Middle Tennessee State vs. Central Michigan
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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Middle Tennessee Offense vs. Central Michigan Defense Middle Tennessee is at its best when it can control the clock and keep its defense well rested by running the ball effectively. As a result, offensive coordinator G.A. Mangus should try to get RBs Eugene Gross and DeMarco McNair going early. Gross is a tough runner who fights for yards after contact and has the burst to turn the corner. McNair may not be as powerful, but he can make the first defender miss and shows good speed in the open field. The problem is it should be tough sledding for both backs because Central Michigan has been stout against the run. The Chippewa front four makes up for its lack of size with quickness and athletic ability. It excels at getting into the backfield and forcing ball carriers to make cuts behind the line of scrimmage, rather than 3 to 4 yards downfield. That hesitation gives the linebackers a moment longer to get to the ball and MLB Thomas Keith is a sound open-field tackler who takes the shortest path to the football. Look for the Blue Raiders to run behind ROT Germayle Franklin more often than not. Though Franklin may have problems preventing penetration, he is Middle Tennessee's best drive blocker, and he is big enough to engulf LDE Dan Bazuin. In addition, regularly running at Bazuin should keep the explosive pass rusher on his heels when QB Clint Marks drops back to pass.
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