Well the football schedule was just released and the 2009 doesn't have a promising look for the Chippewas.

CMU will be plenty talented, but this schedule is certainly not a favorable one. Here are a few key points:

1. CMU doesn't have a bye during the regular season until its 10th game. Once the Chippewas get started on Sept. 5 at Arizona, CMU will play nine-straight weeks, and the only reason there is a break is because the Chippewas play mid-week.

2. Another three-game road trip in the later half of the season, at Western (Oct. 17) at Bowling Green (Oct. 24), and at Boston College (Oct. 31). Neither of these games is a cake walk and by the time they hit the Eagles on Halloween, the MAC race may be out of reach.

3. Tough crossovers. Akron at home isn't too bad, but Bowling Green and Buffalo are likely going to be the top two MAC East preseason pics, and CMU has them both on the road. Remember that crossover games affect MAC Standings now and those two games could certainly be the tipping point in the West race.

4. Along with non-conference games, CMU is playing against seven bowl teams. Aside from Alcorn State, I am not sure you can say there is an easy game on this schedule, and these tight, and physical contests will take their toll on the Chippewas by the end of the year, which I think was part of the reason for the letdown to end 2008.

I know if I am Butch Jones, I am not excited about this schedule.