MAC Football: Can Central Michigan win the West Division in 2023?

Central Michigan after having an outstanding 2021 season, struggled last season but hopes to bounce back in a big way for the 2023 season.

According to the below Mid-American Conference (MAC) Football Head Coaches preseason poll, Central Michigan is one point away from being picked to finish third in the West Division this season.

MAC West Division (First Place Votes)
1. Toledo (11) – 66 points
2. Eastern Michigan (1) – 55 points
3. Northern Illinois – 38 points
4. Central Michigan – 37 points
5. Ball State – 27 points
6. Western Michigan – 23 points

Central Michigan football is expected to be a competitive team in the Mid-American Conference in 2023. The Chippewas have a tough non-conference schedule, with games against Michigan State, and Notre Dame, and going on the road to play South Alabama. However, they also have a favorable MAC schedule, with key home games against the top conference opponents in Ball State, Eastern Michigan, and Toledo.

If CMU can get consistent quarterback play and improve its turnover margin, it could be a contender for the MAC West Division title. However, they must avoid the significant upsets that plagued them in 2022 if they want to make a bowl game and capture the division crown.

The offense will need to be more consistent. The Chippewas were inconsistent on offense in 2022, and they will need to find a way to be more productive if they want to win consistently.

The defense will need to improve its pass rush. The Chippewas were one of the worst teams in the MAC in terms of sacks in 2022, and they will need to improve their pass rush if they want to stop opposing offenses.

Overall, Central Michigan football is expected to be a competitive team in the MAC in 2023. However, they must address some of their weaknesses, and their strengths need to be the foundation of their success if they want to make it to the MAC championship game in Detroit at Ford Field.

Let’s take a look at the 2023 season for CMU in their quest to capture the West Division championship.

This is the season opener for the Chippewas for the 2023 season.

Last five games of this series between these two teams in-state schools: The Spartans have won four out of the last five games against the Chippewas.

Rivalry Trophy: No

Current Win Streak: Michigan State has won the last four games between these two in-schools, having a four-game winning streak in this series.

Last meeting between both schools: The Spartans defeated the Chippewas at home by a final score of 31-20 in 2018.

Prediction: Michigan State 34 Central Michigan 17

New Hampshire at Central Michigan

This is CMU’s only game against an FCS opponent this season.

Date: Saturday, Sept 9

Location: Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI

TV/Streaming: ESPN+

Current Win Streak: The Chippewas have won the last two games between these two schools, having a two-game winning streak in this series.

Last meeting between both schools: In 2013, Central Michigan on their home field defeated New Hampshire by a final score of 24-21.

Prediction: Central Michigan 28 New Hampshire 10

Last meeting between both schools: The game will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools on the gridiron.

Prediction: Notre Dame 41 Central Michigan 17

This is the final non-conference game for Central Michigan for the 2023 season.

Current Win Streak: The Jaguars have won the only game played between these two in-schools, having a one-game winning streak in this series.

Last meeting between the schools: South Alabama defeated the Chippewas on the road by a final score of 38-24 in 2022.

Prediction: South Alabama 34 Central Michigan 30