To be honest, I never thought of Ohio as much of a threat in the Mid-American Conference before last Saturday.
But as I awaited the 3:30 p.m. start of Central Michigan's game against Georgia, I found myself, like many around the country, watching closely as the Bobcats took their lead over the No. 3 team in the country into the fourth quarter.
Like many from my home state, I grew up a Michigan fan. Which naturally means I despise Ohio State.
So I found myself pulling for Ohio, although I knew the school I attend would face-off against them just a week later.
But, the Buckeyes were able to escape after a few fortunate plays went their way
It's a shame the Chippewas won't get to play Ohio at its best. With junior quarterback Theo Scott out, Ohio must adjust to quarterback Boo Williams, whose first action came last week at Ohio Stadium.
However, with the way the Chippewas' defense played against No. 2 Georgia last week in Athens, Ga., it isn't exactly untouchable. The unit gave up 552 yards and seven touchdowns in the 56-17 loss to the Bulldogs, including 168 yards and three touchdowns to All-American running back Knowshon Moreno.
Ohio does not possess tools like Moreno, but the defense is still vulnerable. It all depends on how Central Michigan attacks Ohio's defense, one of the MAC's best.
Central's offense hinges on junior quarterback Dan LeFevour, an outside candidate for the Heisman Trophy. LeFevour has been average after two games, though he did throw for 250 yards and two touchdowns against Georgia.
Though Central Michigan has won the MAC the past two seasons, the Chippewas have not had to open the conference on the road. Saturday will be its first test, and may send a signal to the rest of the conference whether the Chippewas still reign supreme.
But one thing is for sure ' LeFevour must be able to run. If he gets in the open field, watch out. He is one of the best running quarterbacks in the country after rushing for more than 1,000 yards last season. He only had four rushing attempts for 19 yards against Georgia, which is unheard of for the third-year starter.
But the Bobcats could still be geared up from last week's showing in Columbus, and they get to start with the two-time defending champions at home. Although Central Michigan isn't accustomed to close games, expect a close game that could go either way.
If Jackson can find wide receiver Taylor Price, expect a shootout. But Ohio must keep up offensively. It can't rely on its defense to shut down a high-powered offense for two consecutive weeks.
The Bobcats also have Frank Solich, a phenomenal coach who knows how to prepare for opponents. He beats Central Michigan coach Butch Jones in experience, and has defeated the Chippewas in the past.
But this is a different Central team with a different mindset. It has improved since the two teams' last meeting, a 31-10 Central Michigan win in the 2006 MAC Championship game.
Expect the Chippewas to show why they have celebrated in Detroit the past two seasons.
' Daniel Monson is a journalism major at Central Michigan University and is the Sports Editor at the Central Michigan Life. You can contact him at sports@cm-life.com
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