Central Michigan Football: Season preview, prediction for 2019

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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) /

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.

Next. Top 30 skill position players for 2019. dark

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

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