After cruising to victories in the past two Mid-American Conference championship games, those within Central Michigan's football program aren't accustomed to tough competition from league opponents.
A third parade lap in 2008 might be more difficult for the Chippewas, however.
Not only is Central Michigan attempting to become the fourth team to three-peat in the MAC's 42-year history, they must also navigate one of the most talented divisions in recent history.
The most difficult opponent in its way to a third straight MAC title is Ball State, according to the MAC Media Association, which ranked the Cardinals second in the West Division behind the favored Chippewas. Regardless, Central Michigan coach Butch Jones said every divisional opponent this season represents a potential loss.
"If you look at the West, it's the most competitive division there's been in a number of years," Jones said. "... I think you could put everyone's name in a hat, take a draw, and that could be the champion. You name it; that's how equal [it is], and the parity and competitiveness we have in this league this year - Anybody and everybody could win it."
The Chippewas' success has been a stumbling block for Ball State in its hunt for a MAC title. Central Michigan has beaten the Cardinals four straight years, including a 58-38 victory last year at Scheumann Stadium. With both teams tying with a 4-1 divisional record, the head-to-head decision gave Central Michigan the nod to represent the West in last year's MAC Championship Game.
If the target on the Chippewas' back is as big as it's ever been, most believe Ball State will be the program best fitted to knock them from their pedestal. However, Ball State coach Brady Hoke said he sees his program as the unquestioned underdog when the two teams meet in the second-to-last game of the season.
"I think Central is the champion until they get beat," Ball State coach Brady Hoke said. "But I think our whole side - the whole West side - is equally matched. I think there's a lot of good football teams and a lot of good football players. I think it's a matter of all of us being consistent in what we're doing and keep going in the right direction."
Even though Central Michigan and Ball State were picked the top two teams in the West by a considerable margin, both are wary of the four teams selected to finish behind in the standings.
Western Michigan was picked to win the West Division in 2007 but failed primarily because of two close home losses to the Chippewas and Cardinals by a combined seven points. The Broncos were picked to finish third in the West in 2008.
Eastern Michigan, which was picked to finish fifth in the six-team division this year, won the battle between the MAC's Michigan affiliates with victories against the Central Michigan and Western Michigan.
"I think anybody can beat anybody on any given day," Hoke said. "It's just going to be one of those years that whenever you're playing, you have to play your best as a team to be successful."
Toledo coach Tom Amstutz spent much of last season trying to mend a lineup hampered with injuries. With his team healthy entering this fall, Amstutz said he expects better results than his team's 5-7 record last year.
Still, in a division as tough as the West, Amstutz knows his team - which plays host to Ball State during Toledo's homecoming this season - has a difficult path ahead toward improvement.
"I don't think that I would be out of line if I said I could take [the West] Division and put it right on top of that East Division," Amstutz said. "I think it's that tough."
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