Mid-season CMU football report card

There is good news for Chippewas football fans this weekend. They won’t
lose a game. Of course this weekend is a bye week.
Nevertheless it’s the half way point of the season for Central and a 1-5
record isn’t exactly what was expected at this point in the season.
A few words can be used to describe such a terrible start. Disappointment, frustration
and flat out embarrassment.
However, I have come up with a system most college students can relate to. A
simple grading system we all know how it works so let’s see how it applies
to the football team.

Coaching

I give all the credit in the world to Mike DeBord he has taken this season
the way a championship coach should. He has placed the blame on himself and
has not let his frustration boil over to the press conferences yet.
Although the results have not been there yet DeBord has proven his commitment
to having a championship team. It will take time but with a 1-5 record patience
may be already running thin with the Chippewas fateful.
Grade – C+

Quarterback(s)

Pete Shepherd and Derrick Vickers have shared time this year and so far the
experiment has had mixed results.
Shepherd has yet to throw and interception a very impressive stat. On the flip
side he has yet to complete a long pass. Granted he does have an 86-yard TD
pass but it was a screen pass.
Vickers showed us a glimpse of what he is capable of against Kent State. He
completed 19-of-32 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns. One day these
are the numbers we will see every game from him.
Shepherd is playing the way a senior quarterback should play and continues to
be a leader on this team.
Grade – C

Running backs

The Chips are very banged up at the tail back position and were forced to use
true freshman Kenan Lawhorne against Kent. All Lawhorne did was run the ball
for 86 yards on 24 carries and catch it three times for another 87 yards and
a touchdown. Not bad for a freshman.
However, it was a good performance for a running game that can be best described
as inconsistent at best.
One game we see Robbie Mixon running the ball over 100 yards the next game he
only has 12 yards.
Another thing, what ever happened to Vince Webber?
Grade – C-

Offensive line

Their performance has mirrored that of the running game. One week they are
throwing guys out of the way like they should. The next week they are getting
man handled.
They have shown signs of things they can do but are just to unpredictable.
Grade – C-

Wide receivers

I said early in the year I wouldn’t say his name, but I have to: Jammarl
O’Neal. We are starting to see just how much he meant Central. He gave
the Chips big play ability something which has killed them all year.
Ira Gooch has been hampered by injuries and the inability to catch the long
ball. A few time this year he has drop touchdown passes.
True freshman Steve Messam have responded and will be a great receiver. But,
he has to demonstrate the ability to catch the long ball.
Grade – D

Offense

Central is among the nation’s worst in points scored, yards and about
every other offensive category. At times it has showed signs of moving the ball
but has a long way to go to get a passing grade.
Grade – D-

Defense

Other than senior free safety Brian Leigeb’s pursuit of the CMU tackle
record there isn’t much to be happy about here.
The Chippewa defense has been torched for 40 or more points three time this
year and has not show the ability to make the big plays when they are needed.
Granted, when the offense leaves the defense on the field for over half the
game it will get worn out.
Grade – D- (Leigeb gets an A)

Special teams

Place kicker Paul Savich has missed three field goals from middle range 30-39
yards. However, Savich is a perfect 7 for 7 on extra points. Punter Brian Brandt
has an average of 39.2 yards per punt, very respectable.
Grade – C-

Overall

Central has shown signs of the team it can be. For proof just look at the Akron
win. Everything went right and the Chippewas knocked off one of the best teams
in the Mid-American Conference.
However, it has been the lack of execution in the five losses that tell the
story this year. Injuries haven’t helped much either.
Grade – D
Just remember this grade can be changed with a turn around in the second half.