...I was going to list the MAC rankings of each team, but why re-invent the wheel?

<a href='http://cmuchippewas.ocsn.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110402aab.html' target='_blank'>CMU site</a>

<a href='http://mac-sports.ocsn.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/confldrs.html' target='_blank'>MAC Website</a>

As I mentioned yesterday, UT's leading rusher, Will Bratton, is out. UT's young backs are talented, but perhaps our improving defense (#1 in the MAC against the run! :D ) can force a fumble or two. This may be our best chance to gain turnovers, because UT QB Brian Jones has thrown only three picks this season and has scary accuracy. Our pass rush has been hot recently, starting with the NIU game (six sacks). Therefore, getting pressure is our best chance of disrupting UT's offense. Doing that while containing Jones, who can motor when necessary, won't be easy, especially behind UT's excellent and mammoth OL. UT runs a multiple offense, and the Rockets won't be easy to slow down.

When our offense is on the field, I expect we'll be able to run effectively, as UT is yielding 160 yd/game and 4.3 yd/carry. UT's defense has played well, considering the youth up front, but there's not much depth on that DL. I'd run Jackson a bit more this week and hit them with Mixon as a change-up. Vickers had an acceptable game (8/12, no picks) against EMU, but he was rarely needed. He and CMU's receivers will have to step it up a notch this weekend, to keep UT honest. By this I mean: no missing open receivers, and open receivers can't drop the ball. We didn't see much of this (misses/drops) early in the season, and we need to get that good execution back.

Special teams could be our chance to do some real damage. UT's kicker has missed 7 XPs this season , while CMU's Mike Gruzwalski is one of the best in the MAC in kicking FGs this season (12/16, #2 in the conference B) ). UT's punter is also not among the MAC's best, although UT covers punt returns well. We blocked one punt against UT last season, and I could see us getting one on saturday.

On the injury front for CMU, #2 MG Jay Davidson is out for the season with a neck injury :( . That hurts, but Freshman Tony Thompson has been solid in the middle so far. We may see redshirt freshmen Adam Patrick and James Cooper getting more time. Let's just hope they're not needed TOO often!

Good luck to you CMichfan!! I hope your team plays well and you guys kick some butt!! :saber:

Thanks! I knew I could count on the Herd for support...

What are friends for?? :D

HF4L - What's the latest news on Leftwich? I really hope he is able to play because it would be nice to see another MAC player go to New York as a Heisman finalist....even if it is another Marshall player.

He hasn't practiced any since the Akron game. He is supposed to test the leg any day now. My guess is that he plays...but Hill and Gochneaur have been taking snaps with the 1's.
Also, Leftwich was missing when the Media came in. His spot was taken by the two back-up QB's.

Thanks though. You're alright ....for a rocket.