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| Monday, August 13 Updated: August 16, 2:40 PM ET Rebuilding Chippewas have safety net with QB Vickers By Rodney McKissic Special to ESPN.com |
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Central Michigan Chippewas 2000 record:2-9 (2-6). Coach: Mike DeBord (2nd year, 2-9 record). Starters returning: 7 offense, 9 defense. Outlook: The Chippewas were terrible at two things last year: The running game and stopping the run and following a 2-9 season, DeBord says all the positions are up for grabs. But you can bet slippery quarterback Derrick Vickers and tailback Vince Webber will be in the starting lineup come Aug. 30 against Eastern Kentucky. Both need to perform with more consistency than last year because the top two receivers graduated leaving sophomore Steve Messam (22 receptions) as the team's top returning receiver. The Chippewas, nevertheless, have experience on the line. The run defense allowed a mind-boggling 267.6 yards per game but they are solid on the corners with Tedaro France and Wayne Dudley, a pair of three-year starters who helped lead all of I-A in pass defense. Still, they will miss free safety Brian Leigeb who recorded 147 tackles. Keep an eye on: Linebacker Darvin Lewis, who had 13 tackles for a loss and 113 tackles overall. Key game: The Chippewas were dreadful away from Mount Pleasant last season but they have an opportunity for a rare road win on Sept. 29 at Buffalo. It's a good year if... They learn how to stop the run and the talented Vickers gains some consistency. If that happens, there's no reason why Central Michigan can't double its win total from a year ago. Rodney McKissic covers the MAC for the Buffalo News. |
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