Chippewas prepare for Ohio Saturday
Chris McCartyKickoff for the Homecoming game is set for 1 p.m. at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
CMU (2-2 overall and 1-1 in the Mid-American Conference) hasn’t played since its 16-8 victory of the University at Buffalo Sept. 29.
Ohio hasn’t won a game yet this season, but has played some tough opponents. The Bobcats, under first year Head Coach Brian Knorr, lost to Akron 31-29, West Virginia 20-3, Iowa State 31-28 and MAC leader Toledo 48-41.
CMU Head Coach Mike DeBord said he was surprised that they have not won a game yet this season, as they have come close to winning every game.
OU had a 41-34 second half lead, but Toledo came back to stay undefeated.
When the Chippewas faced the Bobcats last year, Ohio dominated the game. They ran for 444 yards in a 52-3 victory. The loss was the Chippewas worst in four years.
“They are a very talented team,” DeBord said.
The Chippewas haven’t won a Homecoming game since 1998 when they defeated Kent State 46-7.
“Homecoming is always a special week on campus. It is exciting for the team because former football players and alumni comeback to watch them play,” DeBord said.
The Bobcats were a predicted to finish second in the MAC East Division by MAC News Media Association’s Preseason Poll. They received 276 points, 68 behind Marshall.
Ohio does struggle away from home. They were just 3-3 last season and over the last three years are just 6-16. But the Bobcats have never won on the road against the Chippewas, they are 0-9-1.
Ohio’s offense is led by option quarterback Dontrell Jackson. The Ohio offense, with the help of Jackson, rushes for a MAC leading 260.2 yards per game, a good enough average to be fourth in the nation. Their defense allows 487.8 yards per game, however.
Last season, Jackson carried the ball 10 times for 141 yards and one touchdown against the Chippewas.
The Chippewas offense is sixth in the MAC racking up 356.5 yards per game. The defense is currently ninth in the MAC allowing 384 yards per game.
Sophomore Terrence Jackson will get his first career start the tailback position for the Chippewas. He replaces Robbie Mixon, who went out of the Buffalo game with an ankle injury. He is expected to play against Ohio.
CMU does lead the overall series against Ohio 17-2-2, including going 13-0-1 prior to last season.
