By Alan Gerould, Senior Columnist

It’s Central Michigan week and another battle for The Cannon Trophy looms. But this game is perhaps even more important than any in recent memory. The winner of this game between two 2-0 teams will be in the drivers seat on the trail to Ford Field in Mid-December for the MAC Championship. We are pleased to have John Evans, publisher of our counterpart Chippewa Country, back with us to provide some intel on the Chippewas. Welcome John. You are now on the BroncoBlitz hot seat.

BroncoBlitz: Central Michigan Coach Jim McElwain has turned this program around in a hurry and undoubtedly has raised his value to bigger (Power 5) schools. What kind of kool aid is McElwain serving in Mt. P that has stirred the recent success and is it a foregone conclusion that McElwain will take his potion to greener pastures after this season?

John Evans: He runs a tight ship. He came in right away and set expectations for the program. He's instilled a culture faster than I've seen in a long time, and the benefits were immediately shown with the product on the field. Of course nobody expects him to be a Chippewa for life, but with the trajectory of the program he's got a chance to win a few trophies over the next couple of years.

BroncoBlitz: The Chippewa offense has looked efficient behind quarterback D. Richardson. What are the keys to the Chippewas success on offense and are they more of an aerial or ground attack? Who are the skill players to watch?

John Evans: The offense likes to set up explosive plays with the run. We've seen a lot of different variations, including multiple "wildcat" formations with Darius Bracy (a former DB) or running back Kobe Lewis taking direct snaps. For a freshman, Richardson has done a nice job keeping things under control. Kalil Pimpleton is the big player to watch on offense. He moves around a lot and is often the quickest player on the field. Electric player.

BroncoBlitz: The Chippewa defense has been lights out this season. Where have you seen the biggest improvement and where are they vulnerable?

John Evans: The defense has been something that's just been a long time coming. From former coach John Bonamego's classes to now, this defense has been improving each week. The defensive line is where it all starts as the Chippewas are extremely strong up front despite the loss of one of its best players LaQuan Johnson in week 1 due to injury. Troy Brown in the middle is a first team All-MAC player and in the secondary Brian Edwards (Florida transfer) and Devonni Reed have been solid as ever.

BroncoBlitz: This game is likely to be decided by special teams play. The Chippewas have had plenty of opportunities for kickoffs and extra points! Tell us about the strength and weakness (if any) of the Chippewa special teams. Does McElwain have confidence if the game is on the line and a long field goal is needed?

John Evans: McElwain has shown he can be both conservative but also go for it when the time calls. Kickoff coverage hasn't been the best, but all other special teams areas have been solid in 2020 so far. Freshman punter Luke Elzinga has been exceptional, winning week one MAC Special teams player of the week.

BroncoBlitz: There is no love lost between these two teams in a rivalry game that has seen the Broncos dominate recently. These are two teams that have lots of new faces since last season blended with rivalry-scarred holdovers. There would seem to be much more on the line than who gets to display the Cannon Trophy for the next year. What do you expect to be the key(s) to this game and what do you expect the final score to be when the dust settles?

John Evans: I think this year, even without fans, home field is crucial. Teams that have to travel are not under normal circumstances and many are doing same day travel to and from opponent. Of course Kalamazoo is not far, but it's still different. I think the big key in this game will be which defense can come up with the big plays / turnovers. CMU's defense and home field advantage gives them a slight edge here. Final score: CMU 31 - WMU 27