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	Saturday, September 2 New coach, new attitude at Central Michigan
	By George Porter Special to ESPN.com Central Michigan Chippewas 1999 record: 4-7 (3-5 MAC) Coach: Mike DeBord Returning starters: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense) Outlook New coach Mike DeBord brings a new play book and attitude in hopes of turning the Chippewas into contenders this season. The former Michigan offensive coordinator will stress balance in the offense in hopes of turning the Chips around. It won't be easy, but one of the the first things he has to do is get a better performance out of senior quarterback Pete Shepherd. Shepherd threw for 2,295 yards last year, but struggled with 12 interceptions and only nine touchdown tosses. Shepherd should have plenty of protection as five lineman with starting experience return. Jammarl O'Neal, a third team Freshman All-American last season, returns and should improve on his 59 catch, 1,085 yards season. If Vince Webber, who averaged six yards a carry in 1998 before missing last season with a broken jaw, can do even a fair imitation of the departed Eric Flowers, who rushed for over 3,000 yards in his career, the offense will move the ball fairly well. On defense, there are some issues. The Chippewas must replace its entire defensive line, but there is some help at linebacker, where Darvin Lewis looks like a potential superstar. The secondary is experienced and will be called upon to help stop the run as well as the pass. Keep an eye on ... WR Jammarl O'Neal. He's big, fast and has nice hands. Is that a good thing for a receiver to have? O'Neal just scratched the surface of how good he can be and could be up for an all-MAC kind of year. It's a good season if ... The Chippewas finish in the middle of the pack this season. They won't contend this year, but a good campaign will build confidence for this program on the rise. Keep an eye on: Pete Shepherd, Vince Webber, Jammarl O'Neal, and the new defensive line. It's a good season if: DeBord can get the best out of quarterback Pete Shepherd. Jammarl O'Neal must continue to be a big play guy, and the secondary must play up to par.		AROUND THE MAC Akron Ball St. Bowling Green Buffalo Central Mich. Eastern Mich. Kent Marshall Miami (Ohio) Northern Illinois Ohio Toledo Western Mich. ALSO SEE MAC Preview: Akron, Toledo could end Marshall's reign