After losing its fourth-straight game last week, Central Michigan football hopes to turn things around when it travels to Toledo, Ohio to face off against Toledo on Tuesday.

The loss against Bowling Green State University dropped the Chippewas record to 3-6 overall and 1-4 in conference play. With three games left in the season, CMU would have to win out to become bowl eligible.

“This is a group that's tight and care about each other, care about the program,” head coach Jim McElwain said. “And the big piece is let's go compete. Let's go play the game we love.”

The Chippewas have faced a lot of injuries, specifically at the quarterback position. With the two starters still out, McElwain said redshirt freshman Tyler Jefferson and freshman Jaydn Glasser will both be taking reps at practice.

“Both those young guys… they want to go out and play well,” McElwain said. “The big message there is don't' put it all on your own shoulders, go out and let the game come to you a little bit.”

Jefferson struggled to get the passing game going against the Falcons, only passing for six yards while having 65 rushing yards. Glasser came into the game in the third quarter, securing 57 yards passing and 10 yards passing.

Even with the struggles, the team is confident as it heads into the final three weeks, believing and relying on each other through the rough stretch.

“Obviously, we've had games that we wish we could have back,” redshirt sophomore tight end Decorion Temple said. “Outcomes weren't what we expected it to be, but as long as we keep our heads high and keep continuing to put our nose down and work, the rest will take care of itself.

“We have the talent, no doubt. We have the pieces. We have the coaches. We have everything we need. It's just we just need to go out there and execute at the highest level.”

Meet the opponent

Toledo comes into the matchup 6-3 overall and 3-2 in Mid-American Conference play, securing wins over Miami (Ohio) and Eastern Michigan, both teams that the Chippewas have lost to.

The Rockets are coming off of a down to the wire victory over the Eagles, leaving Ypsilanti with a 29-28 victory.

Toledo will look to veteran quarterback Tucker Gleason, who leads the MAC in yards per game with 237 and touchdowns with 18.

“They've got good players,” McElwain said. “I think the important thing for us is don't let the game get out of control. Let's control the controllable.”

The Rockets have found success at home, going 3-1 while the Chippewas have yet to get a win on the road.

Key to victory

The main key to victory for the Chippewas is to find their identity in the passing game. CMU had less than 65 yards passing in each of its last two matchups.

While the run game has been able to find success, the lack of a passing game has made the offensive attack limited.

CMU also needs to keep up its defensive presence which was felt against the Falcons. In the first half against BGSU, the Chippewa defense held the Falcons to three field goals.

“We're doing a good job of really pushing the pocket, making the quarterback uncomfortable,” McElwain said. “That's something we really have to do this week for sure.”

Going forward, defensive back Da’Raun McKinney said the defense has confidence that it can do even more, putting an emphasis on limiting field goals.

“We come together a lot more,” McKinney said about the defense. “We’re understanding each other a lot more. But I feel like we just (need to) minimize the field goals… I feel like as a defense, we ain't made enough plays, like really playmaking, game-changing plays. So, that's the goal for us.”

Central Michigan (3-6) vs. Toledo (6-3)

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 11

Stadium: Glass Bowl

Location: Toledo

TV: ESPNU