The Chippewa’s will be looking to capture another MAC title in the 2009 season. Failing to win their third straight MAC title last season, Coach Butch Jones and Central Michigan will be looking to reclaim their dominance in the MAC.

On offense, the Chippewa’s are returning their senior QB, Dan LeFevour who threw for just over 250 yards a game and had a pass efficiency of 155. Not only can he get it done in the air, but he is dangerous on the ground too. He was the leading rusher for his team last season with 590 yards.

The only troubles that LeFevour might face are injuries. He has had problems with both ankles, so as long as he stays healthy, the Chippewa’s could have one of the most dangerous signal callers in the game. The offensive line might be the weakest spot on the offensive side of the ball. They are inexperienced, lack depth and are injury plagued.

In the backfield, the Chippewa’s  will be starting their sophomore back Brian Schroeder. He is young and inexperienced, but has a lot of upside if he can gain the confidence of his fellow teammates and stay consistent. Carl Volny and Paris Cotton are other backs that might be seeing some playing time depending on the success of Schroeder.

Central Michigan will be very strong at the receiver position. They will be experienced, talented and have big play ability. Bryan Anderson, Antonio Brown and Kito Poblah will be LeFevour’s top three guys in the air and it will be difficult for defenses to focus on all three of them during the course of a game.

Although the defense is returning a majority of their starters from last season, doesn’t necessarily translate into success. Last season they had one of the worst secondary’s in the nation, but their defensive line could be a bright spot. Sam Williams and Frank Zombo are returning and they had major contributions to a squad that was in the top 20 nationally in sack totals last season. In addition, their linebacking core is all returning including co-captain Nick Bellore, and senior Tim Brazzel.

Despite the past few seasons being awful for the defense, maybe this is the year with the experience and returning starters that they can gain some respect back. Even if they can improve a little bit in the secondary, that could do wonders for the rest of the confidence of the team and the defense and inspire another MAC title run.

 ’09 Prediction: 8-4