Bowl Games 2006: Motor City Bowl
Middle Tennessee (7-5) vs. Central Michigan (9-4)
Central Michigan took home the MAC championship this year and the play of QB Dan LeFevour played a big part in its success.
LeFevour, a freshman, threw for 2,869 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Freshman Bryan Anderson was one of five Chippewas receivers who caught five touchdowns or more. No Division I-A team averages less time of possession per game than the Chippewas, so the defense has had to stay on the field for long periods of time. Keeping that in mind, it’s somewhat surprising Central Michigan has been so tough against the run.
With head coach Brian Kelly taking the Cincinnati job, there will be some uncertainty surrounding Central Michigan.
Rick Stockstill did a remarkable job righting the ship as Middle Tennessee’s first-year head coach this fall. The Blue Raiders rank among the nation’s worst in passing offense but they won the Sun Belt by running the football and playing sound defense.
RB Eugene Gross is the leading rusher with 845 yards and 10 touchdowns. Defensively, the Blue Raiders are undersized in their 4-3 scheme but they get great pass-rush pressure from DE Erik Walden and LB J.K. Sabb is a playmaker with 14½ tackles for loss, 14 sacks and 67 tackles.
Prediction: Central Michigan played tough against Boston College, Kentucky and Michigan and ran through the MAC with ease. Middle Tennessee doesn’t play anywhere near the same schedule as the Chippewas and that should be the difference in the game. With the contest played in Detroit, this is pratically a home game for Central Michigan. The Chippewas win 34-17.
NCAA Endzone Bowl Record: 5-2
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