It's easy to see why a number of publications have picked the Chips to win the MAC West. They're simply a team that should be able to score at will. The Chip offense has so many weapons it will give opposing defenses nightmares. Six starters return on offense and ten return on defense. So should the rest of the MAC step simply hand the trophy to Dan LeFevour and the Chippewas? Not yet.

Offense

Quarterback- It goes without saying that Central Michigan has a great QB. Dan LeFevour is second only to Tim Tebow as a running quarterback, but has a great arm as well. LeFevour threw for 2,784 yards and rushed for 592 yards in a season cut short by injury. With Bryan Anderson and Antonio Brown as targets LeFevour should be a terror through the air. Depth at running back should alleviate some of the pressure on him to run, and in turn help him stay healthy.

While an injury to LeFevour would not end the season for the Chips, they are certainly not in the same situation as they were with Brian Brunner as back up. Ryan Radcliff should become a solid quarterback, a lack of game experience makes it key for LeFevour to stay healthy.

Running Back-The Chips lost two solid backs in Ontario Sneed and Justin Hoskins, but even with those losses their running game should be improved. Bryan Schroeder is a powerful running back who lit up Western Michigan as a true freshmen. He has solid back ups in Paris Cotton and Carl Volny.

Offensive Line- So far it has sounded like the Chip offense was unstoppable and loaded at every position. True to a point, but not on the offensive line. There are a lot of question marks here. Andrew Hartline was the heart of the O-line, and more important, he was a true offensive linemen. Over the years CMU has gone to a smaller more mobile O-linemen, and has gotten away from a true "bub" like Hartline. At 6'5" 313 Jeff Maddux fits that bill. The question is will converted tight ends Rocky Weaver and Allen Ollenburger be able to open up holes for the run game, and will they keep teams from teeing off on Dan LeFevour. Will 6'8" 280 pound RSFreshmen Jake Olson gel with this group. How this group develops will play a big part in the success of this team. Center Colin Miller will be the anchor of a developing line.

Receivers- Bryan Anderson and Antonio Brown will drive DC's crazy. They can hurt you in short yardage, or they can go deep. Brown has exceptional run after the catch ability that will keep defensive backs on their heels. Kito Poblah has potential to be a solid WR. Jean Pitts was forced to leave the program and he'll be missed. Hannibal Beauford has left the program as well. Look for RS freshmen Jerry Harris and Jahlee Addae to become fixtures.

The CMU defense should be improved over the past year. They return 10 starters from a group that gave up a lot of points, but who were often good enough to win. The CMU defense yielded 30 points per game, but that was an improvement over the previous year when they gave up 36 points per game. Anchoring the defense will be linebacker Nick Bellore and defensive end Frank Zambo.

Defensive line- The starters on the D-line are a solid group led by Zombo and Sean Muranane. Depth could be a concern, particularly with the spring injury to Steve Winston and the loss of Josh Allison (career ending injury).

Defensive backs- Many commended the Chips for their run defense, but part of that can be attributed to the DB's. Teams loved to pass against this group, and most were very successful doing it. Eastern Michigan threw 80 times against CMU and amassed over 500 yards through the air. The loss of Chaz West could hurt, but RS freshmen Lorenzo White and LaVarus Williams should add depth to go with Tommy Mamma and Vince Agnew. The DB's will be anchored by seniors Josh Gordy and Eric Fraser. Could be a soft spot for the Chips.

Linebackers- The Chips have an experienced group at linebacker led by Nick Bellore in the middle. Senior Tim Brazzel will be at SLB and junior Matt Berning will likely start at WLB. Depth could be a problem as most of the back ups will be freshmen and redshirts. Projected starter Barron Miles has left the team.

Central Michigan is a team that "should" win the MAC West. An offensive machine with an improving defense that might not have to run up huge scores to win as they have had to in the past. There are some question marks. Can a young and untested offensive line protect Dan LeFevour, and can they generate a running attack? On defense the more experienced Chips need to keep teams from going pass happy on them as they have the last two years.

The Chips biggest obstacle may be something they can't control--scheduling. The Chips play 6 of their first 9 on the road, before seeing a bye on Nov. 7th. Having to play BSU, Buffalo, and WMU away could prove too much.

Like Ball State, this is a team that can win it all, but they'll need to remain injury free, and they'll need to win some games early.