Towel Talk: Tony Fischer of Detroit Jock City on Central Michigan
Its here! Its here! WKU bowl week is here! The Tops will take on Central Michigan for the second time in three years in the bowl season, this time in a much more comfortable environment and venue, as the Hilltoppers and Chippewas will ring in a brand new game with the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl.
The team arrived yesterday and today begins our coverage, leading up to the game itself on Wednesday at 11 a.m. And, while we all have a fair idea of what the Tops will bring to the Bahamas with them, we know absolutely nothing about Central Michigan, which is why we reached out to FanSided’s Detroit Jock City editor, and CMU alum, Tony Fischer for a short Q&A about the Chippewas, players to look out for, and ultimately a prediction.
Wave The Red Towel: WKU last saw the Chippewas at the end of 2012. How’s it gone for CMU since?
Tony Fischer: Overall, the Chippewas have struggled under Head Coach Dan Enos. 2012 marked the only winning season for the Chippewas until 2014, and it took winning a bowl game to get there. That said, the Chips have seemed to put it all together this season behind a defensive unit that is among the leaders in the Mid American Conference.
WTRT: Fans might look at this as a rematch, and it is in name of schools. WKU fans certainly know all of the changes the Hilltoppers have gone through – what about Central Michigan? How much of the 2012 team is on this one, and how many of those guys made any sort of impact in Detriot.
TF: There are about a dozen starters returning that were a part of the team that won the Little Ceasers Pizza Bowl in 2012. Wide receiver’s Titus Davis, Courtney Williams and Jesse Kroll along with defensive backs Jaden Cook and Kevin King all figure to have a role in the Bahamas Bowl. Of the players that played in the 2012 victory over the Hilltoppers, offensive tackle Eric Fisher stands out as the first round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013. Darren Keyton made the Detroit Lions practice squad in after camp this season. Of the current players that have draft potential, Titus Davis and Thomas Rawls both figure to be late draft picks in 2015.
WTRT: Who are the three most dangerous weapons on the offensive side of the ball?
TF: Senior wideout Titus Davis was preseason All-MAC and was supposed to have a stellar season, but the injury bug bit, limiting his production mid season. By all account, Davis will be healthy for the Bahamas Bowl and should play a big role in the Chippewas offense. Junior WR Jesse Kroll kept the offensive ship afloat when Davis was sidelined with injury and was very impressive. The Bahamas Bowl will be a passing of the torch as Kroll will likely be the #1 option in the passing game next year. Senior RB Thomas Rawls is the heart and soul of the Chips offense. He rushed for 1103 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2014. [ed. note – Sports-Reference.com notes Rawls as probable for the game with a leg injury.] Expect to see a heavy diet of run plays involving Rawls.
WTRT: Who are the three defensive players that will give the Tops’ offense trouble?
TF: The Chippewas had a solid defense this season. Some of the success can be attributed to successful running game that helped limit the snaps on defense. That said most of the credit should go to a strong defensive backfield led by Jaden Cook and Kevin King. Their play has allowed the front seven to get home. The duo is also no slouch while sporting the run defense.
WTRT: How do you see things playing out come 11 a.m. in the Bahamas?
TF: This game will be tight and will likely be decided in the closing minutes. The Hilltoppers present a tough matchup but the Chips should pull it out in a nailbiter.
Indeed, the Tops do present a tough matchup. We thank Mr. Fischer for answering our questions, even though he’s wrong about who is going to win. Be sure to check out DetroitJockCity.com as well today as you’re scowering around on the interwebz.