Jerry Hoffman

Searching for answers.
That’s what the Chippewas (1-6 overall, 1-3 Mid-American Conference) will
be doing at 1 p.m. Saturday when they square off against MAC foe Ball
State (3-4 overall, 3-1 in the MAC).
Central is coming off one of its worse MAC defeats last week at the hands
of Ohio, 52-3. The loss was the worst for the Chippewas since 1986 when
they dropped a 59-6 decision to Miami. The points allowed were the most
since 1997 when Kent handed a 60-37 defeat to CMU.
In that game the Chippewas allowed the Bobcats to score 52 unanswered
points and seven rushing touchdowns.
The Cardinals come in as one of the MAC’s hottest teams. They are winners
of their last three after snapping a 21-game losing streak. The new winning
streak has included victories over Miami, Eastern Michigan and Buffalo.
“Ball State is playing with great confidence right now,” Head Coach Mike
DeBord said in a press release.
“It’s playing with emotion on defense and the change at quarterback has
charged up the offense. Talmadge Hill has given the entire offense a new
look with his mobility and ability to throw the ball.”
Central won its last meeting against Ball State with the help of a career-day
from quarterback Pete Shepherd. Shepherd threw for a career-high 312-yards
and two touchdowns, while Ira Gooch ran for 131 yards.
After seeing limited time in Ohio last week and not starting for the first
time since 1997, Shepherd’s status may still be up in the air.
Redshirt freshman Derrick Vickers had the first start of his career against
Ohio. Vickers completed just 12-of-28 for 142 yards and two interceptions.
Shepherd replaced Vickers late in the game, completing 6-of-9 passes for
37 yards.
The start for Vickers ended Shepherd’s streak of 28 straight games started.
The last quarterback other than Shepherd to start for Central was Tim
Crowley in 1997.
Also looking to bounce back will be senior free safety Brian Leigeb, who
had a season-low seven tackles last week. Leigeb needs just 20 tackles
to move into first place and surpass former NFL standout Ray Bentley’s
443 at Central. Leigeb also leads the team in tackles with 81 on the season.
Injuries have plagued the Chippewas all year forcing them to use five
different tailback this season. Vince Webber has moved back into the starting
role after gaining 58 yards on 11 carries at Ohio.
Webber will be joined in the backfield by true freshman Kenan Lawhorne
and sophomore Tyrone Dalton. Robbie Mixon is out with an injury, while
Alan Parks could also see action.
Next up for Central will be a road trip to Ypsilanti next Saturday for
a 1 p.m. game with Eastern Michigan.

E-mail the author: Paul P. AdamsLIFE Sports Writer