Central Michigan Football: Season preview, prediction for 2019

LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 01: Devonni Reed #5 of the Central Michigan Chippewas returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 01: Devonni Reed #5 of the Central Michigan Chippewas returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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CHESTNUT HILL, MA – SEPTEMBER 30: Tony Poljan #1 of the Central Michigan Chippewas makes a pass during the second half at Alumni Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – SEPTEMBER 30: Tony Poljan #1 of the Central Michigan Chippewas makes a pass during the second half at Alumni Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Central Michigan schedule, prediction

WEEK DATE SCHOOL OPPONENT
1 Aug. 29 CMU vs. Albany
2 Sept. 7 CMU @ Wisconsin
3 Sept. 14 CMU vs. Akron
4 Sept. 21 CMU at Miami (FL)
5 Sept. 28 CMU @ Western Michigan
6 Oct. 5 CMU vs. Eastern Michigan
7 Oct. 12 CMU vs. New Mexico State
8 Oct. 19 CMU @ Bowling Green
9 Oct. 26 CMU @ Buffalo
10 Nov. 2 CMU vs. Northern Illinois
11 Nov. 9 BYE  WEEK
12 Nov. 16 CMU @ Ball State
13 Nov. 29 CMU vs. Toledo

With so much youth on defense and lack of firepower on offense, the expectations are not going to be very high in Mount Pleasant this season, and they shouldn’t be — going 1-11 doesn’t just happen by mistake.

The cupboard isn’t bare, but it’s young, especially on defense. If the defense can mature and replace Mike Danna’s 14 sacks from last season they might be able to stay even with what should be an improved offense.

Vegas odds makers have the Chippewas win total at 5.0 — I would take the under. They’ll win more than one, though, as they should beat Albany and New Mexico State, but those are the only two close to sure wins on the schedule. They are even with Akron and Ball State and get Eastern Michigan at home — for whatever that’s worth.

What Chippewa fans should look for is steady quarterback play and consistent improvement from a young defense as the season progresses. Those are far more important for the long-term health of the program than wins and losses.

Final Prediction: 4-8, 2-6 MAC