Central Michigan Chippewas:
Jim McElwain returns for his sixth season hoping to reinvigorate a program off consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 2010-2011. The defense has been relatively consistent under defensive coordinator Robb Akey, who has been with McElwain dating back to his final year at Florida. On the other hand, the offense has lacked an identity and a passing game. It also currently lacks an offensive coordinator as Paul Petrino was let go and his position has yet to be filled.
Offense
Bert Emanuel Jr. is in his third year with the program, and he has been much more of a runner than passer, with 117 career rushing attempts (for 716 yards) and just 45 pass attempts. As one of the best athletes in the MAC, he needs to be on the field, but can he play quarterback? Jase Bauer shared time with him last year but transferred to Sam Houston State, so Iowa transfer Joey Labas comes in to challenge for the starting job.
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The Chips are still likely to be run-heavy with Marion Lukes and Miles Bailey (combined 1213 yards, 8 TD) returning to the backfield, but all top five pass catchers are back as well along with three offensive line starters led by 2nd Team All-MAC RT Brayden Swartout.
Run game coordinator and offensive line coach Tavita Thompson could be the play caller unless someone is hired prior to the season.
Defense
The defensive line got hit hard in graduation and through the portal, but the linebacker corps has depth with Justin Whiteside and Dakota Cochran returning and Notre Dame transfer Nolan Ziegler entering the fold.
In the secondary, second-team All-MAC performer Donte Kent, the leading returning tackler with 58, is back along with two other starters, but the Chips were dead last against the pass in the MAC last season.
McElwain has been loyal to longtime assistant Akey, but this unit has slipped in the last two seasons.
Outlook
Central Michigan does have a road trip to Illinois, but none of their four non-conference opponents made the postseason last year. However, they play four games against teams off bye weeks and drew the Top 5 MAC teams from last year and three of those (Miami OH, Toledo, and Northern Illinois) are on the road. The defense has been slipping and the offense still has no idea what it wants to be nor has figured out how to properly use Emanuel.
Pick: Under 5.5 Wins
