With a new season of Central Michigan football right around the corner, it's time for some predictions. Some may be spot on, and some couldn't be farther from reality, but that's why we do it.
Disclaimer: This is meant to be a fun piece, and not meant to offend anyone.
WEEK 1: Vs. Rhode Island Aug. 31
(7 p.m., Kelly/Shorts Stadium. TV: ESPN 3)
Score: CMU 41 - Rhode Island 13
The Chippewas will be working out of a new offensive set, and it may suffer some set backs early on. But expect them to find a groove, and maybe they find it earlier than expected. With both Shane Morris and Tony Poljan expected to play at QB, CMU fans will get a taste of the future. Look for the defense to dominate early on, with the Rams maybe scoring a late touchdown. This one shouldn't be close. Record: 1-0
WEEK 2: At Kansas Sept. 9
(4 p.m., Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, KS. TV: Fox Sports Net)
Score: CMU 31 - Kansas 28
CMU finally gets over the hump against a Power 5 team they "can beat". These are games that the Chippewas always compete in, but eventually end up falling short. However, their prolific offense will be tough for Kansas to stop, and the CMU defense will hold their own on the Jayhawks final drive. Another Big 12 road win for head coach John Bonamego. Record: 2-0
WEEK 3: At Syracuse Sept. 16
(3:30 p.m., Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY. TV: ACC Network)
Score: CMU 24 - Syracuse 34
This matchup is one that should be fun to watch. Two offenses with a lot of fire power, and Syracuse coach Dino Babers runs one of the fastest paced offenses in the whole country. This Chippewas played in this same dome two years ago, falling to the Orange in overtime. Unfortunately the turnover bug may bite them in this one, leaving them short once more. But, you can expect a lot of points to be scored by both teams. Record: 2-1
WEEK 4: Vs. Miami (OH) Sept. 23
(Time TBA, Kelly/Shorts Stadium. TV: TBA)
Score: CMU 37 - Miami 17
There's no doubt The Redhawks are a much improved team than they have been over the past few years, and it showed last season when they defeated the Chippewas at home. This time, with CMU coming off a pair of road games, the Chippewas will get a chance for revenge. And boy will they have it. The returning starters remember that game, and take out some frustration on the Redhawks with a dominating performance. By this point, they Chippewas have their starting QB, and the offense is cruising. Record: 3-1
WEEK 5: At Boston College Sept. 30
(Time TBA, Boston College Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Mass. TV: TBA)
Score: CMU 17 - Boston College 21
Rats! It appears the hump is still there. This is a game the Chippewas can truly win, but eventually fall short in a tight contest. Boston College was dismal last season, but are an improved team in 2017 with a tough defense. The Chippewas struggle with momentum in this one. Record: 3-2
WEEK 6: At Ohio Oct. 7
(Time TBA, Peden Stadium in Athens, OH. TV: TBA)
Score: CMU 34 - Ohio 13
The Chippewas get back on track in this one, and bring their conference record to 2-0 with a strong performance from the defense. Amari Coleman picks off a pair of passes, taking one back for a touchdown. Joe Ostman and Mike Danna blow up the Ohio backfield all game causing all kinds of trouble for the Bobcats. Record: 4-2
WEEK 7: Vs. Toledo Oct. 14
(3:30 p.m., Kelly/Shorts Stadium. TV: TBA)
Score: CMU 28 - Toledo 27
Homecoming parties galore on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Mount Pleasant. The Chippewas stun the conference with a win over the heavy favorites in front of a big crowd. Corey Willis scores a long touchdown and the CMU defense hangs on as Toledo misses a field goal as time expires. Record: 5-2
WEEK 8: At Ball State Oct. 21
(3:00 p.m., Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, IN. TV: TBA)
Score: CMU 40 - Ball State 23
Following a big win, the Chippewas keep the party rolling with a big day in Muncie. The Cardinals simply are unable to stop the CMU offense as they score 31 first-half points. The Chippewas give Ball State some life in the second half as they let up a bit, but eventually hang on for a big win. Still undefeated in conference play.
Record: 6-2
WEEK 9: At Western Michigan Nov. 1
(8:00 p.m., Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo. TV: ESPN2)
Score: CMU 27 - WMU 24
ESPN. Under the lights. Fight for the cannon. While it's difficult to fathom, do you really think Bonamego is going to go 0-4 against the Broncos? A game-winning field goal with less than 2 minutes to play stuns the Western crowd, and CMU hangs on for the win. It's been too long. They have to win this game. Record: 7-2
WEEK 10: Vs. Eastern Michigan Nov. 8
(Time TBA, Kelly/Shorts Stadium. TV: ESPN2, ESPNU, CBS Sports Net)
Score: CMU 31 - EMU - 21
Another revenge game for the Chippewas as they get the Eagles back for last year's tough loss in the season finale. A first-half struggle finds the Chippewas tied at halftime, but after making some adjustments CMU dominates the second half for a two-score win. Record: 8-2
WEEK 11: At Kent State Nov. 14
(Time TBA, Dix Stadium in Kent, OH. TV: ESPN2, ESPNU)
Score: CMU 24 - Kent State 28
Somehow, for the second year in a row, the Chippewas fall in disappointing fashion to the Golden Flashes. Road games in the Mid-American Conference are never easy, and that proves true on a very cold November day in Ohio. The Chippewas comeback falls short in this one as they drop their first conference game. Record: 8-3
WEEK 12: Vs. Northern Illinois Nov. 24
(Time TBA, Kelly/Shorts Stadium. TV: ESPNU, ESPN3, CBS Sports Net)
Score: CMU 27 - NIU 13
The Chippewas bounce back to end the season on a high note with a home victory on Black Friday. The crowd, a bit bigger than normal for the day after thanksgiving, salutes the Chippewas on a great season. Sophomore RB Jonathan Ward gets loose in this one, scoring a pair of touchdowns on long plays. CMU has its best season since 2009 and looks to be back as a top contender in the MAC for the foreseeable future.
Record: 9-3
