OSU vs. Central Michigan: Preview & Prediction

Have you ever wondered what Mount Pleasant, Michigan is like on a Thursday night?

Well now you can find out!

That's because Oklahoma State opens its 2015 football season in unique fashion on Thursday with an unprecedented trip to face the Central Michigan Chippewas. It will be the first ever meeting between the two schools.

To read a scouting report on Central Michigan, click the link below.

OSU Football: Scouting The Chippewas

Not knowing makes it fun

This will be a lot like a first date. Not only have the two programs never met, but it’s also each team’s season opener. This means that the Cowboy coaching staff doesn’t have any film from which to reference.  

“We don't really know enough to know what their game plan or what their schemes will be in the first game,” Gundy said. “I would guess their offense will look the same, especially with the quarterback (Cooper Rush) having success ... We have to kind of prepare for a broad spectrum, and then move forward from that point."

Positions of concern

Most of OSU’s roster is talented enough to play with anyone, but as with any team this time of year, there are some areas of concern. Defensive tackle is one, where the Pokes lost the very stout combo of James Castleman and Ofa Hautau.

The Cowboys will have to turn to redshirt sophomore Vincent Taylor and junior Motekiai Maile.  Central Michigan’s offensive line will be far from the best that OSU will face this season, so if the Pokes’ interior can’t handle their business on Thursday, it could be a problematic sign.

“We've got two guys playing there that really haven't played at this level, for the most part,” Gundy said.  “They've had a good preseason camp … They're working hard, they're absorbing information and displaying a good attitude, but we don't have a clue about what's going to happen in the games.”

Offensively, OSU will look to replace both Desmond Roland and Tyreek Hill, who combined to rush for more than 1,300 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Roland graduated and Hill misbehaved, so it’ll be up to junior Rennie Childs and a host of newcomers to shoulder the load.

JC transfer Chris Carson will likely get a solid workload, as will Childs. And keep an eye on freshman Jeff Carr, who is rumored to have Hill-like speed. Many believe that Carson will eventually become the primary back, but first we’ll see how he looks against the Chippewas.  

Prediction

CMU should be a decent team by mid-major standards. OSU should be a very good team by Power Five standards. Despite a special Thursday setting with the Chippewa faithful out in full force, the Pokes should handle their business.

OSU wins, 45-17