Washington State Cougars: Sun Bowl 2.0 Scouting Central Michigan
Chippewas Defense
While not as nearly as prolific as their offense, there are areas where the Chippewas defense excels:
- 10th in third-down conversions – 32 percent
- 16th in sacks per game – 3.08
- 31st in rushing yards per game – 127
There are areas where Central Michigan does poorly as compared to the rest of FBS teams:
- 66th in points allowed – 26.17
- 79th in total yards allowed – 393.6
- 93rd in red zone defense – 86.5 percent
- 113th in passing yards allowed per game – 266.3
It starts up front in Central Michigan’s 4-2-5 base defense. Edge Rushers Troy Hairston and John Wesley Whiteside get after the quarterback combining for a dozen sacks during the season. Fortunately for Washington State, two of CMich’s key defensive linemen entered the transfer portal earlier this month. That includes defensive tackle Samir Saddiq, who had 9.5 tackles for loss.
Their D is like an Oreo, but the Cougs can’t underestimate linebacker Troy Browm. The Chippewas playmakers are in the secondary. Safeties George Kreski, Devonni Reed, and Alonzo McCoy finished first, second, and fifth on the team in tackles. Opposing offenses went after corner Donte Kent. That probably wasn’t the best idea as the redshirt freshman was fourth in the nation with 14 passes defended.
Related Story: Cougars still have lots of work to do for 2022 recruiting class
CMU PICK SIX! Devonni Reed snags this one and takes it back 20 yards for the touchdown. #FireUpChips @D5REED pic.twitter.com/uW1OtEeou4
— Jonathan Deutsch (@JonathanD_TV) September 19, 2021
The Washington State Cougars will be a rude awakening. With quarterback Jayden de Laura, offensive tackles Liam Ryan and Abe Locus, and a deep and talented group of receivers, WSU can neutralize many things Central Michigan does well against the pass.
What do you think about the Washington State Cougars – Central Michigan match-up? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.