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Rittenberg Roundup: Week 4 Preview

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
September 21, 2013
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DeKalb, IL - After a loss to Michigan State last week, the Chippewas are looking to bounce back against the 23rd-ranked Northern Illinois Huskies. The Huskies, who have only played one game this year, look to continue their hunt for promotion with a huge win against the Chips.

Rittenberg Roundup: Week 4 Preview | September 21, 2013
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Central Michigan Chippewas (2-1, 0-1 Away)		#23 Northern Illinois Huskies (1-0, 0-0 Home)
Offensive Stats Comparison 37.7 Points Per Game 35.0 435.7 Total Offensive Yards 407.0 136.0 Rushing Yards 208.0 299.7 Passing Yards 199.0 Defensive Stats Comparison 21.0 Points Allowed 16.0 322.0 Total Yards Allowed 335.0 141.0 Rushing Yards Allowed 118.0 181.0 Passing Yards Allowed 217.0 Injury Report Landon Phillips ACL (Out for Season) Matt Lane Suspension (9 games) Brandon Cox Suspension (9 games) Antonio Butler Elbow Fracture (5 weeks)

Cedric Mann, who sprained his ankle last week during practice, is cleared for the game against the Huskies and he will be in the starting lineup. However, Mann won't be enough for the Chippewas, at least in my eyes.

The Huskies have handled their one opponent this year, and they should be able to handle a Tier 8 team, like Central Michigan.

Projected Score
Northern Illinois, 38-7

The Huskies will just be too powerful for the Chips, who are coming off a tough 37-30 loss to Michigan State. Even with the Huskies only playing a single game, they're good enough to rout and handle the Chippewas.

According to Coach Chambers, he's going to look to establish the run game, as he feels one of the reasons why they weren't able to defeat the Spartans was because they couldn't get the run game going, with James Mitchell as its leader.