Central Michigan is at the Quick Lane Bowl for the fifth time
Quick Lane Bowl
Central Michigan (7-5) vs. Minnesota (5-7)
Detroit
Dec. 28, 2015
Central Michigan has been to nine bowl games. Monday is Central Michigan’s fifth appearance in the Quick Lane Bowl.
Yes, Detroit has been a popular – and close – spot for the Chippewas. And after a trip to the Bahamas after the 2014 season, staying close to hope may not seem as fun. But CMU probably isn’t complaining.
The Chips are 2-2 in the previous four games in Detroit. CMU went to three-straight Quick Lane Bowls (back then the Motor City Bowl) from 2006-2008. Its last appearance was in 2012, when it beat Western Kentucky in what was the Little Ceasar’s Pizza Bowl.
A sub-.500 Minnesota team is the opponent in 2015. The Gophers are bowling because of their high APR score and could bring the record of 5-7 teams in bowl games this season to 3-0. San Jose State beat Georgia State in the Cure Bowl and Nebraska defeated UCLA in the Foster Farms Bowl.
The Chips are led offensively by quarterback Cooper Rush, who has thrown for 3,703 yards and completed over 67 percent of his passes. But Rush isn’t supported by a strong run game. CMU ran for just over 1,200 yards as a team and averaged only three yards per carry. 31 different running backs ran for more yards than CMU has as an entire team.
Minnesota’s offensive attack will be much more ground-based. While QB Mitch Leidner has thrown for 2,475 yards, freshmen RBs Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith will be the focal point, especially if Minnesota wants to keep the ball out of Rush’s hands. Brooks has run for 644 yards while Smith has 596.
PICKS
Graham: Central Michigan is an underrated Mid-American Conference team and can put points on the board. Not sure how much motivation a 5-7 Minnesota team will have for this game. Fire up Chips 28, Goldy 24.
Nick: Minnesota has had a tumultuous season. But I’m going to honor the 5-7 teams and predict an undefeated season. Minnesota 23-20
Sam: Can the 5-7 teams go three for three in bowl games? I think so. Minnesota will be able to control the time of possession and overpower CMU. Minnesota 24-21.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
