2007 Central Michigan Chippewas

2007 Central Michigan Chippewas Season, Game Recaps, Scores and Reviews

Recap: Losing head coach Brian Kelly to Cincinnati never looked more unsettling than when the Chippewas started the season 1-3, including a 44-14 loss to North Dakota State. Central Michigan rallied, however, behind the dual-threat heroics of QB Dan LeFevour to win eight games and a MAC championship for the second year in-a-row. LeFevour was otherworldly throughout his sophomore season, joining Vince Young as the only players to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 more in a single season, while offsetting a Chippewa D that ranked among the worst in the league. Offensive Player of the Year: QB Dan LeFevour Defensive Player of the Year: LB Red Keith Biggest Surprise: WR/KR Antonio Brown. Central Michigan needed a complement to Bryan Anderson in the passing game, and Brown stepped up with a school-record 102 receptions, giving the Chips the MAC Freshman of the Year for the second straight season. Biggest Disappointment: The Chippewas road to a conference title took a detour on Nov. 16, a 48-45 loss to lowly Eastern Michigan. As usual, Central Michigan had no problems scoring points, but was equally generous on defense, allowing Pierre Walker and Andy Schmitt to combine for 210 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Looking Ahead: With Butch Jones now settled in as the head coach and LeFevour back for a third season, Central Michigan will be the heavy favorite to repeat in the MAC. Although the defense loses just three starters, all three were on the postseason honor roll in 2007, a concern for an already overmatched unit.