Nonconference football schedule features three Power Five matchups
At the Mid-American Conference Media Day at Ford Field, Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said MAC teams can play with any team in the nation.
Central Michigan football has an opportunity to prove him right in the nonconference schedule this season.
Three of the Chippewas' four nonconference games are against Power Five teams — Kentucky, Kansas and Michigan State.
Although the Chippewas play one conference game against Northern Illinois before playing Michigan State, a sturdy nonconference schedule can prepare a team for conference matchups on the latter half of the season.
Week 1: Kentucky, Southeastern Conference
2017 record: 7-6, 4-4 SEC
In Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops' sixth season as the head coach of the program, he welcomes 18 starters on a team who won seven games and was edged (24-23) in the Music City Bowl by Northwestern.
Running back Benny Snell Jr. returns following a 1,333-yard rushing total with a team-high 19 touchdowns to lead the Wildcat offense. However, former quarterback Stephen Johnson graduated, and the quarterback spot is still up in the air. The battle is between Oregon transfer Terry Wilson, a mobile quarterback, and Gunnar Hoak, a pocket-passing quarterback.
The Wildcat defense forced 18 turnovers in 2017. While the defense was solid at times last season, they were outscored 106-73 in the fourth quarter in 2017. The secondary was the second-worst in the SEC against the pass in 2017.
Week 2: Kansas, Big 12
2017 record: 1-11, 0-9 Big 12
While the JayHawks could only muster up a single victory last year, they return 91 percent of their teams production on offense and defense, according to Bill Connelly. Some regard Kansas as the laughing stock of the Power Five football schools, as Central Michigan beat them 45-27 last season.
A running back duo may carry the offense with Khalil Herbert and Dom Williams returning who rushed for a combined 839 yards. Receiver Steven Sims returns as the teams top playmaker, with 59 catches for 839 yards and six touchdowns — both team high's.
Like Kentucky, Kansas has yet to name a starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Last year, the Jayhawks used two quarterbacks in senior Peyton Bender and junior Carter Stanley, who are both returning to the team.
Week 4: Maine, Colonial Athletic Association
2017 record: 4-6, 3-5 CAA
The Maine Black Bears return multiple playmakers on defense, which was the fifth-best in the FCS on third down conversion with only 27.4 percent. Defensive lineman Kayon Whitaker and linebacker Sterling Sheffield return with a combined 26 tackles for a loss.
It has been quite the offseason in Orono, but not in the way the Black Bears had planned. Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen left the program for the same position with Holy Cross after spending two seasons with Maine. Also, running back Josh Mack, who led the FCS in rushing yards per game last season, announced his intention to transfer to Liberty this past spring.
On offense, starting quarterback Chris Ferguson comes back to the team after starting 10 games with 2,064 passing yards and 16 touchdowns last season. But without his offensive coordinator and leading running back, Ferguson may struggle.
Week 5: Michigan State, Big Ten
2017 record: 11-3, 7-2 Big Ten
The only team in the country who returns more of its overall productivity than Maine is Michigan State. The Spartans have 19 returning starters, including Brian Lewerke, who drew comparisons to former MSU quarterback and Minnesota Viking Kirk Cousins.
Lewerke is the team's best passer and second-best rusher behind L.J. Scott, who tallied 898 rushing yards last season. Their defense ranked No. 7 in the nation and No. 2 in rushing defense. Only two defensive starters graduated.
With returning weapons on offense and a veteran quarterback, the Spartans will try to score more points per game after finishing 10th in the Big Ten last season.
