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MAC Game of the Week: Central Michigan vs. Akron
By Dan Wines
Sep 14, 2006, 21:10

GAME OF THE WEEK: Central Michigan vs. Akron

With unexpected losses by both Toledo and Northern Illinois last weekend, Central Michigan is in position to put themselves in contention for the MAC West title with a win over Akron Saturday.

The Zips (1-1), on the other hand, hope to use the momentum from the big win over N.C. State to establish themselves as the team to beat on the East side of the division.

The Chippewas come into the game 0-2, with losses to both Boston College and Michigan, but it hasn't been all bad for CMU. The B.C. game came down to the final minutes and freshman QB Dan LeFevour showed some signs of life in the second half against Michigan.

This game may very well come down to which team can establish the run. Akron comes in ranked 103rd in rushing after two games and Central Michigan comes in 104th. Hardly awe inspiring stats, but both teams have potential stars in the backfield.

CMU running back Ontario Sneed is coming off of a stellar freshman season in which he rushed for 1,065 yards and also caught 51 passes out of the backfield. He'll be out to prove his 80 rushing yards on 18 carries this season are due to limited opportunities and not a sign of a sophomore slump.

Looking for a breakout season of his own, Akron RB Dennis Kennedy has quietly emerged as a solid replacement to Brett Biggs (1,230 yards) in the backfield. In the victory over N.C. State, Kennedy ran the ball 30 times for 120 yards and three scores. His 3.2 yards per carry need to improve, but his 27.5 carries per game show that he'll be there down the stretch if Akron needs him.

While Kennedy's three touchdowns stole the headlines, it was Akron QB Luke Getsy who spent the afternoon proving why he is one of the most valuable players in the MAC.

It was a Getsy reception on an option pass that lead to the only score of the first half, and a mix of clutch runs and precise passes that put them over the top on their two scoring drives in the fourth. He'll need all that moxie to avoid what will likely be an aggressive pass rush lead by returning MAC defensive player of the year Dan Bazuin.

While CMU definitely has star power on the defensive side of the ball with Bazuin, Akron has the better overall defense. They're stingy against the run and should limit Sneed's effectiveness out of the backfield.

Akron coach J.D. Brookhart will stay committed to the ground game in an effort to control the clock. We should see another 25-30 carries from Kennedy and when it's time to throw I'll take the veteran Getsy over the inexperienced LeFevour.

PREDICTION: Akron 24, Central Michigan 13


In other MAC action......

Toledo vs. Kansas
Kansas has been underwhelming in their 2-0 start with an opening win against Northwestern State and a narrow 21-19 victory over La-Monroe last week. Toledo is not a top 25 caliber squad, but has talent at QB in Clint Cochran and TE in Chris Hopkins. The game should be close, but expect Toledo to take this one at home after two tough road losses to open the season.

Prediction... Toledo 24, Kansas 16

Northern Illinois vs. Buffalo
Last week I hinted that new Buffalo head coach Turner Gill wouldn't be undefeated long, but I was dead wrong about the play of his team. After the week one win over Temple, Gill's Bulls took Bowling Green to three extra frames. This week they run into an 0-2 Northern Illinois team with aspirations of a MAC West title and a Heisman caliber running back. This possible statement game doesn't look good for Buffalo.

Prediction... Northern Illinois 37, Buffalo 13

Bowling Green @ Florida International
Any team that gives up 40 points to Buffalo has some question marks. However, where the defense has struggled, the offense has shown incredible athleticism at QB. Anthony Turner and Freddie Barnes have been platooning there, but both have great speed and Turner has shown a good arm. The play at that position should give BGSU enough to cover for what has been a shaky defense.

Prediction... Bowling Green 34, FIU 17

Western Michigan @ Virginia
Western Michigan proved last week against Toledo that they can hang with the perennial powers in the MAC, but Virginia is a tougher team than Toledo. The Cavaliers will have to stop Broncos RB Mark Bonds from running on them to control the game, but Thomas Peregrin may get another start at QB for WMU and his ineffectiveness against Toledo should keep the Broncos one dimensional. Virginia wins, but it's no blowout.

Prediction... Virginia 27, Western Michigan 20

Ohio @ Rutgers
OU looked impressive last week against Northern Illinois and they're out to a nice 2-0 start. However, Rutgers is on the rise even faster than the Bobcats are. The Rutgers defense won't allow Ohio QB Austen Everson to throw for 300+ yards like NIU did last week, and Ray Rice and Brian Leonard should find holes to run in. If the same Rutgers team that beat Illinois 33-0 shows up, I don't even think this game will be close.

Prediction... Rutgers 38, Ohio 16

Miami vs. Kent State
Last week I said Kent State would lose by double digits to Army. They took the game to OT. This week they play a Miami team that features one of the MAC's most explosive players. I don't think Kent State has anyone who can match the speed and ability of Ryne Robinson. Kent running back Eugene Jarvis is a bright spot, but not enough of one. Miami may be looking at a 2-2 start with this game followed by Syracuse.

My prediction... Miami 35, Kent 10

Eastern Michigan @ Northwestern
Eastern Michigan QB Tyler Jones is an exciting player to watch. He's a solid passer and is an above average runner. Northwestern is coming off of an embarrassing loss to New Hampshire and Jones should be effective against them. Those are the bright spots. Back to reality, Eastern Michigan's defense has yielded 90 points in two games to Ball State and Michigan State. They've given up an average of 217.5 yards rushing per game. Tyrell Sutton will run for 150+ yards and 3 scores.

Prediction... Northwestern 40, Eastern Michigan 17

Ball State @ Purdue
Ball State QB Joey Lynch looked good in last week's 24-23 loss to Indiana, but their defense gave up nearly 400 yards of offense to Big 10 doormat Indiana with a backup QB. Purdue RB Kory Sheets has 7 scores and is averaging over six yards a carry so far this season. Those numbers should improve this week.

Purdue 38, Ball State 14

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