Tuesday, October 31
Mount Pleasant, Mich.
7 p.m.
Central Michigan University
vs
Northern Illinois
Photo by: Jack Reeber '23,M'25 - @jackreeber.raw
Football Preview: Chippewas Eye Home Win Against NIU
10/30/2023 8:45:00 AM | Football
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Halloween Fright Night Game to kickoff at 7 p.m. ET on ESPNU; Chippewas are undefeated at home this year.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – An extra few days to chew on it didn't help it go down any easier.
The Central Michigan football team gets a chance to expel the foul taste of last weekend's 24-17 loss at Ball State when it entertains Northern Illinois in a Mid-American Conference game on Halloween on Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
It's the first of three mid-week 'MACtion' games for the Chippewas, who are at a crossroads at 4-4, 2-2 MAC. A loss to NIU (4-4, 3-1) would realistically end CMU's chances of a MAC West championship, already a we-need-help scenario as the Chippewas trail first-place Toledo by two games with four to play.
"We've got our work cut out for us," said CMU coach Jim McElwain, whose team is 3-0 at home this season, 1-4 on the road.
A loss would also mean that the Chippewas would have to win two of their final three games – Western Michigan, Ohio and Toledo remain on the schedule – to become bowl eligible.
"In this conference, anything can happen," CMU sophomore tight end Mitch Collier said. "We can still make it to the MAC Championship Game, we're fighting for a bowl game … you're fighting not just for yourself, but for your teammates and the coaches; the brotherhood we have. Even if you're not playing for something (tangible) you're still playing for each other.
"All of our goals are still right in front of us this year. It's always a win-now mentality."
The Chippewas moved the ball efficiently against Ball State, much as they did the previous week in a 17-10 home win over Akron. But therein lies the issue: they have been efficient, but not explosive.
CMU's longest play from scrimmage at Ball State was a 24-yard pass play.
"These guys, they can see our shortcomings and we've got to overcome them," McElwain said. "We're trying to create some explosive plays and it's something we haven't been able to do. We've got to take some more chances as we move forward to try to get a few of those."
NIU enters Tuesday's game having won three consecutive games including a 23-13 win over Ohio, which was picked to win the MAC East in the preseason coaches poll.
Huskie running back Antario Brown ranks second in the MAC with 676 rushing yards.
"These guys are on a roll," McElwain said of the Huskies. "They're really good up front. That's where games are won and lost. They've got a great running back who's a load."
The Central Michigan football team gets a chance to expel the foul taste of last weekend's 24-17 loss at Ball State when it entertains Northern Illinois in a Mid-American Conference game on Halloween on Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
It's the first of three mid-week 'MACtion' games for the Chippewas, who are at a crossroads at 4-4, 2-2 MAC. A loss to NIU (4-4, 3-1) would realistically end CMU's chances of a MAC West championship, already a we-need-help scenario as the Chippewas trail first-place Toledo by two games with four to play.
"We've got our work cut out for us," said CMU coach Jim McElwain, whose team is 3-0 at home this season, 1-4 on the road.
A loss would also mean that the Chippewas would have to win two of their final three games – Western Michigan, Ohio and Toledo remain on the schedule – to become bowl eligible.
"In this conference, anything can happen," CMU sophomore tight end Mitch Collier said. "We can still make it to the MAC Championship Game, we're fighting for a bowl game … you're fighting not just for yourself, but for your teammates and the coaches; the brotherhood we have. Even if you're not playing for something (tangible) you're still playing for each other.
"All of our goals are still right in front of us this year. It's always a win-now mentality."
The Chippewas moved the ball efficiently against Ball State, much as they did the previous week in a 17-10 home win over Akron. But therein lies the issue: they have been efficient, but not explosive.
CMU's longest play from scrimmage at Ball State was a 24-yard pass play.
"These guys, they can see our shortcomings and we've got to overcome them," McElwain said. "We're trying to create some explosive plays and it's something we haven't been able to do. We've got to take some more chances as we move forward to try to get a few of those."
NIU enters Tuesday's game having won three consecutive games including a 23-13 win over Ohio, which was picked to win the MAC East in the preseason coaches poll.
Huskie running back Antario Brown ranks second in the MAC with 676 rushing yards.
"These guys are on a roll," McElwain said of the Huskies. "They're really good up front. That's where games are won and lost. They've got a great running back who's a load."
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