NDSUstudent
09-20-2007, 06:53 PM
North Dakota State (2-0) at Central Michigan (1-2) 3:30 PM
Why to Watch: This is hardly the cupcake game Central Michigan would like it to be before diving into MAC play against Northern Illinois. The defending MAC Champion hasn't been impressive so far, and now it'll be pushed by one of the nation's best FCS teams. North Dakota State is ranked in the top five, after an impressive 41-38 win over Sam Houston State thanks to a 27-yard touchdown pass with just seven seconds to play. This is a hot team, winning six straight after nearly stunning Minnesota in the Dome. As good as the Bison might be, if CMU is good enough to be in the MAC title hunt again, it should win this game without much of a problem.
Why North Dakota State Might Win: The CMU secondary has been stunningly awful. It's a veteran group with some good talent. but it's been bombed on short, long, and everywhere in between, giving up close to 350 yards per game. NDSU has an decent passing game, with QB Steve Walker connecting on 68% of his passes, and he'll get a shot to turn it loose. He's a heady veteran who should keep the mistakes to a minimum, even though he's thrown four picks so far. NDSU will keep up the pace if this gets into any sort of a shootout.
Why Central Michigan Might Win: NDSU has struggled to hang on to the ball, turning it over six times in just two games. CMU has been solid at hanging on to the ball so far, and if it wins the turnover battle, will likely win without a problem. As long as the Bison don't get up early, CMU should be able to move consistently thanks to a balanced offense that has yet to hit its stride. After doing a great job so far late in games, an sort of an early lead should mean everything.
Who to Watch: The best player in the game, and the one with the biggest NFL upside, might be a punter. NDSU's Mike Dragosavich has a monster of a leg and unlimited range. So far, he's averaging 48 yards per kick and will be enough of a weapon to keep CMU pinned deep throughout the game. Trying to keep that from happening is CMU's Antonio Brown, who has only gotten three punt return chances, but has been dangerous with a 14 yard average.
What Will Happen: This should be fun. Both quarterbacks will come up with key play after key play in what should be a back-and-fourth battle with several momentum shifts. In the end, the CMU defense will make two stops, the Chippewas will convert, and disaster will be avoided.
CFN Prediction: Central Michigan 31 ... North Dakota State 27 ... Line: No Line
Must See Rating: (5 Curb Your Enthusiasm - 1 Kid Nation) ... 2
http://cfn.scout.com/2/651429.html
Why to Watch: This is hardly the cupcake game Central Michigan would like it to be before diving into MAC play against Northern Illinois. The defending MAC Champion hasn't been impressive so far, and now it'll be pushed by one of the nation's best FCS teams. North Dakota State is ranked in the top five, after an impressive 41-38 win over Sam Houston State thanks to a 27-yard touchdown pass with just seven seconds to play. This is a hot team, winning six straight after nearly stunning Minnesota in the Dome. As good as the Bison might be, if CMU is good enough to be in the MAC title hunt again, it should win this game without much of a problem.
Why North Dakota State Might Win: The CMU secondary has been stunningly awful. It's a veteran group with some good talent. but it's been bombed on short, long, and everywhere in between, giving up close to 350 yards per game. NDSU has an decent passing game, with QB Steve Walker connecting on 68% of his passes, and he'll get a shot to turn it loose. He's a heady veteran who should keep the mistakes to a minimum, even though he's thrown four picks so far. NDSU will keep up the pace if this gets into any sort of a shootout.
Why Central Michigan Might Win: NDSU has struggled to hang on to the ball, turning it over six times in just two games. CMU has been solid at hanging on to the ball so far, and if it wins the turnover battle, will likely win without a problem. As long as the Bison don't get up early, CMU should be able to move consistently thanks to a balanced offense that has yet to hit its stride. After doing a great job so far late in games, an sort of an early lead should mean everything.
Who to Watch: The best player in the game, and the one with the biggest NFL upside, might be a punter. NDSU's Mike Dragosavich has a monster of a leg and unlimited range. So far, he's averaging 48 yards per kick and will be enough of a weapon to keep CMU pinned deep throughout the game. Trying to keep that from happening is CMU's Antonio Brown, who has only gotten three punt return chances, but has been dangerous with a 14 yard average.
What Will Happen: This should be fun. Both quarterbacks will come up with key play after key play in what should be a back-and-fourth battle with several momentum shifts. In the end, the CMU defense will make two stops, the Chippewas will convert, and disaster will be avoided.
CFN Prediction: Central Michigan 31 ... North Dakota State 27 ... Line: No Line
Must See Rating: (5 Curb Your Enthusiasm - 1 Kid Nation) ... 2
http://cfn.scout.com/2/651429.html