Central Michigan Vs Western Michigan Will Battle For The Cannon

We all know about the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State.

However if you find yourself inside the city limits of either Mount Pleasant or Kalamazoo, you’ll hear of another rivalry that they find even bigger.

The Central Michigan Chippewas and The Broncos of Western Michigan.

The rivalry started back in 1907, when the Broncos beat the Chippewas 29-0.

Western currently leads the all time series 45-37 with two ties.

However as of late it’s been all Chippewas who have taken six of the last eight including last years battle with a 27-22 thrilling win in the zoo.

Both teams will enter this game very hot, the Chips having won their last three, and the Broncos winning their last five.

Western Michigan actually has had the best turn around of any college football team in the nation. With just one win last season the Broncos are looking for win number eight and still have an outside chance to find themselves in the MAC title game. Largely in-part of the great coaching job of P.J Fleck in just his 2nd year as head coach.

As for the Chippewas, they are having a solid season of their own. Of course, with seven wins they are already bowl eligible. Now they are looking for win number eight which would be the most in the Dan Enos era.

But this season has been a season of “what if” for the Chippewas. If not for an ugly upset lost at home against Ball State they would still be well alive in the race for the MAC West division. They even beat 1st place Northern Illinois, on the road.

Not only is this game for the Cannon trophy but the Michigan MAC title will also be on the line. The Michigan MAC trophy goes to the team with the best head to head record among Michigan based MAC teams.

Both teams already feasted on the woeful Eastern Michigan Eagles.

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A win would give Western just their 2nd Michigan MAC title and 1st since 2005.

Central and Eastern, both have four.

There’s a few interesting story-lines here other than the cliche “Two teams who don’t like each other”

Running Game

Both teams have very solid running backs who they relay on very much, and you can expect both of them to get the ball early and often.

Lets start with Western Michigan’s Jarvion Franklin.

Aug 30, 2014; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Western Michigan Broncos running back Jarvion Franklin (31) runs the ball in the 2nd half at Ross Ade Stadium. Franklin ran for 3 td

Franklin has been incredible for the Broncos this season. Ok that may be an understatment, he’s been unreal.

The freshmen is 7th in the nation in rushing yards and 2nd in touchdowns with 22.

He’s rushed for three touchdowns in six different games this season. He’s been running wild all season long for the Broncos, he’s only been held under 100 yards three times this season.

He’s broken the 100 yard mark his last four games.

He left early last week due to an injury, or else he probably would of again against a very poor Eastern Michigan team.

This guy is going to be a problem for the entire MAC conference for a long, long time.

Well, four years. But still.

Central Michigan also has a very good running back themselves in Thomas Rawls.

Rawls, has rushed for over 1,000 yards with ten touchdowns this season.

Even more impressive when you consider the fact that he’s missed three games this season. Rawls missed the Eastern game to an injury, and I’m sure Western Michigan fan’s will tell you the reason why he missed the other too.

Rawls saw limited action last week against Miami Ohio, but is expected to be fully ready to go. Expect him to get plenty of carries.

A House Divided

Central, Western weekend is very fun for the two cities, and the two schools and all of those who attend.

It literally is a house divided for the Davis family.

Central’s number one receiver? Well it’s Titus Davis, the only receiver to ever have eight touchdowns in each of his four seasons,

Western’s number one receiver? Corey Davis, little brother of Titus Davis.

Oct 11, 2014; DeKalb, IL, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas wide receiver Titus Davis (84) makes a catch against Northern Illinois Huskies cornerback Paris Logan (29) during the third quarter at Huskie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The two brothers are easily the best receivers in the MAC conference, Titus as a senior is expect to be an early to mid round draft pick.

An injury that cost him to miss three games early in the season may of unrightfully hurt his draft stock, but none the less will have no problem contributing on an NFL roster.

Even since coming back from his injury, Davis, hasn’t missed a beat, nine touchdowns in his seven games back and over 700 yards receiving.

Expect Cooper Rush to look Davis’ way early and often in Davis’ last career game at Kelly Shorts Stadium.

His younger brother Corey, is also having himself a great season, Over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns.

Only a sophomore, Corey Davis is due for one great career.

This young group of skilled guys at Western Michigan are very impressive.

Prediction:

What makes this game great rather than ones in years pass, is that both teams come in very hot, with winning records.

Very talented running backs, two very great receivers and even two quarterbacks who are having pretty good seasons.

May come down to defense, that favors the Chippewas.

Chippewas 27, Broncos 20

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