Second verse same as the first? Possibly.

After completing their spring session with a spirited spring game in which the Chippewas' offense prevailed over the defense, Central Michigan's football team, under second-year head coach Butch Jones, had a familiar appearance to last season's MAC championship squad. But that could be considered a doubled-edged sword.

The offense, despite missing a few cogs, looked to be in near midseason form with last year's freshman phenom, MAC Freshman of the Year wide receiver Antonio Brown, leading the way by turning in a two-touchdown performance. But the biggest news on the offensive side of the ball may have been the development of running back Carl Volny, who received added work while Justin Hoskins and Ontario Sneed were limited because of injuries.

"Carl Volny had a great spring and had his role increased because of the injuries," Jones said. Volny, a redshirt sophomore, impressed the coaches with his speed and gives the Chips a solid third option (or better) at running back if his spring performance is any indication.

Unfortunately, the spring also included the continuation of a familiar theme from last season: The Chips continue to shuttle and move about players to fill spots because of injury, especially on defense. While several spots remain in contention, Chaz West's move to safety appears to be a stabilizing factor in CMU's much maligned secondary, and the return to full duty by CB Josh Gordy will further solidify an area that was clearly the Chips' defensive weakpoint last season.

The Chips are still looking to shore up their linebacking corps, and that area appears to still be unsettled following the conclusion of spring ball. CMU is looking to replace two of its three starting linebackers, and several promising but unproven players are getting looks. Calvin Hissong is expected to compete for a spot at linebacker after moving from the secondary but was hindered in spring because of injuries.

Heading into the 2008 season, the Chips' offense looks to be as potent as ever behind quarterback Dan LeFevour, but the defense potentially remains problematic.

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