The Mid-Major. This trendy term, used to describe middle-sized college basketball schools, has been popularized by the likes of NCAA Tournament-successful schools Gonzaga, Kent State and Creighton.

Perhaps the poster-child for Mid-Major success, the Blue Jays will make their fifth consecutive trip to the Big Dance when they face Central Thursday.

Here is a breakdown comparing the two ballclubs:

Guards: CMU’s guard play has been the underlying reason for the team’s late-season surge. J.R. Wallace has been steady down the stretch, scoring in double figures in 19 of 22 MAC games. His athleticism and shooting ability will be counted upon to stretch the Creighton defense.

Normally a pass first, shoot later kind of player, T.J. Meerman has added recent offensive production. He is the team’s best three-point shooter (44 percent) and hit for double-figures in the past two games.

With the Blue Jays brimming with depth, Whitney Robinson will play an important role. The senior struggled to find shots in the MAC Tournament, but will see his share of playing time in the first round

While Korver gives the team identity, Larry House is the engine that makes it run. The senior has been solid at the two-guard slot, adding much-needed offense. Tyler McKinney doesn’t shoot well from the outside (28 percent), but his passing ability makes him dangerous. Part of one of the nation’s deepest and most-used benches, DeAndre Bowden, Nathan Funk and Kellen Miliner provide shooting and athleticism.

Forwards: Central’s offensive weakness is exposed at the three-spot. While Tony Bowne is a solid chemistry player, opposing coaches view him as the fifth option on the court. His ability to knock down given open jumpers could be crucial. Brandon Voorhees’s minutes have increased as the season has gone on, as he has given solid play off the bench.

Mike Manciel quietly put together a successful season. The Second Team All MAC performer is an inside-outside threat, with the shot and the strength to perplex defenses focused on stopping Chris Kaman.

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Mike Grimes gives solid production at the four and should match up well with Manciel. Michael Lindeman is similar in size and shooting ability to Korver, giving the Blue Jays an outside threat when Korver rests.

Centers: No player in the country has made a bigger improvement this season than Kaman, who now has NBA scouts drooling over his ability. Kaman should be able to produce against the smaller Blue Jays, as long as he can stay out of foul trouble. Adam Dentlinger gives solid play when Kaman needs a rest.

Brody Deren and Joe Dabbert are smaller, but are no slouches. Deren is a Northwestern transfer and put together a solid season. Dabbert’s minutes have decreased during the late part of the season, but they should be back up against Kaman.

Central Keys:

1. Contain Korver: Korver is one of those players who may be impossible to shut down. Either Manciel, Bowne, Meerman or Voorhees must challenge him on both ends, and make it difficult for him to catch the ball. Help side defense must be waiting when Korver takes the ball to the basket.

2. Outside shooting: CMU has been an excellent outside shooting team this year, and it needs to carry over into Utah. With Creighton likely collapsing on Kaman, the shots will be there.

3. Play confident: The Chippewas played with confidence and focus during the MAC Tournament. They cannot be scared about the foreign territory of the NCAA Tournament. They must stick to their game play which has worked for much of the year.

Outlook: This game is being tabbed by ESPN as the best first round game in the West Regional. There is no reason to think that it will not dissapoint. Kaman and Korver are two exciting players to watch, and both teams have solid supporting casts. The committee should be commended for slating two such similar teams together in the first round.

Life Assistant Sports Editor Jeremy Speer can be reached for comment at sports@cm-life.com