Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewa Football Gaining Respect
7/17/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 17, 2002
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Central Michigan University hasn't even played a football game yet but already the 2002 Chippewas have gained some respect.
CMU has been tabbed as the "Rip Van Winkle MAC Sleeper" team by Pete Fiutak in Collegefootballnews.com.
"With 41 returning lettermen and 20 returning starters, this is a veteran team that looks suspiciously like Bowling Green did last year at this time," Fiutak wrote. "The receiving corps is very strong, and Terrence Jackson might be the MAC's best running back.
"No, the Chippewas won't be in the MAC title game, but they could be a huge thorn in the sides of the contenders."
Central Michigan, which opens the season at home on Thursday, Aug. 29, with a game against Sam Houston State at 7:30 p.m., was 3-8 in 2001.
"I'm glad that someone is recognizing the progress of this program and where it should be this year as a team challenging for the Mid-American Conference championship," said third-year head coach Mike DeBord.
CMU plays its first two games at home (Wyoming, Sept. 7) before hitting the road for games at Akron (Sept. 14), Indiana (Sept. 21) and Boston College (Sept. 28).
