2011 Prediction & Game Story
Week 10, CMU at Kent State
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Central Michigan (3-6) at Kent State (2-6) Nov. 4, 8:00, ESPN 2
Here’s The Deal …Both teams are coming off of a win, and both teams undoubtedly have renewed energy after seeing their respective division leaders slip up over the past week. The Golden Flashes will be looking to build off one of their only offensive displays last week as they found a way to pull the upset against Bowling Green--thanks in large part to taking advantage of some timely miscues. The Chippewas on the other hand, are thankful to have gotten out of Akron with a win after a furious rally and missed two point conversion to end the game.
Historically speaking, the two teams have played 31 times with CMU holding a 22-9 advantage overall, including 12 of the last 14. This will be the first cross-divisional meeting since 2007 when the Chippewas won on the road in a high scoring affair 41-32. There is still slim hope for both teams to catch the leaders in the division, but a loss would end any thoughts of reeling anyone in.
Why Central Michigan Might Win: Nobody’s going to mistake the Chippewas for an offensive juggernaut, but they are head and shoulders above the Golden Flashes in comparison. Of all the teams in FBS, Kent State is ranked dead last (120) in total offensive yardage per game. That likely means that Central Michigan will only need to have an average day on offense to come out on top. To further that point, the most points Kent State has been able to muster against an FBS team is 27 points and that was because of the benefit of four turnovers.
The defense for Central Michigan is also not that adept, but it probably won’t have to be to slow down an offense that does a good job of slowing itself down. If the Chippewas can keep from turning the ball over, it’ll more than likely walk off the field with a victory.
Why Kent State Might Win: It’s not like Central Michigan is that much better. For all of the hand wringing and groaning that’s been done about the ineptness of the Kent State offense, CMU has not been much better. Sure, the passing game is always going to be there, but the running game is nearly non-existent, ranking just 90th in the country.
And the Golden Flashes have a very good defense, at least statistically. If CMU is going to come out throwing the ball (and you know it will), then it’ll play right into the hands of the Kent State defense that is ranked a very solid no. 22 in pass efficiency defense, especially when being able to key in on a very one-dimensional Chippewa offense. The game is at home, and if KSU’s defense can can keep it close and feed off of the home crowd, it will be in position to get a big win.
What To Watch Out For: Offense. Neither team has been very sustainable on the offensive side of the ball, but the one potential shining star, and best player on the field this Saturday will be the CMU QB Ryan Radcliff. For all of the talent and all of the physical tools the 6’3”, 215 lb. junior possesses however, he has yet to quite get it going consistently this year--and it has hurt the bottom line for Central Michigan. The Chippewas are a team predicated on frequent flier miles and so far this year there have been some blackout moments. If the program ever hopes to soar to the heights of the glory days of a few years ago with Radcliff pulling the trigger, and get back into the division race, Radcliff needs to start bombing away with more accuracy--now.
What Will Happen: Who can score points? Whichever team can cover up its glaring warts and move the ball--and score, is going to go home happy. As expected, Central Michigan will put the ball in Radcliff’s hands and look to do damage through the air. It will struggle to find any consistency in the passing game, but Kent State will struggle even more and be haunted by its ineffectiveness offensively. It’ll be a rather low scoring affair, but look for a couple big plays in the passing game from the Chippewas to turn the tide in this one. CMU stays alive barely in the division while the Golden Flashes head back to the drawing board after the short-lived victory from last week.
CFN Prediction: Central Michigan 24 … Kent State 17
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O/U: 43
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