FACTS & STATS: Site: Peden Stadium (24,000) -- Athens, Ohio. Television: None. Home Record: CMU 1-0, Ohio 0-0. Away Record: CMU 0-1, Ohio 0-2. Neutral Record: CMU 0-0, Ohio 0-0. Conference Record: CMU 0-0, Ohio 0-0. Series Record: Central Michigan leads, 19-4-2.
GAME NOTES: The Ohio University Bobcats continue their quest for that elusive first victory of the season when they host the Central Michigan Chippewas in a Mid-American Conference tilt this Saturday at Peden Stadium. The Chippewas opened their season with a 31-12 victory over Eastern Illinois. However, CMU walked into SEC country last weekend and left with an embarrassing 56-17 loss to second-ranked Georgia. The Chippewas have done extremely well against the East Division of the MAC recently, winning 10 consecutive meetings, including the last two MAC title games. As for the Bobcats, they are coming off a heartbreaking loss to No. 3 Ohio State, 26-14. Ohio held a lead for the majority of the game, but fell apart down the stretch. Ohio opened the year on the road against Wyoming and suffered a 21-20 setback to the Cowboys. If the Bobcats lose this bout it would mark the first 0-3 start to a season for Ohio since 2002. The Chippewas have won 19 of the 25 previous meetings between these two teams.
Usually the Chippewas offense is a dominating force, but the team could do little right against a powerful Georgia squad last weekend. The Chippewas finished with just 309 total yards, and that included just 59 on the ground. Dan LeFevour had a rough time against Georgia as well, as the signal caller completed just 23-of-43 passes for 250 yards and two scores. LeFevour also tossed an interception in the setback and was sacked once. Despite the poor showing, the junior QB heads into this matchup with 467 passing yards and five scores against just one pick. A large part of LeFevour's success can be attributed to his top two targets, Bryan Anderson and Antonio Brown. Anderson has 12 receptions on the season for 107 yards and one touchdown, while Brown has nine catches for 155 yards.
The Chippewas have had some struggles in the early stages of this season on the defensive side of the ball, allowing 418.0 total ypg. The main problem has come against the run, as opponents are rushing for 173.0 yards per matchup. Unfortunately that trend continued against Georgia, as the Bulldogs pounded CMU for 263 yards on 7.3 ypc. Overall, the Chippewas were abused for a whopping 552 total yards and that led to 25 first downs and 56 points for the Bulldogs. CMU was unable to stop Georgia, which converted 9-of-12 third down attempts and all four of its red zone chances. Bobby Seay paced the team with nine tackles in the loss, while Josh Gordy and Matt Berning both collected seven stops apiece for the Chippewas.
The Bobcats held tough last Saturday against Ohio State, but the team was unable to put forth a consistent effort offensively, finishing the game with just 254 total yards. Ohio committed a whopping five turnovers in the loss and collected only 15 first downs. Boo Jackson really struggles under center, completing just 9-of-25 passes for 86 yards. Jackson entered the contest after starter Theo Scott suffered a shoulder injury. Jackson also tossed three interceptions in the loss. Fortunately Jackson was able to help out with 55 rushing yards on seven totes. The main option out of the backfield was Donte Harden, who tallied 63 yards and one score on 11 attempts. With Scott out of action, Jackson will have to improve drastically if the Ohio offense plans on making positive strides this season.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bobcats have been unable to stop the opponent's ground game, and come into this matchup surrendering 161.0 rushing ypg. The team's problems against the run continued against Ohio State, which rumbled for 162 yards. Overall, Ohio limited OSU to just 272 total yards, and 17 first downs. However, the minimal success was still not enough to help the Bobcats pull off the upset. After two games, the Bobcats are only allowing 23.5 ppg, but if the defensive unit plans on helping the team collect wins, it must be able to perform better against the run.
Ohio did a strong job against the Ohio State passing attack, but now the team will really be put to the test when LeFevour and company come to town. Expect the Bobcats to put up a fight, but ultimately the Chippewas should walk away with the win.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Central Michigan 34, Ohio University 17
Game Date and Time
Saturday, September 13th, 2:00 p.m. (et).
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