Bellore talks GMAC Bowl and coaching change

Coaching changes are nothing new for junior linebacker and team captain Nick Bellore. Bellore, who originally signed with former CMU head coach Brian Kelly, stayed committed to CMU and met now Cincinnati head coach Butch Jones for the first time when he enrolled early at CMU. For that reason, Bellore is in a unique position to offer advice to CMU's current commitments for 2010.

"I had a similar thing when I came to CMU," said Bellore. "I committed to Coach Kelly and I didn't meet Coach Jones until I got to campus. I'd just tell the guys that the coaching thing's not as big of a deal as it's made out to be, I mean I committed to CMU because of the facilities, the atmosphere and because they were winning championships, which we're doing now as well. Just remember why you committed to CMU and the coaching situation won't change that."

Butch Jones departure didn't come as a big shock either to the All-MAC defender.

"I mean, it wasn't a surprise or anything, I think we all expected it," said Bellore. "But we know why he left and I wish him the best of luck, he's a great coach."

Bellore is also in another unique position as he is the only underclassmen captain on the team and has the burden of continuing his leadership past the GMAC Bowl.

"At first some guys were stepping outside their boundaries and such, but Coach Stripling and the coaching staff have done a phenomenal job of getting us ready and keeping everything together."

Central Michigan will meet Troy in the GMAC Bowl on January 6th and the Trojans bring a high powered offense headed by quarterback Levi Brown.

"They're an athletic team and they can really move the ball on offense," added Bellore. "Their quarterback Levi is a good one and he's put up some big numbers this season. They're a team that can hurt you in both the passing and running game, so we have to stop their rushing attack first and foremost. If we let them run and pass on us that's going to create some problems and allow them to move the ball."

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