Central Michigan Chippewas v New Hampshire Wildcats Preview, Start Time, Radio
By Tony Fischer
Aug 31, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Alex Niznak (2) throws the ball in the third quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Central Michigan University Chippewas host the New Hampshire Wildcats at Kelly Shorts Stadium in Mt. Pleasant Michigan this weekend. The Chips are coming off of 59-9 drubbing at the hands of the Michigan Wolverines in the season opener. Although it will be good to return to their home field the Chippewas will have their hands full with the Wildcats.
New Hampshire is a FCS (1-AA) power and was ranked #8 in the FCS AP Top 25 preseason poll. In fact New Hampshire has a streak of being listed in 126 consecutive FCS polls, the longest such streak in the nation. Dan Enos understands the challenge presented by the Wildcats.
"“They do a good job. They’re a good football team and very well-coached, Every game is a big challenge and this is no different.”"
Chippewa Coach Dan Enos told the Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun that his team is not overlooking the Colonial League co-champion.
"“We’ll be very prepared, By no means do we think we can just throw our helmets out here and beat anybody. We know we’re not that kind of football team. We’re a blue-collar team. We’re going to have to play very well. We’re going to have to tackle well on defense and tackle the quarterback. We’re going to have to run the ball and make some big plays with our wideouts. We just understand that we’re going to have to play very, very well.”"
The Chips may be ready for New Hampshire but they will have to face them without some key players on offense. Junior quarterback Cody Kater will miss 4-6 weeks with a broken clavicle and senior running back Zurlon Tipton will miss the remainder of the season with a broken ankle.
This is as close to a must win for the Chippewas as a non-conference game can get. The Chippewas squeaked into a bowl game at 6-6 and needed the extra game to post a winning record in 2012. A loss to UNH would put the Chips in an 0-2 hole to start the season. That may be devastating for a team looking to post back to back winning seasons for the first time since the Dan Enos era began. The MAC is an improved conference this year and with solid teams in Ypsilanti and Kalamazoo it will be difficult for the Chippewas to make up those games once the MAC schedule begins.
Game Information
- What: Central Michigan University v New Hampshire Wildcats
- When: Saturday, September, 7th 3pm
- Where: Kelly Shorts Stadium, Mt. Pleasant Michigan
- Radio: 1270 AM Detroit, WUPS Mt. Pleasant