Back on October 10th, I would never have guessed that Central Michigan would have been playing for the MAC title. They were 3-0 in conference, but that made their record 3-3 overall, and their losses were brutal, against Michigan, Boston College, and Kentucky.

Still, quarterback Dan LeFevour put a huge performance on Toledo the weekend before, and he was my Heisman-like performer in Week 6. LeFevour continued that performance through the rest of the year, earning MAC freshman of the year honors by totaling 2555 yards and 22 touchdowns to only nine interceptions. Central Michigan lost only one more game along the way to taking the West Championship.

Ohio had a similar trip to the East title. They started the year shocking Garrett Wolfe and Northern Illinois. That week was quarterback Austen Everson’s best game of the year, throwing for 322 yards, three touchdowns, and also winning the Heisman-like performance in Week 2. Ohio stumbled through three straight losses including one to Bowling Green (they of the only team to lose to Temple). They righted the ship and didn’t lose a game the rest of the way, getting to a 9-3 record and the East title.

If you want to talk in clichés, this game is likely to come down to how well the defenses can stop the strengths of the opposing offenses.

Ohio puts a strong defensive backfield to work against Central Michigan’s passing attack. The Bobcats only give up 164 yards a game through the air, which is a very small number considering they play in the pass happy MAC conference. Both TJ Wright and Mark Parson have sixteen passes defended this year, a school record. The team also has 11 interceptions to their credit. They will have their hands full with covering leading Central Michigan receiver Bryan Anderson, who has 61 receptions this season. Anderson, like LeFevour is only a freshman, so this tandem could be making multiple appearances in the MAC championship over the next few seasons.

In addition to the cornerbacks, look for lineman Jameson Hartke to put pressure on LeFevour all game. Hartke leads the Bobcats with 5.5 sacks on the season.

For Central Michigan, it will come down to them stopping the rushing attack of Kalvin McRae, the reigning offensive player of the week in the MAC. McRae is the leading rusher for Ohio, with 1139 yards, and the leading receiver with 27 catches on the year. Only a junior, McRae will likely becoming the all time leading rusher at Ohio next season.

Leading the Chippewa defense will be linebacker Red Keith, who was a pre-season all conference selection for Central Michigan. He led the team with 109 tackles this season and will be a big part of containing the run.

And don’t forget all All-American candidate Daniel Bazuin. Bazuin was on the watch list for numerous defensive awards this season, and is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in the MAC conference. He is widely considered one of the top defensive ends in the country and a likely NFL draft choice.

Bazuin is the career record holder at Central Michigan for sacks and tackles for loss. His sack record includes 11.5 sacks this year and he has also forced four fumbles. In other words, watch out if #93 is bearing down on you.

I’d like to say that I think Ohio has a chance against Central Michigan, but the fact is, I can’t. I think that there is too much talent on the Chippewa defense and that Ohio will struggle all game long to try and move the ball.

Plus, while having a great passing defense is great for Ohio against the young quarterback and receivers, it only takes a couple of breakdowns for big plays to throw the advantage squarely in favor of Central Michigan. If the Chippewas get out to a big lead, it will also be difficult for Ohio to come back with their run based offense.

Look for this one to be a good game, but decidedly in favor of Central Michigan, 27-14.

Ben Miraski writes for MRISports.com and is a featured blogger on FanIQ. Readers can contact Ben at bmiraski@mrisports.com