Central Michigan Chippewas football

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Central Michigan Chippewas
AmericanFootball current event.svg 2024 Central Michigan Chippewas football team
Central Michigan Chippewas logo.svg
First season 1896
Athletic directorAmy Folan
Head coach Jim McElwain
6th season, 24–21 (.533)
Stadium Kelly/Shorts Stadium
(capacity: 30,255)
Field surface FieldTurf
Location Mount Pleasant, Michigan
NCAA division Division I FBS
Conference Mid-American Conference
DivisionWest
All-time record64344236 (.590)
Bowl record49 (.308)
Claimed national titles1 (1974) (Division II)
Conference titles16
Division titles3
Rivalries Western Michigan (rivalry)
Eastern Michigan (rivalry)
Current uniform
Central michigan football unif.png
ColorsMaroon and gold [1]
   
Fight songThe Fighting Chippewa
Marching band The Marching Chippewas
Website CMUChippewas.com

The Central Michigan Chippewas are a college football program in Division I FBS, representing Central Michigan University (CMU). CMU has the 30th highest overall winning percentage of programs playing in NCAA Division I. [2]

Contents

The Chippewas have played in six bowl games in the last nine years, most recently defeating Washington State in the 2021 Sun Bowl. CMU drew 60,624 fans in the 2007 Motor City Bowl. CMU has played a total of eighteen post-season games (conference championships and bowl games), winning seven.

Conference affiliations

Central Michigan has been a member of the following conferences. [3] :109–117

Championships

National championships

The Chippewas won the 1974 NCAA Division II National Championship.

YearLeagueCoachRecordCG OpponentResult
1974 NCAA Division II Roy Kramer 12–1 Delaware W 54–14

Conference championships

Central Michigan has won 16 conference championships including seven Mid-American Conference Championships. [3] :109–117

YearConferenceCoachRecordConference Record
1952 Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Bill Kelly 7–26–0
1953 Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceBill Kelly7–1–15–0–1
1954Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceBill Kelly8–25–1
1955 Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceBill Kelly8–15–1
1956 Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceBill Kelly9–06–0
1962 Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceBill Kelly6–44–0
1966 Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceBill Kelly5–53–0
1967Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Roy Kramer 8–22–1
1968Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceRoy Kramer7–22–1
1979 Mid-American Conference Herb Deromedi 10–0–18–0–1
1980 Mid-American ConferenceHerb Deromedi9–27–2
1990 Mid-American ConferenceHerb Deromedi8–3–17–1
1994 Mid-American Conference Dick Flynn 9–38–1
2006 Mid-American Conference Brian Kelly 10–47–1
2007 Mid-American Conference Butch Jones 8–66–1
2009 Mid-American ConferenceButch Jones12–28–0

† Co-champions

Division championships

Central Michigan has won 5 division championships:

YearDivisionCoachOpponentCG result
2006 MAC West Brian Kelly Ohio W 31–10
2007MAC West Butch Jones Miami W 35–10
2009 MAC WestButch Jones Ohio W 20–10
2019 MAC West Jim McElwain Miami L 21–26
2021MAC WestJim McElwainN/A lost tiebreaker to Northern Illinois

† Co-champions

Head coaches

Many notable coaches have contributed to CMU's culture. Some include legendary "Wild" Bill Kelly who won seven conference championships in sixteen years and whom Kelly/Shorts Stadium is named after; national championship winning coach Roy Kramer who had a 72% winning percentage and never had a losing season in more than a decade; College Football Hall of Fame coach Herb Deromedi who is the winningest coach in MAC history[ citation needed ] and Brian Kelly and Butch Jones who combined for three MAC Championships in four years, four consecutive bowl appearance and top 25 finish in the nation.

CMU head coaches through the 2023 season. [3]

CoachSeasonsYearsRecord
Pete McCormick189613–1
Carl Pray 1897–189936–5
Unknown190011–0
No team1901
Charles Tambling 1902–1905, 1918518–2
No team1906
Ralph Thacker 190712–4
Hugh Sutherland 190814–3
Harry Helmer 1909–1912414–9–2
No team1913–1915
Blake Miller 191611–5
Fred Johnson 191711–2
Garland Nevitt 191912–2–3
Joe Simmons 192014–3–1
Wallace Parker 1921–1923, 1926–1928632–10–6
Lester Barnard 1924–1925211–2–3
Butch Nowack 1929–193028–5–2
George Van Bibber 1931–1933312–9–2
Alex Yunevich 1934–193639–13–1
Ron Finch 1937–19461054–18–1
Lyle Bennett 1947–194938–15–1
Warren Schmakel 195016–4
Kenneth Kelly 1951–19661691–58–2
Roy Kramer 1967–19771183–32–2
Herb Deromedi 1978–199316110–55–10
Dick Flynn 1994–1999630–37
Mike DeBord 2000–2003412–34
Brian Kelly 2004–2006319–16
Jeff Quinn20061–0
Butch Jones 2007–2009327–13
Steve Stripling20091–0
Dan Enos 2010–2014526–36
John Bonamego 2015–2018422–29
Jim McElwain 2019–present429–28

† Interim

Bowl games

Central Michigan holds a 4–9 record in bowl games. [3] :124–136

YearBowlOpponentResult
1990 California Bowl San Jose State L 24–48
1994 Las Vegas Bowl UNLV L 24–52
2006 Motor City Bowl Middle Tennessee State W 31–14
2007 Motor City Bowl Purdue L 48–51
2008 Motor City Bowl Florida Atlantic L 21–24
2009 GMAC Bowl Troy W 44–41
2012 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl Western Kentucky W 24–21
2014 Bahamas Bowl Western Kentucky L 48–49
2015 Quick Lane Bowl Minnesota L 14–21
2016 Miami Beach Bowl Tulsa L 10–55
2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Wyoming L 14–37
2019 New Mexico Bowl San Diego State L 11–48
2021 Sun Bowl Washington State W 24–21

Playoff appearances

NCAA Division II playoffs

The Chippewas made one appearance in the Division II playoffs, with a combined record of 3-0.

YearRoundOpponentResult
1974 Quarterfinals
Semifinals
National Championship
Boise State
Louisiana Tech
Delaware
W, 20–6
W, 35–14
W, 54–14

Rivalries

Western Michigan

These archrivals first met in 1907 and have faced one another annually since 1943. Since the two schools are separated by a two-hour drive, the visiting team typically has a strong fan and student presence at the game. The winner of the game receives the Cannon Trophy. [4] The outcome also helps determine the winner of the Michigan MAC Trophy, a trophy fought over between Michigan's three MAC football teams: the Chippewas, the Broncos, and the Eastern Michigan Eagles. [5] WMU leads the series overall 51–39–2.[ citation needed ][ when? ]

Eastern Michigan

Ryan Radcliff looks to pass during a 2011 game against Eastern Michigan Week77.JPG
Ryan Radcliff looks to pass during a 2011 game against Eastern Michigan

The Chippewas and Eagles maintain a less prominent, but steady rivalry. CMU holds the series lead over Eastern Michigan, leading 62–30–6. [6] [ when? ]

Traditions

Kelly/Shorts game day experience

Central Michigan has the largest on-campus stadium in the Mid-American Conference, [7] seating 32,885 fans and has been playing home football games dating back to 1896. The Sporting News has named Kelly/Shorts Stadium "the finest football facility in the Mid-American Conference" and "the best game day atmosphere in the MAC". [8]

The East End of the stadium (as of 2014) once again hosts the CMU Student section backing the football team.[ citation needed ] The Chippewa Marching Band, cheerleaders, and dance team add to the game day experience[ citation needed ] and has helped CMU become one of the nation's winningest schools at home with a .714 winning percentage all-time at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.[ citation needed ]

CMU drew a capacity crowd of 35,127 fans for the Central Michigan–Michigan State game televised on ESPNU [9] and has hosted schools from the ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12 conferences. Future opponents at home include schools from the Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, Pac-12 and Mountain West conferences. [10]

In 2010, the CMU Board of Trustees designed and set course to construct a state of the art stadium expansion to integrate a hotel, restaurant, and conference center connected by a glass atrium to new stadium suites on the east side. This addition will be custom-built into Kelly/Shorts Stadium. [11]

Newer upgrades include a video scoreboard standing six stories and featuring two video replay boards—one facing into the stadium and a second board facing outside the stadium by tailgating areas. NFL-quality permanent lighting has been installed for television and future ESPN night games. [12]

College Football Hall of Fame

One former Central Michigan coach has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. [13] [14]

NamePositionCareerInduction
Herb Deromedi Head coach 1978–19932007

Notable players

Retired numbers

No.PlayerPositionCareerNo. ret.Ref.
62 Jim Podoley HB 1952–1956 [19]

Media

Radio

The CMU Sports Network broadcasts all games live throughout Michigan and online for free.

CMU Sports Network Affiliates:

Television

The ESPN family of channels and Fox Sports affiliates have provided national and local television coverage.

CMU Sports Zone provides live and archive Internet video-feed of games, gameday coverage, and coaches shows. [21]

Future non-conference opponents

Announced schedules as of January 9, 2021. [22]


202320242025202620272030
at Michigan State (9/2) Central Connecticut (8/31)at San Jose State (8/30)at New Mexico State (9/5)at Michigan State (8/31)
New Hampshire (9/9)at Florida International (9/7)at Pittsburgh (9/6) Colgate (9/12)at Michigan State (9/11)at San Diego State (9/21)
at Notre Dame (9/16)at Illinois (9/14)at Michigan (9/13) Wyoming (9/19) Monmouth (9/18)
at South Alabama (9/23) San Diego State (9/28) Wagner (9/20)at Miami (FL) (9/26)at Wyoming (9/25)

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kelly/Shorts Stadium</span>

Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium is an American football stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It serves as the home field for the Central Michigan University Chippewas. The stadium opened in 1972 and holds 30,255 spectators, making it the largest on-campus stadium in the Mid-American Conference. It is located on the southeast part of campus, along with most of the other athletic facilities. The playing surface is named Kramer/Deromedi Field after former coaches Roy Kramer and Herb Deromedi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Michigan Broncos football</span> Sports program

The Western Michigan Broncos football program represents Western Michigan University in the Football Bowl Subdivision of Division I and the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Western Michigan has competed in football since 1906, when they played three games in their inaugural season. In 1927, WMU joined four other schools to form the Michigan Collegiate Conference. Western Michigan then moved to its present conference in 1948. Prior to 1939, Western Michigan's athletic teams were known as the Hilltoppers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Butch Jones</span> American football coach (born 1968)

Lyle Allen "Butch" Jones Jr. is an American football coach who is currently the head coach at Arkansas State University. Jones previously served as a special assistant to the head coach and offensive analyst at the University of Alabama from 2018 to 2020, the head coach at the University of Tennessee from 2013 to 2017, the University of Cincinnati from 2010 to 2012 and Central Michigan University from 2007 to 2009. A Michigan native, he played college football at Ferris State University as a running back and wide receiver.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Michigan–Western Michigan football rivalry</span> American college football rivalry

The Central Michigan–Western Michigan football rivalry is an annual college football game between Central Michigan University (CMU) and Western Michigan University (WMU). The winner receives the Victory Cannon. In its first appearance, it was awarded to CMU at the conclusion of the October 18, 2008, game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Central Michigan Chippewas football team</span> American college football season

The 2009 Central Michigan Chippewas football team represented Central Michigan University during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Central Michigan competed as a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) West Division. The team was coached by Butch Jones and played their home games in Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The Chippewas finished the regular season 10–2 and 8–0 in conference play, beat Ohio in the 2009 MAC Championship Game to win the MAC title and were invited to the GMAC Bowl where they defeated Sun Belt Champion Troy 44–41 in double overtime.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Central Michigan Chippewas football team</span> American college football season

The 2010 Central Michigan Chippewas football team represented Central Michigan University during the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Chippewas, led by first-year head coach Dan Enos, compete in the West Division of the Mid-American Conference and played their home games at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. They finished the season 3–9, 2–6 in MAC play.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eric Fisher (American football)</span> American football player (born 1991)

Eric William Fisher is an American football offensive tackle who is a free agent. He played college football at Central Michigan University, and was selected first overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2013 NFL Draft. He played for the Chiefs for eight seasons from 2013 to 2020, making two Pro Bowls and winning Super Bowl LIV over the San Francisco 49ers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013–14 Central Michigan Chippewas men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2013–14 Central Michigan Chippewas men's basketball team represented Central Michigan University during the 2013–14 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Chippewas, led by second year head coach Keno Davis, played their home games at the McGuirk Arena as members of the West Division of the Mid-American Conference. They finished the season 10–21, 3–15 in MAC play to finish in fifth place in the West Division. They lost in the first round of the MAC tournament to Eastern Michigan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Central Michigan Chippewas football team</span> American college football season

The 2014 Central Michigan Chippewas football team represented Central Michigan University in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They were led by fifth-year head coach Dan Enos and played their home games at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. They were members of the West Division of the Mid-American Conference. They finished the season 7–6, 5–3 in MAC play to finish in fourth place in the West Division. They were invited to the inaugural Bahamas Bowl where they lost to Western Kentucky.

The 1979 Central Michigan Chippewas football team was an American football team that represented Central Michigan University during the 1979 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their second season under head coach Herb Deromedi, the Chippewas compiled a 10–0–1 record, won the Mid-American Conference championship, and outscored all opponents by a combined total of 291 to 133. The team played its home games in Perry Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, with attendance of 101,705 in five home games.

The 1974 Central Michigan Chippewas football team was an American football team that represented Central Michigan University as an independent during the 1974 NCAA Division II football season. In their eighth season under head coach Roy Kramer, the Chippewas compiled a 12–1 record, losing the opening game to Kent State and then winning 12 straight games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016–17 Central Michigan Chippewas women's basketball team</span> Intercollegiate basketball season

The 2016–17 Central Michigan Chippewas women's basketball team represented Central Michigan University during the 2016–17 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. The Chippewas, led by tenth year head coach Sue Guevara, played their home games at McGuirk Arena as members of the West Division of the Mid-American Conference. They finished the season 23–9 overall, 15–3 during MAC play to finish in first place, and win the MAC West Division, and MAC regular season championships. As the No. 1 seed in the MAC tournament, they were upset by No. 8 seed Western Michigan in the quarterfinals. They received an automatic bid to the 2017 Women's National Invitation Tournament, where they lost in the first round at Wright State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2004 Central Michigan Chippewas football team</span> American college football season

The 2004 Central Michigan Chippewas football team was an American football team that represented Central Michigan University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 2004 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their first season under head coach Brian Kelly, the Chippewas compiled a 4–7 record, finished in fifth place in the MAC's West Division, and were outscored by their opponents, 378 to 260. The team played its home games in Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, with attendance of 75,216 in five home games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1998 Central Michigan Chippewas football team</span> American college football season

The 1998 Central Michigan Chippewas football team was an American football team that represented Central Michigan University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1998 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their fifth season under head coach Dick Flynn, the Chippewas compiled a 6–5 record, finished in third place in the MAC's West Division, and were outscored by their opponents, 253 to 229. The team played its home games in Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, with attendance of 101,814 in five home games.

The 1994 Central Michigan Chippewas football team represented Central Michigan University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1994 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their first season under head coach Dick Flynn, the Chippewas compiled a 9–3 record, won the MAC championship, lost to UNLV in the Las Vegas Bowl, and outscored their opponents, 400 to 315. The team played its home games in Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, with attendance of 104,144 in five home games.

The 1978 Central Michigan Chippewas football team represented Central Michigan University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1978 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their first season under head coach Herb Deromedi, the Chippewas compiled a 9–2 record, finished in second place in the MAC standings, held seven of eleven opponents to fewer than ten points, and outscored all opponents, 331 to 119. The season marked the beginning of a school record 23-game unbeaten streak that ran from October 7, 1978, to October 11, 1980. The team played its home games in Perry Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, with attendance of 98,011 in five home games.

Tim Banks, is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the defensive coordinator for the University of Tennessee Volunteers. He played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Central Michigan Chippewas football team</span> American college football season

The 2018 Central Michigan Chippewas football team represented Central Michigan University in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They were led by fourth-year head coach John Bonamego and played their home games at Kelly/Shorts Stadium as members of the West Division of the Mid-American Conference. They finished the season 1–11, 0–8 in MAC play to finish in last place in the West Division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018–19 Central Michigan Chippewas women's basketball team</span> Intercollegiate basketball season

The 2018–19 Central Michigan Chippewas women's basketball team represented Central Michigan University during the 2018–19 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. The Chippewas, led by twelfth-year head coach Sue Guevara, played their home games at McGuirk Arena as members of the West Division of the Mid-American Conference. They finished the season 25–8, 15–3 in MAC play to win the MAC West Division. The Chippewas advanced to the semifinals of the MAC women's tournament, losing there to Buffalo. They received an at-large bid to the NCAA women's tournament, losing to their in-state rival Michigan State in the first round.

Arthur Lewis Nichols III is an American football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Central Michigan. During the 2021 regular season, he led the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision with 1,710 rushing yards.

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