has had a strong season. He has shown good range and placed 19 of his 59 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. KOR Eric Fraser has shown big-play ability at times and Tim Brazzel returned a kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown earlier this year. However, the kickoff return unit has been just average for the most part and it faces a strong Middle Tennessee kickoff cover unit. On the other hand, it will be interesting to see if streaky PR Damien Linson will be able to break some long returns working against a Blue Raider punt cover unit that has been mediocre at times.
Matchups
? Central Michigan LOT Joe Staley vs. Middle Tennessee DE Erik Walden
? Middle Tennessee RBs Eugene Gross and DeMarco McNair vs. Central Michigan MLB Thomas Keith
? Middle Tennessee PR Damon Nickson vs. Central Michigan's punt cover unit
Scouts' Edge
The X-factor in this game is the ability of Central Michigan to handle the departure of former head coach Brian Kelly, who took the Cincinnati job. It will be interesting to see how interim head coach Jeff Quinn handles certain game situations and whether or not the Chippewa players will be able to rise above the distraction. Sound rationale says they will and Central Michigan will claim its first bowl win. QB Dan LeFevour has quickly developed into a field general and his pass protection should give him enough time to spread the wealth amongst his quality receivers. Ontario Sneed won't have his best game of the year running the ball, but he should be productive enough to help keep the chains moving and he should continue to make an impact in the passing game. Defensively, the Chippewa front seven should slow RBs Eugene Gross and DeMarco McNair enough to put QB Clint Marks in a good amount of situations with pass-heavy tendencies. It should take advantage of these situations by aggressively getting upfield and pressuring Marks into making some critical mistakes. Though PR Damon Nickson could help the Blue Raiders stay close with some big returns, the Central Michigan cover unit is strong enough to prevent him from taking the game over.
Prediction: Chippewas 35, Blue Raiders 21
Middle Tennessee is at its best when it can control the clock and keep its defense well rested by running the ball effectively. As a result, offensive coordinator G.A. Mangus should try to get RBs Eugene Gross and DeMarco McNair going early. Gross is a tough runner who fights for yards after contact and has the burst to turn the corner. McNair may not be as powerful, but he can make the first defender miss and shows good speed in the open field. The problem is it should be tough sledding for both backs because Central Michigan has been stout against the run. The Chippewa front four makes up for its lack of size with quickness and athletic ability. It excels at getting into the backfield and forcing ball carriers to make cuts behind the line of scrimmage, rather than 3 to 4 yards downfield. That hesitation gives the linebackers a moment longer to get to the ball and MLB Thomas Keith is a sound open-field tackler who takes the shortest path to the football. Look for the Blue Raiders to run behind ROT Germayle Franklin more often than not. Though Franklin may have problems preventing penetration, he is Middle Tennessee's best drive blocker, and he is big enough to engulf LDE Dan Bazuin. In addition, regularly running at Bazuin should keep the explosive pass rusher on his heels when QB Clint Marks drops back to pass.
Middle Tennessee vs.
Central Michigan
vs.
When: Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Where: Detroit
Marks can pick most defenses apart given enough time, but he doesn't always make sound decisions in the face of pressure, and he's almost thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns. That doesn't bode well for the Blue Raiders. They have surrendered far too many sacks for a run-heavy offense, and Central Michigan's front four is capable of getting to the quarterback. Bazuin is relentless coming off the edge and DT Steven Friend gets good push up the middle. Making matters worse, Marks doesn't have the mobility to consistently buy time in the pocket or take off and run when nothing is available downfield. Corners Pacino Horne and Josh Gordy, who have combined to record six interceptions, are capable of picking off any passes thrown in their area. However, WRs Bobby Williams and Jonathan Grigsby have flashed big-play ability. In addition, reserve RB Desmond Gee is a dangerous open-field runner who can turn a catch underneath into a long gain. The Chippewas can't get caught biting on play action, or they might miss many open field tackles.
Central Michigan Offense vs. Middle Tennessee Defense
Central Michigan has run more than it has passed this year, and don't expect that to change this week. First, QB Dan LeFevour admittedly needs to take better care of the football at times but he has been accurate and he keeps defenses off balance by spreading the ball around. Second, Middle Tennessee doesn't have the depth at corner to match up with wide receivers Bryan Anderson, Damien Linson, Obed Cetoute and Justin Gardner. Keeping that in mind, LeFevour should have plenty of favorable matchups to exploit when the Chippewas spread the field. Third, there is reason to believe Central Michigan will be able to keep a productive Blue Raider pass rush at bay, and it starts with LOT Joe Staley. Staley has the quick feet and lateral mobility to keep DE Erik Walden, who has recorded nine sacks, out of the backfield. If Middle Tennessee plays Walden on the left side, the Chippewas can use a back and/or tight end to help ROT Andrew Hartline, who is also an above-average pass blocker. In addition, RB Ontario Sneed is the team's third-leading receiver, and he should be an excellent safety valve for LeFevour when nothing is available downfield. Fourth and perhaps most important, Central Michigan should try to soften up a Blue Raider run defense that is giving up an average of 3.5 yards per carry by stretching the field.
Middle Tennessee must stay disciplined or Sneed could have a big game. If the defensive linemen start getting caught out of their gaps because they are playing the run on the way to the passer, it will create seams that Sneed has the vision and lateral mobility to exploit. If the linebackers start sitting back on their heels rather than attacking upfield, it should make it easier for blockers to get into position at the second level. That should be a concern for the Blue Raiders because Central Michigan's offensive line is experienced and mobile. The line takes sound angles to its downfield blocks and can sustain once in position. If safeties Jonathan Harris and Damon Nickson don't fill hard when they read a run, it will create space between Sneed and them. Sneed is a dangerous open-field runner who can make the first defender miss and has the speed to break away when he gets a seam. In addition, the Chippewas spread sets will force defensive coordinator Manny Diaz to make a tough decision: play his nickel or dime package so Middle Tennessee's pass defense isn't as vulnerable, or stay in his base 4-3 look in an effort to stop the run.
Special Teams
Colby Smith handles the place kicking and punting for Middle Tennessee. As a punter, he has flashed outstanding range and placed 20 of his 64 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Smith has connected on eight of his 12 field goal attempts with all four misses coming on field goal attempts beyond 40 yards. However, he has had a field goal attempt and a punt blocked. That's reason for concern because Central Michigan blocked a punt earlier this year. Matt King kicks off for the Blue Raiders and he has shown adequate range. Although he faces a strong kickoff cover unit, Damon Nickson has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns this year, and he is more than capable of going the distance again if he gets a seam. Desmond Gee hasn't been as flashy as Nickson, but he is consistent and efficient so he should pick up whatever he can against a strong Chippewa punt cover unit. It's also worth mentioning that Middle Tennessee failed to recover two onside kicks this year, including one that set up Troy's game-winning touchdown in the regular-season finale.
Central Michigan's Rick Albreski possesses adequate range and can get decent distance when asked to kickoff, but he's an inconsistent place kicker who misses far too many field-goal attempts inside 40 yards. Keeping that in mind, interim head coach Jeff Quinn may have to make a difficult decision if and when the Chippewas get into fourth and short situations inside the 30-yard-line. Brett Hartmann has handled the bulk of the kickoff duties. Though he has fared slightly better than Albreski, neither has been that effective. At least P Tony Mikulec has had a strong season. He has shown good range and placed 19 of his 59 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. KOR Eric Fraser has shown big-play ability at times and Tim Brazzel returned a kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown earlier this year. However, the kickoff return unit has been just average for the most part and it faces a strong Middle Tennessee kickoff cover unit. On the other hand, it will be interesting to see if streaky PR Damien Linson will be able to break some long returns working against a Blue Raider punt cover unit that has been mediocre at times.
Matchups
? Central Michigan LOT Joe Staley vs. Middle Tennessee DE Erik Walden
? Middle Tennessee RBs Eugene Gross and DeMarco McNair vs. Central Michigan MLB Thomas Keith
? Middle Tennessee PR Damon Nickson vs. Central Michigan's punt cover unit
Scouts' Edge
The X-factor in this game is the ability of Central Michigan to handle the departure of former head coach Brian Kelly, who took the Cincinnati job. It will be interesting to see how interim head coach Jeff Quinn handles certain game situations and whether or not the Chippewa players will be able to rise above the distraction. Sound rationale says they will and Central Michigan will claim its first bowl win. QB Dan LeFevour has quickly developed into a field general and his pass protection should give him enough time to spread the wealth amongst his quality receivers. Ontario Sneed won't have his best game of the year running the ball, but he should be productive enough to help keep the chains moving and he should continue to make an impact in the passing game. Defensively, the Chippewa front seven should slow RBs Eugene Gross and DeMarco McNair enough to put QB Clint Marks in a good amount of situations with pass-heavy tendencies. It should take advantage of these situations by aggressively getting upfield and pressuring Marks into making some critical mistakes. Though PR Damon Nickson could help the Blue Raiders stay close with some big returns, the Central Michigan cover unit is strong enough to prevent him from taking the game over.
Prediction: Chippewas 35, Blue Raiders 21
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