FCU Bowl Season 2014-15: Bahamas Bowl Preview

The College Bowl Season is upon us, and Football Central University is bringing the breakdowns on offense, defense, and special teams, along with the sport’s traditions and great moments. In this edition, it’s the Bahamas Bowl preview, one of five games this week that take us through Christmas Eve.

The Matchup

WHO: Central Michigan Chippewas (7-5) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7-5)

WHAT: Popeyes Bahamas Bowl

WHEN: Wednesday, December 24 – 12:00 p.m. EST (ESPN)

WHERE: Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium – Nassau, Bahamas

Central Michigan arrives in this tropical island nation looking to finish on a high note after an underachieving 7-5 regular season. The Chippewas finished 6-6 in 2013 and returned a number of starters for the 2014 campaign. Tough losses to Kansas, Toledo, and Western Michigan, as well as a crushing defeat at home against Syracuse marked by 40 unanswered Orange points, defined their season.

Western Kentucky’s season reached a high point with their 67-66 overtime victory over previously unbeaten Marshall, knocking the Thundering Herd out of consideration for a New Year’s Day bowl. The Hilltoppers enter this contest on a four-game winning streak with an average victory margin of 19 points, which includes single-digit victories over UTEP and Marshall.

When Central Michigan Has the Football

Cooper Rush leads a balanced Chippewas attack. The sophomore signal caller eclipsed his freshman campaign by completing 64% of his passes for 2,664 yards, throwing 20 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. His best performance, in Central Michigan’s victory over Miami (OH), included this 28-yard connection:

The receiver on that play? Titus Davis. The talented WR is the only player in FBS history to catch 8+ touchdowns in . Davis hauled in 54 passes for 843 yards and nine touchdowns this season, despite missing three full games due to a knee injury. As shown previously, the senior receiver understands how to adjust to the ball in flight and has the wheels to run past defenders in coverage:

Davis shows great hands on this play as well, securing the throw while falling to the turf.

When Central Michigan works the ground game, they put the ball in the hands of Thomas Rawls. The former Michigan Wolverine gained 1,103 yards on the ground this year despite missing two games for off-field legal issues; Rawls pleaded guilty in September to a misdemeanor count of attempted larceny.

The Western Kentucky defense features three standout players in Wonderful Terry, Nick Holt and Cam Thomas. Holt, a junior linebacker, led the Hilltoppers with 103 tackles including 59 solo stops. Terry has reeled in two interceptions this season, and the junior defensive back earned an All-Conference USA Second Team selection. Thomas followed up a stellar junior season (an All-Sun Belt Conference First Team pick) with a 2014 campaign that included one interception and five passes defended.

When Western Kentucky Has the Football

Points. In. Bunches. Senior quarterback Brandon Doughty leads the nation’s 3rd-most potent passing attack, with the Hilltoppers averaging 365 yards per game through the air. The QB put up video game numbers this season, completing 344 of 510 passes for 4,344 yards and 44 touchdowns, including an 8-touchdown performance against Marshall. He displayed his tremendous arm on this post route:

Leon Allen handles the bulk of the rushing duties. The junior gained 1,490 yards on 259 carries in 2014, including 12 touchdowns. Allen turned in two 200+ yard games this season, with 345 yards against Army in early November, and 237 yards against Marshall in the season finale.

But the discussion begins and ends with Doughty. The Hilltopper signal-caller was named Conference USA’s Most Valuable Player and won the Sammy Baugh Award, given to the nation’s top passer by the Touchdown Club of Columbus. Doughty missed two seasons due to injuries, and was just granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA.

Senior linebacker Justin Cherocci leads the Central Michigan defense with 107 tackles (55 solo) and 4 sacks, while defensive backs Brandon Greer and Tony Annese key the secondary with three interceptions apiece. The Chippewas allowed only 211 yards per game through the air, 42nd in the nation; they may not hold Doughty to such a spartan total, but they might slow down the Western Kentucky passing game.

Pro Prospects

The NCAA granted Doughty a sixth year of eligibility, making it more likely he returns to WKU for another season. But this game has other pro prospects to watch. Scouts are very interested in the matchup between Davis and Thomas. Other players worth noting include Cameron Clemmons (OT) and Mitchell Henry (TE) from Western Kentucky. Rawls is a potential draftee, although his legal troubles might scare teams away. Other Central Michigan players to watch are defensive tackle Leterrius Walton and offensive guard Andy Phillips.

Prediction

Doughty and company put on a show, and Hilltopper fans begin a vigil outside his home begging for one more year.

Western Kentucky 38, Central Michigan 21

All video and images courtesy ESPN.

Whether throwing on Cover 2 or against Cover 6, Mark Schofield knows the value of good protection, the free release, play action and spectacular plays and playmakers.