Central Michigan Chippewas

Central Michigan's offense runs through quarterback Angel Flores's legs. He leads the team in rushing and has multiple 100-yard games, including 163 yards and two scores against Wyoming and 154 yards and a touchdown against Akron. The Chippewas have leaned on a deep backfield with Vaughn Blue, Brock Townsend, and Jayden Clerveaux, and they piled up 332 rushing yards against the Zips. When the run game works, it controls tempo and keeps the defense fresh. But it also makes the offense one-dimensional, and against better defenses like Ohio and Western Michigan, the Chippewas struggled to move the ball when forced to throw.

After a rough opener at New Mexico where they allowed 38 points and over 200 rushing yards, the Chippewas tightened up at home, holding Colgate to 10, Wyoming to 10, and Akron to 17. They forced four turnovers against the Raiders and three interceptions against the Zips. But against Ohio and Western Michigan, the rebuilt linebacker corps and young safeties were exposed, allowing 31 and 21 points respectively. The pass rush, led by Quavion Bird and Korver Demma, has been inconsistent, and the secondary has struggled against accurate quarterbacks. The unit has playmakers like Jaion Jackson and Darrell Bryant Jr., but consistency is lacking.

Matt Drinkall has stuck with a two-quarterback system, using Angel Flores as a runner and Jadyn Glasser as a passer. Flores has been dynamic on the ground but inefficient through the air, completing just 14 of 25 for 162 yards against Western Michigan and 14 of 20 for 112 against Ohio. Glasser has shown flashes, like his 13-of-15 relief appearance at Miami and a 71-yard touchdown pass to Langston Lewis against Akron, but his role has been limited. The rotation has yet to produce a consistent downfield threat, and opposing defenses have loaded the box to stop Flores. Finding a rhythm in the passing game is crucial for the offense to reach its potential.

Central Michigan has played four of its first seven games at home, and the difference has been stark. The Chippewas are 3-1 in Mount Pleasant, with wins over Colgate, Wyoming, and Akron, and a narrow loss to Western Michigan. On the road, they are 0-3, including blowout losses at New Mexico and Miami. The home crowd and familiar surroundings have helped the defense in particular, which has allowed just 17 points per game at home compared to 40 on the road. With three of their next five at home, the Chippewas have a chance to capitalize on that advantage.

At 3-4, Central Michigan needs three more wins to become bowl eligible. The remaining schedule is manageable, with home games against Miami (OH), Eastern Michigan, and Toledo, and road trips to Ball State and Kent State. The Chippewas will need to protect home field and steal at least one on the road. The offense must find balance, and the defense must avoid the big plays that plagued them against Ohio and Western Michigan. If Flores can stay healthy and the passing game develops, a second straight bowl appearance is within reach.