Post senior writer Christian Hoppens corresponded via email with Central Michigan Life football beat writer Aaron McMann this week for a Q&A about the Chippewas’ 2013 campaign.
CH: What were the realistic expectations of Central Michigan entering the season?
AM:They were reasonable. After back-to-back 3-9 seasons under coach Dan Enos, CMU seemed to have turned a corner in 2012 with a 7-6 record and bowl victory. There were questions at quarterback, but the Chippewas have playmakers at receiver, as well as running back with Zurlon Tipton (1,492 yards, 20 touchdowns) returning for his senior season. At worst, I expected another 6-6 season and 7-5 if they played their cards right.
CH: What are some of the strengths of this Chippewa team?
AM: There aren't many strengths, per se, but several pieces can make a difference. When Cooper Rush is on, he has one of the best arms in the league. Look for the linebackers and safeties — CMU plays a 4-2-5 defense — to make a lot of tackles (linebacker Justin Cherroci leads the MAC with 62 total tackles). The key, however, is not giving up a lot of yards after a catch.
CH: What finally clicked for Central Michigan in its 21-9 win against Miami last week?
AM: I'm not sure if anything necessarily clicked, although the jury is still out on Rush — he looked much better in the second half, partially because of a successful run-game — in that CMU was just a better team than the RedHawks. In fact, the Chippewas were outgained by a more than two-to-one and only lead 7-3 at half. The defense line played much better but I think that was more of a testament to Miami's weak offensive line — the RedHawks are last in the MAC (Mid-American Conference) in rushing yards. CMU made plays when it had to, contained Miami's play-making quarterbacks and left Oxford with a win it was expected to get.
CH: Who are some of the offensive playmakers quarterback Cooper Rush will be looking to find on Saturday?
AM: Titus Davis. The guy is incredible and can turn it up when CMU is in trouble. For example, with the Chips trailing 3-0 in the second quarter last week, Davis turned a punt return from nothing into something, spinning and eluding tacklers like he was in a video game. It set up CMU's first touchdown of the game. He also had a couple of key catches in the second half helping put the game away. He can make plays in space and often draws double coverage. Ohio would be naive not to do the same on Saturday.
CH: How do the Chippewas plan on containing quarterback Tyler Tettleton and the Ohio offense?
AM: It's really going to come down to limiting Tettleton or the run-game. CMU is at its best offensively when they are balanced on offense and I think Enos looks at that the same way with opponents. The Chips will try and take away the carries, forcing Tettleon to air out, something he hasn't had to do a whole lot this season.
CH: Prediction for Saturday's game?
AM: Ohio takes the lead early and holds it comfortably. I really think the Bobcats are better than the Toledo team we played three weeks ago — a game CMU seemed a step or two behind the entire game. Ohio wins with fair ease, 34-17.
