Preview: CMU football prepares for MACtion
CMU freshman wide receiver Evan Boyd holds the ball up with pride after getting the team to a first down on Saturday, Sept. 28 in Kelly/Shorts Stadium. (CM Life | Jasmine Brookins)
After a tough 46-7 loss to Miami (OH), Central Michigan football hopes to bounce back as it prepares to face Bowling Green on Tuesday.
As the start of MACtion begins, the idea of a national television audience isn’t stopping the Chippewas from being focused on turning their season around and reclaiming their winning momentum.
A Season of Challenges
Under head coach Jim McElwain, the Chippewas have encountered numerous challenges this season, including injuries to key players. Quarterback Joe Labas remains out for the season with a shoulder injury, while quarterback Bert Emmanuel is still out due to an ankle injury.
As of this week, wide receiver Evan Boyd is out for the season and underwent shoulder surgery
"We need to do a good job of making sure we're playing to the strengths,” McElwain said. “Giving them the best opportunity to be successful and that’s a big piece of putting the plan together."
Despite these hurdles, the team is rallying around its leadership. One of the standout players, defensive captain Donte Kent, has taken on a crucial role in motivating his teammates.
"Coach Mac talks about direction and I’m just preaching that,” Kent said. “We just win in November, that starts today.”
Meet the opponent
The Falcons, coached by Scot Loeffler, enter this week 4-4 overall and 3-1 in the Mid-American Conference, beating Toledo 41-26 on Oct. 26.
Bowling Green’s offense is led by standout players like tight end Harold Fan Jr., who is currently among the top in the league for receiving yards and touchdowns.
Another familiar face on the Falcon sidelines is wide receiver Finn Hogan, who previously played for the Chippewas in 2022.
Defensively, Bowling Green has had success with 18 total sacks this season and eight interceptions. With their ability to limit big plays, the Falcons are looking to burst out the gate early.
Keys to Victory
The Chippewas' defense needs to build on their performance against Miami, where they forced six field goals. Limiting scoring opportunities for Bowling Green will be essential.
"That’s just something to build on,” Kent said. “The key thing is not to let them across the goal line and make them kick field goals, but it’d be even better if we don’t let them drive downfield.”
With key players sidelined, other team members must step up and take charge.
"Somebody's got to step up," McElwain said. “Who’s going to be next and that’s going to create some opportunities. That's a big piece of putting the plan together.”
The Chippewas struggled offensively against Miami, so adjusting their game plan will be crucial.
With a three-game losing streak weighing on the team, keeping spirits high is essential. McElwain mentioned that motivation should come from within the locker room.
"It's really talked about direction,” McElwain said. “It’s driven from within the locker room, within the building and everyone pushing in the same direction. That’s one of the big pieces.”
Central Michigan (3-5) vs. Bowling Green (4-4)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Stadium: Kelly/Shorts Stadium
Location: Mount Pleasant
TV: ESPN2
