JS: With a potential Sugar Bowl-bound team, Michigan is one of the best squads in the nation. However, CMU coach Mike DeBord does know the program well, and his team should be fired up to play in college football’s largest arena.

MS: Enough fence straddling Speer, do the Chippewas have a chance?

JS: Likely, not. As good as the Chippewas may be, they are taking on Michigan, and its long-standing tradition. I think they’ll play with the Wolverines for awhile and make it closer than expected, but the bigger, faster and stronger team will rise in the end.

MS: Glad we agree on that one. All CMU can hope for are some positive signs from Jeff Perry and to get out of Ann Arbor healthy and still somewhat confident. But I’ll take CMU and the points.

JS: Speaking of Perry, what is your take on how the new starter will perform?

MS: I like his accuracy and consistency, but this is just practice. I’m afraid the CMU quarterback headaches will continue this season for DeBord.

JS: I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Perry is exactly what CMU needed. He has poise and doesn’t try to make the big play — two key components of DeBord’s ball control offense. He will be an upgrade.

MS: One can hope so. DeBord got his contract extension but collegefootballnews.com still rates him as a coach on the hot seat. Is it put up or get out of town this year for the fourth-year coach?

JS: Put up or get out may be a bit harsh, but DeBord does need to show some on-field improvement. As a fourth-year guy, this team features almost exclusively his recruits. He has assembled some key parts, so another agonizing 4-8 year probably is unacceptable.

MS: Unacceptable for sure. With games like New Hampshire, Eastern Kentucky, and Eastern on the slate, 5-7 should be the absolute minimum this year for DeBord to survive.

JS: For the Chippewas to show marked improvement, what do you think is the key point?

MS: The secondary. These guys are all inexperienced or coming off of major injuries outside of James King. If King does not become an All-MAC-type player this season, expect the opponents scores to continue soaring.

JS: What I’m thinking is while the secondary’s development is crucial, the key lies in the hands of senior running back Terrence Jackson. Jackson was one of the MAC’s best backs in 2001, before suffering injuries last year. If he can return to par this year, he could ease Perry’s development and carry the team far.

MS: Concur. Who will win the MAC this season?

JS: You have really put me on the hot seat. Speaking of hot, I guess I’m gonna go down to Florida and say that UCF will take the title away from Marshall’s hands this year. Senior quarterback Ryan Schneider is one of the best in the conference, and with the speed and athleticism prevalent in Florida, the Golden Knights will be the MAC champions.

MS: No no no, the MAC title is coming out WEST this season. It will come down to Northern Illinois and Toledo all year for the right to host the title game. It will be the Rockets and their dominant offensive line in the end. Give me Marshall out East, the mystique of the program is still there even if Byron Leftwich is gone. Who will be going to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl?

JS: Its going to be an Oklahoma-Michigan showdown. OU’s defense is one of best in recent memories, which should carry them through a rigorous Big 12 schedule. I feel Michigan will put up a fight, but Oklahoma will take home the trophy, sooner as opposed to later.

MS: Nice. However, Kansas State will dash OU’s hope for a title. But the Sears Trophy will be headed back to Coral Gables, Fla. this year, as Miami does not rebuild, they just reload.

JS: My turn to put you on the spot. What is CMU’s record going to be after the season-ending Navy game?

MS: Well, I correctly predicted 4-8 in last year’s preview section so my word is golden. That being said, look for the Chippewas to finish a mediocre 6-6 this season, keeping DeBord around to build on his prize recuits for another season. Things are looking up in Mount Pleasant, very, very slowly.

JS: I’ll pencil CMU in for a shock-the-world 7-5 season. They’ll beat Division I-AA New Hampshire and EKU, Eastern, Ball State, Akron, Navy and upset Northern Illinois on Homecoming. That will give the fans something to cheer about besides drinking games.

MS: They play football games on Homecoming weekend? Who knew? Well, we will see everyone down in Ann Arbor.

You can reach the Life sports staff at sports@cm-life.com.