Quarterbacks: Junior Derrick Vickers or redshirt freshman Kent Smith? Head Coach Mike DeBord said it will be a game-time decision, but it’s expected that the third-year coach has a pretty good idea of who he wants taking the snaps. Western Michigan went with JUCO transfer Chad Munson in the latter half of the year and he has been inconsistent.

Advantage: Push

Runningbacks: Although the running game was shaky against Ball State, Robbie Mixon and Terrence Jackson are a formidable duo in the backfield. Credit also is overdue for fullback Adam Supianoski. That is not the case for the Broncos backs that have struggled. And if you are not successful running the ball, you typically do not win.

Advantage: CMU

Wide Receivers: The return of senior Rod Means should help this crew as it tries to turn around a disappointing season. Expect a big game from senior Rob Turner as well. Western senior Jermaine Lewis is a converted defensive back that made an interception in the big game last year.

Advantage: WMU

Tight Ends: Sophomore Tory Humphrey is a good talent for the Chippewas, but he is not on the level of Broncos senior NFL prospect Mobolaji Afariogun. (God bless you.)

Advantage: WMU

Offensive Line: The Central blockers have dominated at times and have been at least solid all year. Senior Kyle Croskey should be first-team All-MAC. Not the case for Western’s group that has opened up too few holes while allowing too many sacks.

Advantage: CMU

Defensive Line: This senior-led Chippewas unit should be inspired to make some big plays in their parting performance. For Western, this senior-led unit should be inspired to make some big plays in their parting performance.

Advantage: Push

Linebackers: Jovan Clarke calls himself the quarterback of the defense and could make a strong case for All-MAC by outplaying his WMU counterpart and fellow candidate Brian Lape. Lape is the leader of the defense as well and will be up close and personal with Central ballcarriers all day.

Advantage: CMU

Secondary: This group has hit a low point for CMU now as opponent quarterbacks are now acknowledging that they look forward to playing this pass defense and the opportunity of big numbers that they present. Western safety Jason Feldpausch is starting to gain a reputation from jarring the ball loose from ballcarriers.

Advantage: WMU

Special Teams: Central’s special teams have been quiet lately, which in this phase of the game is actually a good thing. Western kicker Robert Menchinger beat an in-state rival two weeks ago with a late field goal in a win against Eastern Michigan. Sound familiar?

Advantage: WMU

Coaching: Both teams probably figured they were a half-step behind the conference leaders before the season started, but disappointing years for both make that more like two or three long strides. That being said, a win could salvage some of the season for both of them. It appears as if WMU’s Gary Darnell may be on the hot seat unlike DeBord who just received the extension. But both coaches want this one so bad that they can taste it. Let’s play some ball.

Advantage: Push

Intangibles: Two of the most valuable CMU players on Saturday will be Kelly and his buddy Shorts who seem to have their way of intimidating Broncos players since the stadium was built. It may not have been mentioned yet in this section but Western has not won here since ‘73. If that’s not an intangible advantage I don’t know what is.

Advantage: CMU

Overall: Sorry but you just wasted your time. Toss out advantages, records and manners as well when these two teams get together. They are playing for the right to call themself the best MAC team in the state, unfortunately this season, that has turned into like being the MVP of the WNBA. It should be a great game anyway.

Schoch’s prediction: CMU 51, WMU 48 in 2 OT.

Schoch can be reached for comment at sports@cm-life.com.