Disappointment may have been an understatement for the Central Michigan football team last season. After winning three MAC titles in four years, the Chips ended up finishing the 2010 season with a 2-6 MAC record and a 3-9 overall record. All this came in head coach Dan Enos’ first season as the top guy.
During the MAC media day at Ford Field on Tuesday, Enos was asked to grade his first year running the team…
“My grade is 3-9, because that was our record last year,” Enos said. “I know I have to get better, and our football team has to get better.”
Going into the 2010 season Central Michigan was picked to win the MAC, however it become more of a learning experience for Enos.
“The first thing I learned was I found out who I was going to be as a coach, and what my character would be as a person,” Enos said. “Football mimics life, and there is adversity some years more than others. And you have to persevere and hang on.”
Eventually things turned bad real fast for the Chips. On the field it was a disaster as the Chippewas were tied for last in the MAC in turnover margin. They also ended up finishing 11th in rushing offense.
Off the field, according to the Grand Rapids Press 17 players left the program for various reasons.
This year, Enos looks to concentrate on the on field issues.
“We were last in the league in turnover margin, and you won’t win games in this league last in turnover margin,” Enos said. “We have to rush the ball better, and our field goal kicking was atrocious at times last year. We have to get better. “
Here is the 2011 MAC preseason poll…
WEST DIVISION
1. Toledo 83 points (8 first-place votes)
2. Northern Illinois 81 (5)
3. Western Michigan 76 (2)
4. Central Michigan 55 (1)
5. Ball State 27
6. Eastern Michigan 24
EAST DIVISION
1. Miami 97 (4)
2. Ohio 96 (8)
3. Temple 88 (4)
4. Kent State 57
5. Bowling Green 48
6. Buffalo 37
7. Akron 25
Source: Grand Rapids Press
