| 2008 overall record: 8-5 2008 conference record: 6-2  Returning starters Offense: 6, defense: 10, punter/kicker 2 Top returners QB Dan LeFevour, WR Bryan Anderson, WR Antonio Brown, LB Nick Bellore, OL Jeff Maddox, OL Colin Miller, DL Sean Murnane, WR Kito Poblah, DB Bobby Seay, DE Sam Williams, DE Frank Zombo, LB Matt Berning Key losses RB Ontario Sneed, OL Andrew Hartline, S Eric Fraser 2008 statistical leaders (* returners) Rushing: Dan LeFevour* (592 yards)
Passing: Dan LeFevour* (2,784 yards)
Receiving: Antonio Brown* (998 yards)
Tackles: Nick Bellore* (148)
Sacks: Frank Zombo* (9)
Interceptions: Eric Fraser (2) Spring answers | 2009 Schedule | | Sept. 5 at Arizona
Sept. 12 at Michigan State
Sept. 19 Alcorn State
Sept. 26 Akron
Oct. 3 at Buffalo
Oct. 10 Eastern Michigan
Oct. 17 at Western Michigan
Oct. 24 at Bowling Green
Oct. 31 at Boston College
Nov. 11 Toledo
Nov. 18 at Ball State
Nov. 27 Northern Illinois | | | 1. LeFevour one of nation's best: LeFevour was hampered by injuries last season, but will enter this fall as one of the best, if not the best, quarterback in the MAC. LeFevour has averaged 300 yards of total offense during his career and should maintain that again, especially if the Chippewas can't find a running back to help on the ground. 2. Receiving corps remains solid: LeFevour will be greatly aided by the return of top receivers Antonio Brown and Bryan Anderson. Anderson was held out of spring practices while rehabbing a shoulder injury, but is expected to be a big contributor in this offense. 3. Strengthening the defensive line: Steve Stripling joined the staff as defensive ends coach this spring and should continue to maintain a defense that led the MAC in sacks last year. Fall questions 1. Shoring up the secondary: The defensive secondary was atrocious last year, allowing 287 yards per game. It was a big reason why Central Michigan struggled last year and failed to win their third consecutive MAC title. It will need to be better if the Chippewas want to compete. 2. Looking for a running back: LeFevour can't be the all-everything guy for this team, his ankles won't allow him to be, so Central Michigan has to find a running back that can take some of the pressure off LeFevour to lead the team in both passing and rushing. 3. High expectations from defensive line: Coach Butch Jones liked what he saw out of his defensive line this spring, but the Chippewas will have to develop some depth to become one of the most improved defensive units in the conference. | 
Watson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Missouri Tigers and the Big 12 Conference for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She also covered college football recruiting for the Dallas Morning News.
