Central Michigan won't look like Central Michigan on Saturday.
In the past, the Chippewas ran a professional-style offense — more of a traditional offense with a fullback and tight end. Now, they'll run the spread.
"They would have a fullback and tailback back there, running a power offensive at you," coach Frank Solich said. "They would come at you with play action passes and spread out every now and then, but now they are spread out and all over the field."
A big reason of that change is quarterback Shane Morris.
After Cooper Rush graduated last year, Morris took control. He's changed their game to a more wide-open offense, something that is more in-tune to what most college teams run today.
Breakdown
Morris threw for for his worst game of the season against Boston College. He tallied three interceptions on just 21-of-42 passing for 171 yards.
For the season, he's averaging 267 yards per game. But in the last two games, he's averaging 183 yards per game.
Still, Solich knows that he can be a problem if given time to pass.
"He is able to sit in the pocket and take some hits at times and keep himself in the game, and keep playing at a high level," Solich said of Morris. "He has some tall receivers to throw to, so they have a good offense right now. It's an offense we will have to contend with in terms of the passing game."
At the 15:48 mark of this YouTube video, Morris throws his final interception of the day.
He takes a three-step drop and immediately looks toward the slot receiver on his left, running a post route. The problem is, Morris doesn't see the safety.
gif created by Andrew Gillis via YouTube user ACC Digital Network
He had actually thrown the ball better than one might expect with a three-interception stat-line throughout the game, but he didn't look off the safety on this route.
Morris tries to thread the needle between the cornerback and safety, but finds the wrong window to throw to. The safety steps in front of the route and makes the interception, taking it down the field to dash any hopes of a Chippewas comeback.
Judgement
Morris can be dangerous. He can also be dangerous to his own team.
He threw three interceptions last weekend against Boston College, but can still put the ball in the air successfully. He threw for 467 yards against Kansas, so it would be wrong to say that Morris can be taken lightly.
But, Ohio's defense should view this as a bounce-back game from last week's 50-point showing at UMass. Central Michigan hasn't ran the ball well all year, so with a focus on Morris, Ohio should be able to ride its defense to a 5-1 start.
