Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW: The Chippewas came into the 2007 season with a target on their backs, as every team in the MAC was looking to take down the defending conference champion. The quest for a repeat did not start well for the Chippewas as they were hammered by Kansas in the opener, 52-7. CMU did not let the feeling of dread linger as the team trounced Toledo in its next matchup by a 52-31 margin. It was back to the loss column the next time out as it was destroyed by Purdue, and then shocked by FCS foe North Dakota State, 44-14.

At 1-2, coach Butch Jones' squad did not collapse, but instead went on a three-game win streak, posting victories over Northern Illinois (35-10), Ball State (58-38) and Army (47-23). Unfortunately the team was brought back down to Earth when it stepped out of conference to take on ACC foe Clemson. The Chippewas were clearly no match for the Tigers, and it showed to the tune of a 70-14 loss.

Back in conference, CMU rebounded from the embarrassing loss to Clemson by posting a 41-32 victory over Kent State followed by a thrilling 34-31 win over Western Michigan. Unfortunately, more shock was to follow as the team was defeated by Eastern Michigan, 45-42, at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. However, once again the Chippewas were able to overcome the setback, and the team closed out the regular season with a win over Akron (35-32), winning the MAC West Division title for the second consecutive year.

After a roller coaster ride, the only thing standing in the way of the Chippewas' chance at a repeat as MAC champions were the RedHawks of Miami- Ohio. CMU put forth a sensational effort in the title match, and had very little trouble en route to a 35-10 victory. With its second straight MAC crown in tow, the team went back to the Motor City Bowl and faced a familiar foe, the Purdue Boilermakers. Earlier in the season CMU suffered a 23-point loss to the Big Ten school, and although the Chippewas were much more prepared this time around, the team still fell in a 51-48 final.

2008 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: There is little doubt that the Chippewas are the most dangerous offensive unit in the MAC. The team averaged 34.7 ppg last year, and with eight starters returning, it is likely that coach Jones' squad will post similar numbers this fall. The juggernaut offense is led by star quarterback Dan LeFevour, who has been nothing short of sensational since coming to CMU. After claiming MAC Freshman of the Year honors in 2006, the signal caller pushed his game even further in '07, becoming only the second quarterback in NCAA history to throw for more than 3,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards. The junior threw 29 TD passes last season and also ran for another 19 scores en route to MAC Player of the Year honors. "He is a great leader," said coach Jones of LeFevour. "He is now leading vocally, but he leads also by his work ethic."

LeFevour has all his weapons back this season, and should once again dominate the conference. Bryan Anderson has been the main target for LeFevour over the past two seasons, and the junior who caught 90 passes last year, will likely be the main weapon for the league's top signal caller once again in '08. However, Antonio Brown can certainly not be forgotten, as the sophomore stunned the MAC last season with a 102 receptions as a walk-on freshman.

Although LeFevour paced the team with 1,122 rushing yards last year, Justin Hoskins also did damage on the ground, rumbling for 664 yards and 10 scores. The senior tailback is always a threat out of the backfield, and should see even more carries this year.

Obviously LeFevour is the leader of this unit, but the true source of the success for CMU's offense is up front. The offensive line for the Chippewas continues to be one of the best in the MAC, and with four starters back, including left tackle Andrew Hartline, this should once again be one of the top lines in the MAC.

DEFENSE: After limiting teams to less than 25.0 ppg during the 2005 and 2006 seasons, the Chippewas took a step backwards in '07, surrendering 36.9 ppg. That number should improve this season with eight starters returning, including the entire secondary, which was tormented throughout the season, allowing 304 ypg through the air. Josh Gordy, who led the team with four INTs last year, will anchor a strong group that also includes safety Chaz West, who finished with 90 tackles last year.

Taking over as the weak link for this year's squad is the linebacking corps, which lost Red Keith and Ike Brown. Nick Bellore is the lone returning starter at linebacker, and he will be relied on heavily to lead a couple of new starters Matt Berning and Calvin Hissong. With a lack of depth at linebacker, the defensive line is under a lot of pressure to perform at a high level. Fortunately, the team returns ends Larry Knight and Frank Zombo, who combined for 12.5 sacks last year.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Antonio Brown was not only an exciting receiver for CMU last season, but the sophomore was also an extremely dangerous kick returner. Brown averaged 10.9 yards per punt return, and was even better with kick returns, posting 26.2 ypr. Brown should man both roles again in '08, and is considered one of the best return men in the MAC.

The Chippewas put so many points on the board, it is amazing Andrew Aguila still had a leg to stand on after last season. The junior kicker connected on an outstanding 60-of-64 PATs, and also made 9-of-14 field goals, including a 51-yarder.

OUTLOOK: There is no question that the Chippewas are the team to beat in the MAC once again. Central Michigan has the most balanced offense in the conference, and as long as LeFevour can stay healthy the Chippewas will continue to torment opposing defenses.

However, the question remains if the defense can improve from an atrocious '07 campaign. CMU had a tough time keeping teams out of the end zone, but even a slight increase in production would make the club that much tougher to defeat. The Chippewas will get their first crack at action in late August when they open at home against Eastern Illinois. However, the team's toughest game will be the following week when it must battle the Georgia Bulldogs on the road. Coach Jones' squad will also face Purdue and Indiana away from home. Fortunately, the team's conference schedule is much more manageable as the Chippewas will have the luxury of hosting Western Michigan and Ball State. A double-digit win total is likely out of reach, but another MAC West Division crown and overall title are certainly attainable.