| Year: | 1997 |
| Team: | Central Michigan Chippewas |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Mid-American Conference |
| Division: | West Division |
| Short Conf: | MAC |
| Record: | 2–9 |
| Conf Record: | 1–7 |
| Head Coach: | Dick Flynn |
| Hc Year: | 4th |
| Mvp: | Rollie Ferris |
| Stadium: | Kelly/Shorts Stadium |
The 1997 Central Michigan Chippewas football team represented Central Michigan University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1997 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their fourth season under head coach Dick Flynn, the Chippewas compiled a 2–9 record (1–7 against MAC opponents), finished in fifth place in the MAC's West Division, and were outscored by their opponents, 479 to 282.[1] [2] The team played its home games in Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan,[3] with attendance of 94,162 in five home games.[4]
The team's statistical leaders included Tim Crowley with 2,204 passing yards, Eric Flowers with 909 rushing yards, and Reggie Allen with 877 receiving yards.[5] Offensive guard Rollie Ferris was selected as the team's most valuable player.[6]