They were led by second-year head coach John Bonamego and played their home games at Kelly/Shorts Stadium as members of the West Division of the Mid-American Conference.

They received an invitation to the Miami Beach Bowl where they were blown out by Tulsa 55–10.

This game sparked controversy after the officials missed a call that would eventually give Central Michigan the win.

Oklahoma State threw the ball away to end the game and received a penalty for intentional grounding.

However, the officials gave Central Michigan an untimed down, and the Chippewas threw a 51-yard hail mary and scored after completing the pass and a lateral.