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Mitten Masterkey

Mitten Masterkey: Week 10

It's another big rivalry weekend in the Mitten, with the Victory Cannon Trophy up for grabs between Central Michigan and Western Michigan.

Andrew Graham

— 3 min read
Mitten Masterkey: Week 10
(Andrew Graham/Mitten Football)

As if the Paul Bunyan Trophy wasn’t enough ante, the Mitten gets another trophy game this weekend, as Central Michigan and Western Michigan face off in the battle for the Victory Cannon Trophy. 

It’s one of the most bitter in-state feuds in college sports, and it returns to Saturday for the first time since before the Covid pandemic in what should be a rocking atmosphere to headline a weekend of meaningful games. 

Let’s dig in. 

Mitten Football will be at…

No real choice here: Waldo Stadium. Also because a beer review is planned. 

The schedule and TV assignments

All games are Saturday this week (#MACtion lurks, though.) Eastern Michigan is idle. 

  • 3:30 p.m. — Michigan State at Minnesota, Big Ten Network/FOX streaming
  • 4:00 p.m. — Western Michigan vs. Central Michigan, ESPNU/ESPN+ streaming
  • 7:00 p.m. — Michigan vs. Purdue, Big Ten Network/FOX streaming

And for the uninitiated, this master schedule absolutely rocks (just be aware times are central).

Pregame, halftime reading from Mitten Football and others

Picks and preview

Check them out here with longer previews, but for a brief version (scores not included):

  • Michigan State over Minnesota
  • Western Michigan over Central Michigan
  • Michigan over Purdue

A freshman to watch: Avieon Chenaut, WMU WR

Chenault had a quiet first few games of the season at Western Michigan’s offense settled in and Broc Lowry established himself as the starter. But the true freshman wideout has continued to make bigger and bigger impacts for his team as the season has gone on. 

And while the Broncos don’t run a high-volume passing attack, they like to take their shots down the field and be aggressive when possible, and Chenault has been on the receiving end of a fair few of those looks. He’s also one of the Broncos’ better contested catch options. And he’s a good and willing run blocker. 

A unit to watch: Central Michigan’s offensive run blocking

This is basically the Central Michigan offensive line, conceptually, but for a team that uses tight ends and fullbacks so often it feels more complete to encompass those positions, too. And behind those linemen, tight end and fullbacks, Central Michigan is going to want to run the ball with its trio of tailbacks, especially without Angel Flores in the lineup at quarterback. 

So it’s imperative that this group plays well for Central Michigan against a stout, talented defensive front that’s playing some of its best ball of late, especially as the WMU linebackers have gotten healthier. 

A fun prediction: Makhi Frazier goes for 100-plus yards again

The lone bright spot on the Michigan State offense prior to a garbage-time touchdown scored by the backups, Frazier went over 100 rushing yards and punched in a touchdown for the Spartans against Michigan. Most of his production came on a handful of explosive plays, but those yards still count. 

And against a middle-of-the-road Minnesota rush defense, Frazier — who looks healthier than he’s been in a few weeks — should have opportunities to get into the open field and put his vision and cutback ability to good use. He’ll need the offensive line to play its part, but he’s shown he’s capable of churning out yards that this offense badly needs. 

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