Your Complete Guide to the Central Michigan Football Schedule and Key Matchups

As a longtime follower of Mid-American Conference football, I've always found Central Michigan's schedule to be one of the most intriguing in the conference. Looking at their 2023 slate, I can't help but feel both excited and concerned about what lies ahead for the Chippewas. The season kicks off with what should be a manageable non-conference schedule, but things get interesting quickly when we dive into the conference matchups that will truly define their season.

I remember watching Central Michigan's spring practices and thinking this team has the potential to surprise people, much like how international volleyball transfers can unexpectedly transform a program. Speaking of which, I was recently reading about volleyball federation transfers in the Philippines, where Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon "Tats" Suzara mentioned, "We're processing now Tia Andaya and MJ Phillips' change of federation, so I signed the papers already." That kind of administrative movement between federations reminds me of how college football players transfer between programs - it's all about finding the right fit and maximizing potential. Central Michigan has benefited from several key transfers themselves, and I believe these additions could make the difference in at least two of their close games this season.

The home opener against Michigan State on September 16 stands out as what I'd call a "program measuring stick" game. Having attended this rivalry matchup several times, I can tell you the atmosphere at Kelly/Shorts Stadium becomes absolutely electric when the Spartans come to town. Last year's attendance numbers reached 28,743 for the rivalry game, and I'm predicting even higher numbers this season given the renewed optimism around the program. What many casual fans don't realize is how much these early Power Five matchups set the tone for the entire MAC schedule. A strong showing against Michigan State, even in a loss, can provide the confidence boost needed to navigate the tricky conference schedule ahead.

Now, let's talk about what I consider the most critical stretch of the season - those back-to-back road games against Toledo on October 21 and Northern Illinois on October 28. Having followed MAC football for over fifteen years, I can confidently say that how teams perform in these consecutive road tests often determines who appears in the conference championship. Toledo returns approximately 78% of their offensive production from last season, which worries me considerably given Central Michigan's defensive questions. The Rockets have won four of the last five meetings, but I have a feeling this year might be different if Central Michigan's secondary can step up.

The Northern Illinois matchup presents what I'd call a "style clash" that fascinates me from a tactical perspective. Their ground-and-pound offense versus Central Michigan's increasingly aggressive defensive scheme creates what should be a fascinating chess match. I've noticed Northern Illinois tends to struggle against teams that can establish early leads, so if the Chippewas can score quickly - something they've shown capability for in spring scrimmages - they might force the Huskies out of their comfort zone.

What really excites me about this year's schedule is the favorable home stretch. Three of their final five games are at home, including what I believe could be a de facto MAC West division decider against Western Michigan on November 15. The rivalry game against Western Michigan has produced some absolute classics in recent years, with the average margin of victory being just 5.2 points over the last six meetings. As someone who's attended this rivalry every year since 2014, I can attest to the unique intensity that fills the stadium when these two teams clash.

Looking at the broader picture, I'm particularly optimistic about Central Michigan's chances to improve upon last year's 6-6 record. My prediction has them finishing 8-4, with losses to Michigan State, Toledo, and two other games they'll probably drop in frustrating fashion - because that's just how MAC football works sometimes. The development of their quarterback situation will be crucial, and from what I've seen in practice footage, they might have found their answer in the transfer portal.

The comparison to international sports transitions keeps coming to mind. Just as volleyball players changing federations require adjustment periods, so too do college football teams adapting to new schedules and opponents. The administrative approval process that Suzara described for volleyball transfers isn't so different from the NCAA eligibility process that determines whether key transfers can immediately impact a football program. Both require paperwork, patience, and strategic timing to maximize the benefits.

As the season approaches, I find myself increasingly bullish on Central Michigan's prospects. The schedule sets up nicely for a potential breakout year, provided they can stay healthy through the physical MAC conference grind. Having witnessed the program's evolution over the past decade, this feels like one of those special seasons where everything could click into place. The key matchups I've highlighted will tell the story of their season, and I for one can't wait to watch it unfold from my usual seat in section 106.