Central Michigan University Athletics
CMU Closes Regular Season at Ball State: Game Notes
11/16/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 16, 2005
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The Matchup
Central Michigan University enters its season finale at Ball State University with a winning season on the line. The Chippewas, who have dropped two straight, are facing a Ball State squad that has won three in a row. Both clubs are seeking their fifth conference win, a feat CMU has not accomplished since 1998 and Ball State not since 1996.
The CMU-Ball State Series
CMU's 41-40 win last season in Mount Pleasant snapped a four-game Ball State winning streak in the series and evened the all-time mark at 18-18-1. The Chippewas' last win in Muncie was a 27-21 decision in 1999.
The Coaches
Brian Kelly is in his second season as the head coach at Central Michigan University. He guided the Chippewas to a 4-7 record in 2004. Kelly arrived in Mount Pleasant after a successful 13-year stint at Grand Valley State University which saw him lead the Lakers to back-to-back NCAA Division II national championships in 2002 and 2003. Brady Hoke is in his third season as the head coach at Ball State. He is 10-23 as the Cardinals' head coach. Hoke, who lettered from 1977-80 as a linebacker at Ball State, returned to Muncie following an eight-year stint at Michigan. He was the Wolverines' associate head coach during his final season in 2002. Hoke is one of 19 head coaches in Division I-A coaching their alma maters in 2005.
CMU on the Tube
Saturday's game at Ball State will be televised live on Comcast Sports Net Detroit. Ben Holden (play-by-play) and Rob Otto (color commentary) will call the action. The contest will be CMU's seventh on live television in 2005.
Closing the Curtain
CMU is 57-43-4 all-time in its final game of the season. The Chippewas' come-from-behind 41-40 win over Ball State last season snapped a string of four straight losses in season finales.
Rewrite the Record Books
A total of 13 school records were broken on Saturday. A look at the marks that fell over the weekend:
Team
Total Offensive Plays 110
Total First Downs 35
First Downs Passing 23
Pass Attempts 71
Completions 46
Passing Yards 460
Individual
Kent Smith Passing Attempts 70
Completions 46
Passing Yards 460
Total Offense 480
Single Season Completions 232
Single Season Attempts 378
Justin Harper Receptions 14
Sneed Reaches 1,000
Freshman running back Ontario Sneed is the 22nd different player, and second true freshman, in CMU history to record a 1,000-yard rushing season. He enters the season finale at Ball State with 1,004 yards on the ground in his rookie season. CMU has had a player rush for 1,000 yards in 31 different seasons, including each of the past five.
Throwing it Around
For the second straight weekend, Kent Smith set new CMU single-game records for pass attempts (70) and completions (46). His 33 completions and 51 attempts against Northern Illinois on Nov. 5 broke the old CMU records of 29 completions (which Smith set in 2004) and 50 attempts. Smith is also the school's new single-season record holder for attempts (378) and completions (232). In his last two games, Smith has completed 79-of-121 passes for 842 yards and five touchdowns.
Out on a High Note
CMU has closed its season against Ball State on four prior occasions, and is 4-0 in those contests. The Chippewas against BSU in season finales:
Date Location Result11/20/04 Mount Pleasant W, 41-1011/20/99 Muncie W, 27-2111/21/98 Mount Pleasant W, 31-2111/15/86 Mount Pleasant W, 43-22CMU Eyes Winning Road Mark
CMU is 3-2 on the road this season. The 1994 MAC champion Chippewas are the last CMU team to finish at least .500 away from home; that squad was 4-3 away from Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Prior to this year, the 1994 squad was the last CMU team to win at least three road games in a season.
Bazuin Sets Two School Records
Junior defensive end Daniel Bazuin established a new CMU career record for tackles for loss and new single-season mark for sacks on Nov. 5 against Northern Illinois. He enters the season finale with 43 career tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks this season. Bazuin's 21.5 career sacks are the second-most in CMU history and just 0.5 off the school's career record.
Keeping an Eye on Bazuin
Junior defensive end Daniel Bazuin, an All-MAC first team selection in 2004, is a member of the preseason watch lists for both the Bronco Nagurski Trophy and the Lombardi Award. He is one of 50 players named to the watch list for the Nagurski Trophy, presented to the top defensive player in college football. The Lombardi Award, which names 54 players on its preseason list, is given to the top defensive lineman in the nation ... LAST WEEK ... Bazuin collected a team-high 11 tackles, including eight solo stops, at Western Michigan. Bazuin increased his career record total of tackles for loss to 43 and his single-season record total for sacks to 12.5. He now has 21.5 career sacks, just 0.5 off the career record of 22.
Bazuin Game-by-Game U-A-T TFL/Yds. Sks./Yds. Int. PBU FF FRIU 9-1-10 2/23 2/23 0 0 2 0MU 5-2-7 1/10 1/10 0 0 0 0PSU 4-1-5 2/16 2/16 0 2 1 0EMU 1-2-3 0/0 0/0 0 0 0 0Akron 2-2-4 2.5/11 0/0 0 0 0 1Army 3-2-5 1.5/3 0/0 0 0 0 0Ohio 4-2-6 3/22 3/22 0 1 1 0Toledo 3-0-3 2/6 1/4 0 0 0 0NIU 5-4-9 4.5/37 2/28 0 0 1 0WMU 8-3-11 2.5/12 1.5/11 0 0 0 0Total 44-19-63 21/140 12.5/114 0 3 5 1Sneed Leads the Way
Freshman running back Ontario Sneed eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark on Saturday at Western Michigan. He has rushed for at least 100 yards four times this season and leads his teammates in rushing (1,004 yards; 5.0 ypc) and scoring (11 touchdowns) and is third in receptions (46). Sneed is 26th in the nation, and fourth in the MAC, in rushing, averaging 100.4 ypg. His yards per game average is also second among all freshmen in Division I-A.
Sneed Game-by-Game Rushing Receiving Att. Yds. TD Avg. Rec. Yds. TDIU 14 148 1 10.6 4 9 0MU 19 85 1 4.5 2 6 0PSU 12 32 0 2.7 3 28 0EMU 29 122 1 4.2 5 56 0Akron 21 183 1 8.7 6 77 2Army 21 82 1 3.9 5 27 0Ohio 17 74 1 4.4 3 39 1Toledo 20 68 0 3.4 5 31 0NIU 23 121 0 5.3 4 28 0WMU 25 89 2 3.6 9 97 0Total 201 1004 8 5.0 46 398 3Second Half Shutouts
CMU held Western Michigan to just three points in the second half on Saturday, the sixth time in the last seven games that the Chippewas have held their opponent with a touchdown after halftime. Northern Illinois scored on its first offensive snap of the second half on Nov. 5, snapping a string of five straight games that CMU had not allowed a touchdown after halftime. The Chippewas, however, held NIU scoreless after the early touchdown and have now allowed a total of just 28 points (seven field goals, one touchdown) after halftime in the past seven games.
CMU held Akron scoreless in the second half on Oct. 1. It marked the first time the Chippewas held a team scoreless for a half since a 38-10 win over Eastern Michigan in 2003. EMU did not score after halftime in that contest.
Thomas Keith enters the regular season finale with 92 tackles.  | |
Down to the Wire
Seven of CMU's 10 games this season have been decided by seven points or less, including five by four points or less. Of those five, the outcome was in doubt until the game's final snap in four. CMU is 3-4 in games decided by seven points or less this season.
In 2004, the Chippewas were 3-2 in games decided by seven points or less. Prior to 2004, the Chippewas had not had as many as five games decided by seven points or less since 1996, when six games were decided by that margin.
Smith Named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week (10/31)
Senior quarterback Kent Smith was named the MAC West Division Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in CMU's 21-17 win over Toledo on Oct. 29. Smith threw for 189 yards and two scores and ran for a team-high 89 yards and a touchdown. It marks the third time this season Smith has collected the player of the week award; his three selections are tied for the most player of the week awards for a single player in the MAC this season.
Chippewas in the National Rankings
Despite turning the ball over four times on Saturday, CMU is still tied for the second-fewest turnovers in Division I-A. Individually, Daniel Bazuin is among the nation's leaders in sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles. Kent Smith, who has completed 79-of-121 passes in his last two games, continues to climb the rankings in completions and total offense. Statistical categories in which CMU is represented in the top 50 in Division I-A:
IndividualTackles For Loss Daniel Bazuin (2nd; 2.1 pg - 21 TFL 2nd-most in Div. I-A)Sacks Daniel Bazuin (3rd; 1.25 spg - 12.5 sacks 2nd-most in Div. I-A)Forced Fumbles Daniel Bazuin (T-6th; 0.5 pg - 5 FF tied for 3rd-most in Div. I-A)Completions Kent Smith (9th; 23.2 cpg)Total Offense Kent Smith (18th; 285.5 ypg)All-Purpose Yardage Ontario Sneed (25th; 140.2 ypg) Damien Linson (44th; 123.4 ypg)Rushing Ontario Sneed (26th; 100.4 ypg)Receptions Per Game Justin Harper (T-26th; 6.2 rpg) Damien Linson (48th; 5.3 rpg)Punt Returns Damien Linson (32nd; 10.6 ypr)Total Receiving Yards Damien Linson (34th; 806 yards)Points Responsible For Kent Smith (T-34th; 12.0 ppg)Receiving Yards Per Game Damien Linson (40th; 80.6 ypg)Total Tackles Thomas Keith (42nd; 9.2 tpg)Beating the Best
TeamTurnovers Lost T-2nd (10 lost)Fumbles Lost T-5th (4 lost - tied for 2nd-fewest fumbles in Div. I-A)Passes Had Intercepted T-8th (6 intercepted - tied for 4th-fewest INTs in Div. I-A)3rd Down Defense 14th (50-of-158 conversions allowed - 31.7%)Rushing Defense 26th (117.7 ypg)Punt Return Defense 26th (6.8 ypr allowed)Passing Offense 30th (253.4 ypg)Total Offense 32nd (417.0 ypg)Tackles For Loss T-32nd (7.0 tpg)Turnover Margin T-38th (.40 margin; 14 TO gained, 10 TO lost)Rushing Offense 42nd (163.6 ypg)Scoring Defense 42nd (23.6 ppg)Punt Returns 42nd (10.5 ypr)
With their win over Toledo on Oct. 29, the Chippewas have knocked off both defending MAC divisional champs this season (Toledo in the West, Miami in the East). CMU is the first MAC team to defeat both of the previous year's MAC Championship Game participants in the following regular season. In 2001 and 2004, Toledo defeated both of the prior year's title game participants; however, the Rockets needed wins in the MAC Championship Game both years to accomplish the feat.
Smith Carries the Load
Kent Smith accounted for 278 yards of offense and had a hand in all three of CMU's touchdowns against Toledo, throwing for two scores and running for another. Smith was at his best on the Chippewas' three scoring drives--he completed 10-of-12 passes for 111 yards and ran eight times for 37 yards on CMU's three marches to the end zone.
The Toledo game marked the 10th time that Smith has thrown and run for a touchdown in the same game.
Shut 'em Down
Against Toledo and Northern Illinois (Oct. 29 and Nov. 5), the CMU defense held the top two rushing offenses in the MAC to a total of 101 yards rushing on 52 attempts (1.9 ypc). Northern Illinois (six yards on 22 attempts) was averaging 212 ypg on the ground entering last weekend, while Toledo (95 yards on 30 attempts) was averaging 231.3 ypg entering the Oct. 29 tilt.
The CMU defense also held Toledo to 17 points, 22 points below the Rockets' season average of 39.4 points per game entering the contest. In the fourth quarter, Toledo snapped the ball nine times from inside CMU's 10-yard line, but scored just three points. For the season, the Chippewas rank first in the MAC in red zone defense, allowing opposing offenses to score in just 29 of 40 trips (72.5 percent) inside the CMU 20.
Quick-Strike Attack
Twenty of the Chippewas' 37 offensive scoring drives this season have lasted less than two minutes, and all but nine have lasted less than three minutes. Over the last two games, however, seven of CMU's eight scoring drives have lasted longer than two minutes. On Oct. 15 against Ohio, each of CMU's five scoring drives lasted 1:15 or less. At Akron on Oct. 1, CMU had three scoring drives that lasted less than 60 seconds. The Chippewas' average scoring drive this season has lasted 2:15.
Smith and Linson Tabbed Players of the Week (10/17)
Kent Smith and Damien Linson were named MAC Offensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for their performances in the win over Ohio. Smith, who earned the honor for the second time this season, was 15-of-24 passing for 228 yards and two touchdowns in the win. He also ran 10 times for 44 yards and a score. It was the ninth time in his career that he has rushed and passed for a touchdown in the same game and the eighth time he has thrown at least two touchdown passes in a contest.
Linson collected the special teams honor after returning a punt 78 yards for a touchdown just 1:03 before halftime. The 78-yard return is the longest punt return in Kelly/Shorts Stadium history and the second that Linson has returned for a score in his career. Linson also caught four passes for 42 yards in the win.
Out of the Gate
CMU scored on its first possession of the game against Western Michigan, just the second time the Chippewas have scored on their opening drive this season. CMU also scored on its initial possession against Ohio on Oct. 15.
Happy Returns
Damien Linson's 78-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter against Ohio was the second of his career. He also returned a punt 66 yards for a score against Southeast Missouri State last season. His 78-yarder against the Bobcats was the longest in Kelly/Shorts Stadium history. Linson owns CMU's only two punt return touchdowns since 1983.
Smith Saves the Day
The CMU offense struggled to find a rhythm in the downpour at Army on Oct. 8, but senior quarterback Kent Smith led the Chippewas to the end zone when they needed it most. After the defense forced an Army turnover on downs, Smith guided the offense 76 yards in 14 plays for the winning score.
On the drive, Smith ran four times for 38 yards, including a two-yard touchdown run, and completed all six of his pass attempts for 35 yards. He also had a hand in three, third-down conversions on the march: running for seven yards on third-and-six, finding Jacob Brown for five yards on third-and-four, and throwing to Ontario Sneed for five yards on third-and-one.
Grinding It Out
CMU was able to muster just 92 yards passing at Army on Oct. 8. It marked the lowest passing yardage total in a win since 2002, when the Chippewas threw for just 69 yards in a 47-21 win at Eastern Michigan. CMU ran the ball 72 times for 488 yards in that game.
Leaving on a Jet Plane
Prior to the Oct. 8 win at Army, CMU had not won a game to which it had flown since a 42-21 win at Boise State in the 1996 season opener. That win at Boise was also CMU's last non-conference win on the road prior to last weekend.
Turning it Around on the Road
CMU's 31-17 win at Akron on Oct. 1 was the Chippewas' second straight conference win on the road. CMU last won two straight MAC road games in 1994, when it beat Ohio (22-10; Oct. 29) and Bowling Green (36-33; Nov. 12).
The win at Army on Oct. 8 marked the first time since 1993 that the Chippewas won road games in consecutive outings. The 1993 team claimed a victory at Kent State (33-28) then, following a bye week, won at Toledo (38-7).
The Chippewas' three road wins this season are the most since the 1994 team won four games away from home.
Sneed MAC West Offensive Player of the Week (10/3)
Freshman running back Ontario Sneed was named the MAC West Division Offensive Player of the Week for his performance at Akron on Oct. 1. Sneed ran 21 times for 183 yards and a score and caught six passes for 77 yards and two touchdowns. He scored on a 45-yard catch-and-run in the second quarter, then found the end zone on a 50-yard run and 10-yard catch to break a 17-17 tie in the fourth quarter.
Defensive Dominance
The CMU defense held Akron to just 47 yards of offense, including one yard rushing, in the second half on Oct. 1. It is the lowest yardage total in a half for a CMU opponent since Northern Illinois was held to 38 yards in the first half of the 1997 season opener.
Hello, My Name Is ...
CMU has relied on a number of freshmen and sophomores to contribute this season, particularly on the road when only 60 players can dress. On Oct. 8 at Army, 22 of the 44 players who were on the field for at least one play were either freshmen or sophomores by eligibility. On Oct. 1 at Akron, 25 of the 50 who participated were freshmen or sophomores. Last weekend at Western Michigan, 23 of the 45 players who saw action were freshmen or sophomores.
Staley Stands Out
Junior left tackle Joe Staley, playing his third position in as many years, is in his second season as a starter along the offensive front. He started all 11 games at right tackle in 2004 before making the move to left tackle this season. As a freshman, Staley appeared in 11 games as a tight end, catching 11 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown.
Despite the addition of nearly 50 pounds to his 6-5 frame over the past three years, the former high school sprinter was timed at 4.72 in the 40 during spring practice. Staley has not allowed a sack this season while piling up 47 pancake blocks. He collected five pancakes last weekend against Western Michigan.
Steal the Ball
Thomas Keith intercepted his third pass of the season against Northern Illinois on Nov. 5. CMU has seven interceptions this season, with Keith being the lone Chippewa with multiple interceptions. CMU picked off just five passes in all of 2004.
In the Front Row
The CMU offensive line has adjusted well to the loss of Eric Ghiaciuc and Adam Kieft to the NFL. The same five linemen have started up front in each of the Chippewas' six games this season, paving the way for CMU to rank fourth in the MAC in rushing offense (163.6 ypg).
Joe Staley graded out at 80 percent against Western Michigan, the highest figure among his linemates. According to offensive line coach Jeff Quinn's in-depth grading system, which factors in technique and assignments on each snap, Staley's score of 80 is considered excellent. Redshirt freshman Andrew Hartline led the offensive front with seven pancakes at Western Michigan.
MAC Nailbiters
CMU has won two straight MAC openers, and both have featured blocked field goals in the closing seconds. On Sept. 10, Jacob Brown blocked a Miami field goal attempt with 11 seconds left to preserve a 38-37 Chippewa win. In 2004, CMU defeated Kent State, 24-21, in the MAC opener at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Daniel Bazuin blocked two field goals in the fourth quarter of that win, including one with 24 seconds remaining.
Only in Ohio
CMU's win at Akron was its second in the state of Ohio this season. The Chippewas rallied to defeat Miami, 38-37, in Oxford on Sept. 10. Prior to this year, CMU last won two games in Ohio in the same season in 1994, when it defeated Akron, Ohio and Bowling Green on the road en route to a MAC championship and berth in the Las Vegas Bowl.
The Chippewas' 37-10 win over Ohio on Oct. 15 and 21-17 victory over Toledo last weekend improved CMU's record to 4-0 against teams from the state of Ohio in 2005.
CMU vs. the MAC
The Chippewas are 213-177-17 (.544) all-time against the other 11 current members of the Mid-American Conference. CMU is 143-109-10 (.565) in MAC contests since joining the conference in 1975. CMU vs. the MAC:
Akron 10-9-1 Ball State 18-18-1 Bowling Green 16-21Buffalo 2-1 Eastern Michigan 52-25-6 Kent State 21-9Miami 9-11-1 Northern Illinois 21-19-1 Ohio 18-4-2Toledo 14-17-3 Western Michigan 32-43-2The Friendly Confines of Kelly/Shorts Stadium
Kelly/Shorts Stadium began hosting CMU football games in 1972. Since then, the Chippewas have posted a 126-50-4 record (.711) at home. CMU was 2-3 at home in 2005, with all three losses by seven points or less. In 2004, CMU was 4-1 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
After Further Review...
CMU has been involved in nine instant replay situations this season, benefiting from five. There were two replays last weekend at Western Michigan. A Bronco pass into the end zone in the third quarter was ruled incomplete. Replay confirmed that the receiver did not gain possession before falling out of bounds. In the fourth quarter, a Western Michigan fumble was overturned when replay indicated that the runner was down.
On Nov. 5 against NIU, the Huskies completed a pass in the first quarter, fumbled, and recovered. Replay overturned the call on the field, ruling that the pass was incomplete.
Two plays were reviewed in the Oct. 29 win over Toledo. With 10:51 left in the third quarter, Kent Smith dove for the right pylon, but was ruled out of bounds inside the one-yard line. Replay confirmed that he was out of bounds, and Smith scored on the next play. With 10:38 remaining in the contest, Toledo quarterback Bruce Gradkowski appeared to have fumbled, and De'Onte Burnam recovered. Following review, the officials determined that a whistle had blown the play dead and Toledo maintained possession.
At Akron on Oct. 1, Pacino Horne dove to intercept an underthrown pass. The pass was ruled incomplete and replay confirmed that the ball hit the ground prior to Horne gaining possession.
On Sept. 24, an Eastern Michigan pass in the fourth quarter was ruled incomplete. Replay upheld the ruling.
On Sept. 10 at Miami, a RedHawk pass into the end zone in the second quarter was ruled incomplete when officials determined that the receiver did not have a foot in-bounds. Replay confirmed the ruling on the field.
With 8:40 remaining in the third quarter against Indiana, a Hoosier completion from Blake Powers to Jahkeen Gilmore was overturned after the replay official determined the pass had hit the ground.
First Down Brown
Senior tight end Jacob Brown has caught 29 passes this season, 19 of which have resulted in first downs or touchdowns for CMU. He caught a career-high seven passes at Miami on Sept. 10, five of which resulted in first downs, including four catches on third down. At Penn State on Sept. 17, Brown's two catches came on fourth and second down, respectively, and both gave CMU first downs. At Army on Oct. 8, Brown hauled in a five-yard catch on third-and-four to extend the Chippewas' game-winning touchdown drive. For the season, Brown has collected seven catches on third down and one on fourth down that have resulted in CMU first downs.
Special Plays on Special Teams
The Chippewas had blocked at least one kick in five straight games entering the Sept. 17 game at Penn State. The streak nearly continued when Isaac Brown broke into the backfield on Penn State's first punt in the opening quarter. At Miami on Sept. 10, Jacob Brown blocked a RedHawk field goal with 11 seconds remaining to preserve a 38-37 Chippewa win. In 2004, CMU blocked kicks in five different games, including each of the final three contests. The Chippewas have blocked at least one kick in seven of the 15 games of head coach Brian Kelly's tenure.
Brown's block at Miami also continued a CMU trend of blocking kicks at the end of games. Against Kent State in 2004, Daniel Bazuin blocked a field goal with 24 seconds remaining to preserve a 24-21 Chippewa win. CMU's five-game streak of blocked kicks:
Date Opp. Kick Blocked9/10/05 at Miami Field goal9/2/05 Indiana PAT11/20/04 Ball State PAT11/20/04 Ball State Punt11/20/04 Ball State Field Goal11/13/04 Buffalo PAT11/6/04 Eastern Michigan PATSmith Steals the Show
Senior quarterback Kent Smith had one of the more impressive statistical games of his career in the win over Miami on Sept. 10. A sampling of Smith's notable numbers from the Chippewas' 38-37 win:
His 478 yards of total offense broke his own school record of 446 that he set at Toledo last season. It is the 10th best single-game effort in MAC history.
He is the first Chippewa to run and pass for at least 100 yards in the same game since Erik Timpf (214 passing, 147 rushing) against Michigan State in 1993, and is the first player in school history to throw for at least 300 yards and rush for at least 100.
Smith's 122 rushing yards at Miami set a new career high.
He completed three passes of at least 50 yards and ran for at least 10 yards six times in the win.
And We Go To ... Overtime
Five games in CMU history have gone to overtime, with Eastern Michigan serving as the opponent in three of those. The Chippewas' first overtime contest was at EMU in 1998, a 36-23 Chippewa win. Pete Shepherd scored on a one-yard run in the first overtime possession to put CMU up 30-23. With the Eagles facing third-and-goal from the one on their possession, Shawn Williams intercepted a pass and returned it 100 yards for a score.
CMU has gone to overtime with Eastern Michigan each of the past two seasons, with the Eagles claiming wins in both contests. The Chippewas' five overtime games:
Date Opponent Result10/10/98 at Eastern Michigan W, 36-2310/7/00 Kent State L, 21-2410/30/04 Western Michigan W, 24-2111/6/04 vs. Eastern Michigan L, 61-58 (4 OT)9/24/05 Eastern Michigan L, 23-20The Captains
The CMU coaching staff will name game captains on a weekly basis this season. Captains for the upcoming week are announced on Thursday. The captains for the Western Michigan game were junior defensive end Daniel Bazuin, junior receiver Damien Linson, and junior receiver Justin Gardner.
Opponent CaptainsIndiana Daniel Bazuin, Joe StaleyMiami Daniel Bazuin, Jeff Jenerou, Tony ThompsonPenn State Isaac Brown, Jacob Brown, Kent SmithEastern Michigan Daniel Bazuin, Justin Harper, Tony MikulecAkron Jesse Dailey, Troy Peyerk, Chris WohlgamuthArmy Damien Linson, Marlin MaxwellOhio Isaac Brown, Drew Mormino, Leython WilliamsToledo De'Onte Burnan, Ronnie Jackson, Kent SmithNorthern Illinois Jacob Flint, Craig Knudson, Tony ThompsonWestern Michigan Daniel Bazuin, Justin Gardner, Damien LinsonSmith Named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week (9/12)
Senior quarterback Kent Smith was named Mid-American Conference West Division Offensive Player of the Week following his record-breaking performance in the win at Miami on Sept. 10. It is the second time in his career he has earned the honor; he was also named Player of the Week after throwing for 205 yards and a touchdown and running for 72 yards and a score in last season's 24-21 overtime win against Western Michigan.
Bazuin Tabbed Defensive Player of the Week (9/5)
Junior defensive end Daniel Bazuin was named the MAC West Division Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against Indiana on Sept. 2. Bazuin collected 10 tackles (including nine solo), two sacks and two forced fumbles. His sacks and forced fumbles came on back-to-back plays in the third quarter and knocked IU out of field goal range.
Bazuin, an All-MAC first team selection in 2004, has one other weekly MAC honor on his résume. He was named Special Teams Player of the Week after blocking a pair of field goals in a 24-21 win over Kent State last season.
Winning the Close Ones
Dating back to 1996, CMU has won each of its last five games decided by one point. The Chippewas' last five one-point games:
Date Opponent Result9/10/05 at Miami 38-37 W11/20/04 Ball State 41-40 W9/13/03 Eastern Kentucky 42-41 W10/31/98 Akron 28-27 W11/2/96 at Kent State 52-51 WTwo Rookies and a Legend
In the first two weeks of the season CMU faced head coaches in their first season at their respective schools -- Terry Hoeppner at Indiana and Shane Montgomery at Miami. The Chippewas countered that in week three by playing legendary Penn State coach Joe Paterno who currently holds the NCAA Division I coaching longevity record for most years at one school -- 40.
More Honors for Bazuin
Daniel Bazuin was named the Mid-American Conference's first male Scholar-Athlete of the Week for the 2005-06 academic year on Sept. 8. Bazuin, a marketing major with a 3.42 GPA, recorded 10 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles against Indiana and was named MAC West Division Defensive Player of the Week. The MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week honor is presented to a MAC male and female student-athlete who has a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better and performs well during that week's competition. The winners are selected by a group of the conference's faculty athletic representatives.
Hitting the Books
CMU has claimed the MAC Academic Achievement Award for highest cumulative grade point average among student-athletes by a conference school for the 2004-05 academic year. It marks the fourth straight year, and eighth time in nine years, CMU has won the award. CMU's 369 student-athletes in 16 different sports posted a cumulative grade point average of 3.066 during the 2004-05 academic year.
All in the Family
Three sets of brothers are suiting up for the Chippewas this season: senior tight end Jacob Brown and junior linebacker Isaac Brown; senior offensive lineman Jeff Jenerou and freshman offensive lineman Brian Jenerou; and junior offensive lineman Brandon Zukoff and freshman offensive lineman Brent Zukoff.
Preseason Prognostications
CMU was picked to finish fourth in the MAC West Division in the MAC News Media Association's preseason poll. Toledo was selected to defend its West Division and MAC Championship Game titles, while Bowling Green was tabbed to win the East in its first season back in that division.
CMU in the NFL
Four former Central Michigan University football players are currently on NFL rosters. Offensive linemen Eric Ghiaciuc (fourth round) and Adam Kieft (fifth round) were both selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2005 draft. Ghiaciuc made his first career start on Oct. 9, breaking into the lineup at center. Kieft, however, suffered a knee injury during preseason camp and is currently on the injured reserve list. Center Brock Gutierrez, a letterman from 1993-95, is on the Detroit Lions' roster, while defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins has cracked the starting lineup in his second season with the Green Bay Packers.
CMU on TV
CMU will make at least seven appearances on television this season, including at least three on the ESPN family of networks. The opener against Indiana was live on ESPNU. The Sept. 17 contest at Penn State was covered by ESPN Plus, with FSN Pittsburgh delivering the contest to a regional audience. The Chippewas' Oct. 8 trip to Army was televised on ESPN Classic.
Comcast Sports Net Detroit carried CMU's Sept. 24 game against Eastern Michigan and will air the Nov. 19 regular season finale at Ball State. The Chippewas' Oct. 29 contest vs. Toledo and Nov. 12 game at Western Michigan were selected as the MAC Television Game of the Week.
CMU on the Radio
Chippewa football action can be followed all season on the CMU Football Radio Network. Kurt Wilson and Stan Shingles are in their first seasons handling play-by-play and color commentary, respectively. The broadcasts are being carried in 2005 by the following stations around Michigan:
WCHB 1200-AM -- Detroit WCZY 104.3-FM -- Mount PleasantWFUR 1570-AM -- Grand Rapids WJML 1110-AM -- PetoskeyWUPS 98.5-FM -- Houghton Lake Michigan Talk Radio NetworkThanks, Herb
CMU Athletics Director Herb Deromedi has announced his retirement effective Jan. 15, 2006. Deromedi has been a part of CMU athletics for more than 38 years, taking on his current role on June 1, 1994. Prior to taking over the athletics director post, Deromedi became the winningest football coach in MAC history, posting a 110-55-10 record from 1978-93. He was the defensive coordinator on Roy Kramer's 1974 CMU squad that claimed the 1974 NCAA Division II national championship.
In his current post, Deromedi has spearheaded a complete overhaul of the athletic facilities on campus and overseen a program that has won 34 MAC championships. CMU has also earned the MAC Academic Achievement Award for highest cumulative grade point average by a conference school in eight of the last nine years.
All-Time Record
CMU has played 905 games over the course of 105 seasons and is 531-338-36 in those contests. The Chippewas' all-time winning percentage is .607.
