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Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl: First Look At Central Michigan
Who are the Chips?
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Central Michigan vs. Boise State
Conference: Mid-American (West)
Record: 8-4 (6-2)
Coach: Jim McElwain (3rd)
Off Pts/gm: 33.0 (33rd Nationally)
Def Pts/gm: 26.2 (66th Nationally)
On Sunday, it was announced that Boise States’ opponent in the Arizona Bowl on December 31st will be the Central Michigan Chippewas. This will be the 6th game between the two schools, and Boise State looks to extend their current win streak to three and tie the series.
CMU finished their season on a four-game win streak to finish 6-2 in the MAC and 8-4 overall. They just missed out on a trip to the MAC Championship game with their head-to-head loss to eventual West division and conference champion Northern Illinois. The Chippewas are led by former Colorado State and Florida coach Jim McElwain, who is in his 3rd year with the school. If the Chippewas pull off the upset, it would be McElwain’s first win against Boise State.
Central Michigan has had a solid offensive team featuring eight (five 1st team) All-MAC players, including the MAC Offensive Player of the Year, (RFr) running back Lew Nichols III, and Special Teams Player of the Year, (Jr) wide receiver Kalil Pimpleton. Nichols amassed 2,010-total yards and 17 touchdowns while leading the nation with 1,710 rushing yards. Pimpleton averaged 20.2-yards a punt return and took two to the endzone. Defensively the Chippewas had three (two 1st team) All-Mac defenders.
The best win for the Chippewas this season was November 10th against eventual East champion Kent State, 54-30. CMU came back from being down 14-0 at the end of the first quarter to lead 26-17 at halftime. The Chippewas never allowed Kent State within 10-points the remainder of the game. The best loss was to Northern Illinois 39-38. CMU took 35-18 early in the third quarter before getting outscored 21-3 the rest of the game.
Check back soon as we roll out more coverage of all eight Mountain West Bowl games.
Information provided by Sports Reference
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