Central Michigan Football: Road slate pivotal for Chippewas’ 2018 success
By Zach Bigalke
2018 Central Michigan Schedule and Predictions
| WEEK | DATE | SCHOOL | OPPONENT |
| 1 | Sep. 1, 2018 | Central Michigan | at Kentucky |
| 2 | Sep. 8, 2018 | Central Michigan | vs. Kansas |
| 3 | Sep. 15, 2018 | Central Michigan | @ Northern Illinois |
| 4 | Sep. 22, 2018 | Central Michigan | vs. FCS Maine |
| 5 | Sep. 29, 2018 | Central Michigan | @ Michigan State |
| 6 | Oct. 6, 2018 | Central Michigan | vs. Buffalo |
| 7 | Oct. 13, 2018 | Central Michigan | vs. Ball State |
| 8 | Oct. 20, 2018 | Central Michigan | vs. Western Michigan |
| 9 | Oct. 27, 2018 | Central Michigan | @ Akron |
| 10 | Nov. 3, 2018 | Central Michigan | @ Eastern Michigan |
| 11 | Nov. 10, 2018 | Central Michigan | vs. Bowling Green |
| 12 | Nov. 17, 2018 | BYE | WEEK |
| 13 | Nov. 23, 2018 (FRI) | Central Michigan | @ Toledo |
A pair of winnable Power Five statement opportunities will be staring at Central Michigan’s players throughout the rest of the offseason. First the Chippewas travel to face Kentucky, then they turn around and take on Kansas at home. They should win the showdown with the Jayhawks and will at least play Kentucky close.
A trip to Northern Illinois opens MAC play in mid-September, splitting non-conference play in the process. FCS Maine comes to Mount Pleasant after the conference opener, giving the Chippewas an opportunity to regroup before the big trip to face Michigan State.
If Central Michigan gets out of September with a 3-2 record or better, they should have no problem getting to bowl eligibility.
What’s next for Central Michigan?
Road trips in conference play could prove to be the stumbling block that prevents Central Michigan from getting back to its first MAC championship game since 2009. In addition to the Northern Illinois tilt, the Chippewas must also take to the road to face Akron, Eastern Michigan, and Toledo in the season finale.
Last year the Chippewas finished 5-2 away from home during the regular season. How well they replicate that success on the road will determine whether or not they can compete for the conference crown.
Next: Preseason Top 25 following spring practices
Prediction: 7-5 (5-3 MAC)
The defense will keep Central Michigan in many of its games throughout the 2018 season. But a young offense is going to go through its struggles, and the Chippewas could come up short in several defensive battles. John Bonamego’s team will get back to a bowl game for the fourth straight year, though. And given the likelihood that they will face a comparable opponent in terms of skill level, this could be the year that Bonamego gets his first bowl victory as a head coach.