Storm Cellar: Film Review of the Central Michigan Chippewas

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 06: A hit by Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Francis Brewu (95) forces Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Joe Labas (2) to fumble during the fourth quarter of the college football game between the Central Michigan Chippewas and Pittsburgh Panthers on September 6, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images In 2025, Central Michigan took on the Pitt Panthers in early September and hung fairly tight through the first half. The Panthers held a 24-10 lead before a 21-7 second half run that saw Pitt cost to a 45-17 win.

class="wp-block-paragraph">When it comes to The Doppler stats: CMU finished 3-of-5 on 4th down and will be a tough stop on 4th and short with their mobile QB in. The Chips offense featured three QB’s in ’25, and should have two rotating in and out in ’26.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Pitt’s QB EliHolstein threw four touchdowns with one interception, the backs scored twice on the ground, and eight Panthers averaged double-digit yards per catch numbers. Pitt’s OL allowed one sack and two TFL’s, a paltry number compared to the Panther defense which logged four sacks and 11 TFL’s.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Here are five clips of the CMU offense and their myriad of personnel groups, formations, motions and shifts. I’ve also put together five ‘What’s open?’ clips the Pitt O used that Miami can use as well.