Central Michigan defensive breakdown

Football
The theme -- The Chippewas give up 38.5 per game. Consider, though, that when you score a lot yourself (and primarily through the pass), you won't take much time off the clock and the other team will get more possessions. CMU is actually decent at run defense. The pass defense, though, is pretty porous. Opposing quarterbacks have completed 67 percent of their passes, which is worst in the MAC by a large margin. They are almost averaging a 300 yard passing game from the opponent.
Key players -- Strongside linebacker Red Keith is 15th in the nation in tackles. He often drops into coverage in their 4-3 scheme. Right defensive end Frank Zombo leads the team with 5.5 sacks.
How Akron can score -- I would say "pass," but it's going to be cold and even in ideal conditions, Akron couldn't pass on a lethal injection with a rusty needle. In his final career start, Chris Jacquemain will have to play like he did against Western Michigan for Akron to have a chance.

Notes...
CMU coach Butch Jones said his team will probably face setbacks at Akron, who is a dangerous foe with nothing to lose.
J.D. Brookhart thinks the game will be a shootout. I would temper that prediction a tad, considering the defense will be fired up to give John Mackey and the seniors a good effort and the weather will be lousy.
The Chippewas are 2.5-point favorites with the over-under between 62 and 63.5.
In case you forgot, the game starts at 11 a.m. and will be on ESPNU.
Zippy leads by about 200 votes over Hairy Dog at 9 p.m. Thursday. Vote here.