Quarterback — Dan LeFevour is the star of the Chippewa offense. The junior has thrown for 1,619 yards with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions in seven games this season.

LeFevour is also a threat on the ground, with 329 yards rushing. The Downers Grove native is second in the MAC in total offense.

Last season, LeFevour threw for 3,652 yards and ran for another 1,122, becoming the second player in FBS history to throw for 3,000 yards and run for 1,000, joining former Texas quarterback and current Tennessee Titans signal caller Vince Young.

However, LeFevour has been suffering through an ankle injury the past few weeks and is questionable for tonight’s game. He first hurt the ankle Oct. 11 against Temple, and last played Oct. 25 against Toledo.

Starting in LeFevour’s place has been senior Brian Brunner. The Chippewas haven’t really lost a step with Brunner at the helm, as he has passing efficiency has been better than LeFevour’s, and ranks second in the MAC in the category.

Grade — A+

Running Backs — Central Michigan’s starting running back is another player from the Land of Lincoln.

Ontario Sneed hails from Decatur and leads Chippewa running backs with 346 yards on the ground, averaging 3.8 yards per carry. Sneed has six touchdowns on the year.

Other backs who have seen carries include freshmen Bryan Schroeder and Paris Cotton, as well as senior Notre Dame transfer Justin Hoskins.

Hoskins was Central Michigan’s second leading rusher a year ago with 693 yards on the ground, and ran 14 times for 93 yards in the Chippewas 35-10 win over NIU.

Grade — C+

Wide Receivers — The Chippewas top wideout is sophomore Antonio Brown.

Hailing from the football hotspot of Miami, Brown ranks third in the MAC in receptions with 60, and fifth in receiving yards per game with 623. Brown currently has four touchdowns.

Last season, Brown was named MAC Freshman of the Year after catching 102 balls for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns.

Central Michigan’s other three starters in its four receiver set are junior Bryan Anderson, sophomore Kito Poblah and senior Joe Bockheim.

Anderson is second on the team in catches with 46 and leads the team in receiving yards with 670. Anderson ranks third in the MAC in receiving yards per game.

The team’s tight end is freshman Rocky Weaver.

Grade — A

Offensive Line — Central Michigan’s offensive line is paced by senior tackles Andrew Hartline and Greg Wojt, sophomore left guard Jeff Maddux, junior center Joe McMahon, and junior right guard Allen Ollenburger.

Hartline is arguably the best member of the Chippewas offensive line. Hartline was a second team All-MAC selection in 2006 and 2007, and has started every game of his college career.

Draft Countdown.com ranks Hartline as the 28th best offensive tackle prospect for the 2009 NFL Draft.

The Chippewas haven’t done a great job of protecting the passer so far this season. Central Michigan has allowed 21 sacks so far, tying them for tenth in the MAC.

Grade —C