But aside from terrific quarterback Dan LeFevour, what sets CMU apart has been its defense – at least recently. The Chippewas are giving up an average of 36 points a game, but have given up just 24 total in the last two games. Linebacker Red Keith (the reining defensive player of the week in the conference) has led the way, with a team-leading 55 tackles.
Basically, if you watch one MAC game this week, this is the one.
Some other games worth looking at:
If Kent State wants to move into the East Division race, it needs a win over Miami, which is coming of somewhat of an upset win against Syracuse.
I won't waste much time talking about Northern Illinois-Temple. The teams are a combined 1-9 this season. What has happened to the Huskies?
Akron plays Western Michigan, who played one league game each. Akron could have its hands full against the Broncos, who put up 261 yards on the ground in a win last week against Toledo. Mark Bonds ran for 143 yards by himself.
Ohio shouldn't have much trouble with Buffalo; nor should Toledo with Liberty.
In other non-conference games, Bowling Green and Eastern Michigan ought to be able to cash a big check after Saturday, when they play Boston College and Michigan, respectively. EMU probably has more on its mind than just competing, however.
Five weeks in, we still have four teams without a conference loss. Okay, sure, Wyoming and San Diego State have yet to play a MWC game. I'll have you never mention that petty fact again. They're both doing something about it this week.
Wyoming (which was rated by the Trojan condom company as the second most sexually healthy school in the US) will host the TCU Horny Horned Frogs. Texas Christian has rattled off two straight wins, so a victory over a contending team like Wyoming could help TCU hit their stride as their schedule stays tough through October.
San Diego State heads over to 0-4 Colorado State in a battle of perhaps the conference's two worst defenses. So if a game ends 45-41 because of blown coverage, is it still exciting?
Utah can't live on its thrashing of UCLA forever, so they take flight to Louisville for another upset. Why not? Everybody's doing it.
UNLV has a lot to prove against Air Force. At 2-3, the Rebels' two wins came against teams from the state Utah. The AFA is based in Colorado. Not a good sign.
BYU? New Mexico? Hit the showers. You won't be needed this week.
Article comments
1 - Pico
Josh:
Two things to look for with LSU/Fla. Number one will Tiger QB Matt Flynn be close enough to 100%? If not, that's where LSU will lose the game with turnovers, much as they did last year in the Swamp. Number two, can mlb Ali Highsmith and the rest of the Tiger front seven be effective at stopping Tebow's qb draws? Since Florida doesn't seem to be a running threat with their running backs, stopping Tebow will be crucial to stopping their running game. I expect the Gators to get a few big pass plays on LSU's man coverage but if they can't run, they can't win. Oh, and rain could be a factor, too.
BTW, one of this week's best SEC matchups was already played: #8 Kentucky losing at #11 S. Carolina 38-23. Woodson looked very mortal out there.