Staff prediction: Central Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan football
The Central Michigan Life football reporters weigh in on their expectations for the week-11 matchup between the Central Michigan Chippewas (3-6) and the Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-8) Saturday at Rynearson Stadium.
Ryan Zuke (4-5)
On paper, this should be a win for CMU against a 1-8 EMU team. But the Eagles are at home and have given the Chippewas a tough time the past few seasons. I think the game will go down to the wire, though I find it hard to believe CMU will go 0-2 against WMU and EMU for two-straight seasons. Ryan Radcliff will have another big day and David Harman will kick a late field goal for the win. Prediction CMU 34 EMU 31
Matt Thompson (5-4)
Last time CMU went to Ypsilanti, Paris Cotton rushed for more than 200 yards. I don't think Zurlon Tipton will reach that point, but he will help to control the game. Titus Davis will naturally find his way to the end zone, and the CMU defense will play well enough to win, despite giving up big rushing yards. Prediction: CMU 42, EMU 28
Brandon Champion (6-3)
For the second time in three weeks, CMU plays a team that has just one win. The Eagles rank near the bottom of the conference in almost every category, including their run defense. I expect junior running back Zurlon Tipton to have a monster game. The CMU defense has struggled to stop anyone this season, but in the end, it's a one-win EMU team, and if CMU doesn't win this game, head coach Dan Enos' hot seat will likely reach its boiling point. Prediction CMU 34 EMU 24
Justin Hicks (6-3)
The Chippewas are hungry for a win, but the Eagles are hungrier. CMU is bound to have a big day rushing, but I expect EMU to follow suit on the ground with neither team proving it can stop the run. Running back Bronson Hill tallied 283 yards against Toledo on Oct. 13 – a similar team to CMU in that it runs a strong offense and poor defense. I expect him to repeat, and the Chippewas to be stunned in Ypsilanti. Prediction: EMU 38, CMU 34
