DETROIT – Before the stands were filled with fans and before the players even had their pads and uniforms on, Butch Jones sat on the bench with his legs stretched out and his arms folded across his chest.

Sports Editor Andrew Stover breaks down the 2009 Mid-American Conference Championship game between CMU and Ohio at 8 tonight at Ford Field in Detroit.

Senior quarterback Dan LeFevour has played arguably his best football in five career games at Ford Field.

He has thrown 11 touchdowns to four interceptions, averaged 325 yards of total offense and added five rushing touchdowns.

Butch Jones has seen quite a bit in third season as football coach.

Now he is seeing his first-place Chippewas prepare for the Mid-American Conference Championship game at 8 tonight at Ford Field.

Tickets for Friday’s Mid-American Conference Championship football game are still available, but may not be for long.

The CMU athletics department is expecting a half-full Kelly/Shorts Stadium for the football team’s final home game of the 2009 season.