2002 Statistics

written by Tim Chapman

In the Mike DeBord era, the running game has always been the staple of this offense. Despite the one-back look often used, they are most effective when lining up in the "I" and running it right at a defense. Senior RB Terrance Jackson gives CMU a ram-like runner who is shifty enough to make people miss, but strong enough to pave a defense flat. The only concern is keeping him healthy. If he can't go, senior Kenan Lawhorne will get the call.

Part of the reason the Chips averaged 206 yards a game running the football is because of a stout offensive line. Four starters return from a group that displays (overall) consistency and size. These blue-collar trenchmen, led by junior OT Adam Kieft and senior OG Derek McLaughlin, can open nice-sized holes for Chippewa backs to run through and are athletic enough to keep defenders out of their backfield. Chippewa QBs were only sacked 14 times in 2002. Look for continued success in '03 from one of the best lines in the MAC.

Most teams returning a four-year QB consider it a luxury- not so much in Mount Pleasant. Senior Derrick Vickers wrestled away the starting job in his freshmen year but has never really taken the next step. The Chips were 12th in the MAC in passing offense, averaging only 166 yards per game. The big reason seemed Vickers' hesitancy to throw the ball downfield. He only threw five INTs, but didn't complete as many as he had liked either. He will need to be more assertive - stand and deliver in the pocket as opposed to tucking and running so much. Junior Jeff Perry had an impressive spring and has turned some heads in camp - he could very well be the man under center.

The receiving corps is another area that needs to be more dependable. The Chippewas lose their most consistent guy in Rob Turner, but they hope to compensate for the loss by bringing in JUCO WR Jovan Witherspoon. Witherspoon, who initially enrolled at Notre Dame, gives the Chips a big target and decent outside speed. The addition of Witherspoon should make the presence of senior Steve Messam and junior Jacob Brown that much more impacting. The key with CMU's passing game is to spread the ball downfield more. Central likes to get the ball to receivers quickly. By throwing the ball down the middle more and deep outside, it will keep defenses honest, especially when defending against the screen pass they so often use. At any rate, they must improve on the 166 yards per game throwing the ball.

Junior TE Tory Humphrey has been a proven pass-catcher who provides a big, athletic target - just what is needed to assure the above-described. If he has a big year, then the Chippewas are doing something right. Getting outside receivers involved will take opponent's off Humphrey, allowing him to get down the middle and rake in big chunks of yardage. If he requires a LB or safety consistently, then more opens up that way, too. He is a variable factor worth noting.

RB Terrence Jackson (PHOTO CREDIT - Robert Barclay/CMU)

written by Tim Chapman

The Chippewas gave up an average of only 140 yards on the ground last year- not bad considering the talented running backs in the MAC. They return just two starting LBs, but all four have seen some playing time. Senior Ed Hillery is a quick, hard-hitter who brings attitude and enthusiasm. He is joined by a worthy trio. Playing a scheme with four linebackers puts a lot of responsibility on your men in the middle. To that ends, this group will be held responsible for the success or failure of this defense. Nelson, at his BUCK position, is a strong safety who plays closer to the line of scrimmage to assist in run situations. Keep an eye on incoming frosh LB Anthony Rogers.

The defensive line doesn't return a starter, but in 2002 they were very deep. They will have three seniors up front, led by DT Matt Wohlgemuth. Wohlgemuth gives the Chips a threatening pass rusher who creates ways to get to opposing QBs. Seeing this, though, teams will pay him more attention and force the others to beat them. Interior seniors DT Tony Thompson and DE William Brookshire provide some athleticism up front, but not quite the size that will force teams to run outside. Any double-teaming of Wohlgemuth will surely be needed. The Chips will be glad they use a four LB system when teams find it easier to run inside. A guy who will turn heads is redshirt frosh DE Dan Bazuin. He brings a good presence to the forefront and is a great run-stopper.

Defending the pass was NOT something that CMU did well at all in '02, and, accordingly, a big reason the defense allowed 32 points per game. The front four would hold on first and second downs, but when it came time to throw, the secondary was eaten alive - over eight yards per pass attempt. They finished 13th in the MAC, giving up an average of 264 yards per game. When facing offenses like Michigan, Ball State, Bowling Green, and UCF, the Chippewas must show some progress in their secondary. They have returning leading tackler James King back, but that's not necessarily saying much from Div.1-A's 106th pass defense. The Chippewas lose three starters from the secondary, returning only junior FS James King. The new guys are undersized and untested. CMU must protect the outside, where they often got burned last year. Coach DeBord likes the addition of DBs coach Bart Bartolomeo (Ball State) and feels that he can provide some much needed help to this group. Mr. Everything on defense in 2002 is a major casualty, as CB Dante McKnight has been suspended indefinitely due to academics. It is most likely that he won't return.

DB James King (PHOTO CREDIT - Robert Barclay/CMU)