WMU defensive front vs. CMU OL, blocking key to deciding Victory Cannon winner
The Chippewas and Broncos both want to control the line of scrimmage when the CMU offense faces the WMU defense — and the winner of that matchup could have a big leg up.
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The matchup that might decide who takes home the Victory Cannon trophy on Saturday afternoon lies at the line of scrimmage.
And simply: Can Central Michigan’s offensive line and broader blocking and protection schemes hold up against a Western Michigan defense that’s figured out how to weaponize its pass rush in recent weeks?
“We have a certain style of play that we play that helps us,” CMU head coach Matt Drinkall said. “Let's say, run first and protect the defense, and that's how we need to — we have a model for how we need to win here.”
Central Michigan (3-3, 1-1 MAC) wants to get rugged, control the pace of the game, and run the hell out of the football while playing complimentary defense. Western Michigan (4-2, 2-0 MAC) has figured out its transfer-heavy defensive front of late, and has been smothering so far in MAC play. Something will likely have to give there, and whether it’s CMU finding ways to roll on the ground or WMU shutting things down on defense, it will go a long way to shaping the outcome on Saturday.
