2021 Central Michigan Chippewas football team

2021 Central Michigan Chippewas football
MAC West Division co-champion
Sun Bowl champion
Sun Bowl, W 24–21 vs. Washington State
ConferenceMid-American Conference
DivisionWest Division
Record9–4 (6–2 MAC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorKevin Barbay (1st season)
Defensive coordinatorRobb Akey (3rd season)
Home stadiumKelly/Shorts Stadium
Seasons
← 2020
2022 →
2021 Mid-American Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
East Division
Kent State xy   6 2     7 7  
Miami (OH)   5 3     7 6  
Ohio   3 5     3 9  
Bowling Green   2 6     4 8  
Buffalo   2 6     4 8  
Akron   1 7     2 10  
West Division
Northern Illinois xy$   6 2     9 5  
Central Michigan x   6 2     9 4  
Toledo   5 3     7 6  
Ball State   4 4     6 7  
Eastern Michigan   4 4     7 6  
Western Michigan   4 4     8 5  
Championship: Northern Illinois 41, Kent State 23
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant

The 2021 Central Michigan Chippewas football team represented Central Michigan University in the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They were led by third-year head coach Jim McElwain and played their home games at Kelly/Shorts Stadium as members of the West Division of the Mid-American Conference.

The Chippewas completed their regular season with an 8–4 record and accepted a bid to the Arizona Bowl, where they were due to face the Boise State Broncos. On December 27, Barstool Sports (the title sponsor of the bowl) founder David Portnoy announced the withdrawal of the Broncos from the bowl due to COVID-19 issues within the program; organizers stated that they would attempt to secure a replacement team to face the Chippewas.[1] Later in the day, the Arizona Bowl was canceled,[2] and Central Michigan was named as a replacement team for the Sun Bowl to face the Washington State Cougars.[3]

  1. ^ Glasspiegel, Ryan (December 27, 2021). "Dave Portnoy announces Boise State out of Barstool Bowl due to COVID-19". New York Post. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  2. ^ "UPDATE: Arizona Bowl canceled for 2021". KOLD-TV. December 27, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2021 – via MSN.com.
  3. ^ Sallee, Barrett (December 27, 2021). "Central Michigan to play Washington State in Sun Bowl after Miami pulls out due to COVID-19 issues". CBS Sports. Retrieved December 27, 2021.