Then Miami ran Akron off its own field, 34-14, its first back-to-back wins of the season. That's the best evidence yet that this version of the offense can do more than survive. Central Michigan, meanwhile, scored 14 points against Ohio and 14 against Western Michigan in its last 2 games, and the Western Michigan loss came at home in the rivalry game.
Year 2 under Matt Drinkall has been all over the place for the Chippewas. They hung 41 on Akron at homecoming, 7 points more than Miami managed against the same Zips. But they also lost 7-38 at New Mexico, needed everything to get past FCS Colgate 13-10 and scored 3 points at Miami (FL). Angel Flores has been the main QB, and he moves the ball with his legs as much as his arm. The question is whether the Akron game was the real offense or the exception, because the last 2 weeks look a lot more like New Mexico than Akron.
Central Michigan's injury list is shorter. FB R. VanWetzinga IV has carried a questionable tag with a knee issue, and TE J. Allen is out. The early forecast for Mount Pleasant is 65 degrees, cloudy, with about 12 mph of wind, which is fine football weather for late October in Michigan. In a MAC race where 1 game moves you a long way, Miami can stay near the top with a road win. Central Michigan needs this one at home just to get back to .500 in the league.