JoePa's MAC Football Preview

**joepa66** · 08-26-2008, 12:30 PM

2) BOWLING GREEN FALCONS

THE SKINNY -

When the Falcons suffered through a 4-8 season in 2006, their first losing season since 2000, they found themselves mired at 4-4 heading into the home stretch of the 2007 season and were destined to finish 5th as the preseason pundits had predicted. The Falcons did not stay down for long, though and aided by a resurgent running attack stormed back with a 4-0 finish in November to finish 8-4 overall and 6-2 in the MAC East Division to earn a trip to the GMAC Bowl. Unfortunately their trip to Mobile was an ugly 63-7 whooping from Tulsa.

The Falcons are looking to raise the bar even higher this season with 19 starters back. On offense, BGSU has eight starters back, led by junior quarterback Tyler Sheehan who started all 13 games for the Falcons and became the fourth signal caller in school history to throw for 3,000 yards. Sheen completed 303/467 passes for 3,264 yards and 23 TDs and 11 INTs for an offense that finished second in the MAC in passing (278.8 yards per game) and first downs (299), ranked fourth in total offense (402.5ypg), second in first downs (299), and fourth in third-down conversions (41.1%).

Running back by committee, Anthony Turner—a converted QB—led the rushing attack with 519 yards, Willie Geter added 432 yards, and Chris Bullock 281. More importantly, the Turner made 22 receptions and Geter 37, the third highest on the team, which makes the tandem a factor in the running and passing games. Wideouts Freddie Barnes, 82 catches for 962 yards and 9 TDs, and Corey Partridge, 46 catches for 453 yards and 2 TDs will also be key.

Key early season matchups are roadies at Pitt, Boise State and Wyoming, a but the MAC slate if favorable with no Ball State, CMU or WMU in sight. They do have home games against their two biggest East Division rivals Miami,OH and Ball State—a combined 11-4 in the MAC last season, but their remaining games include MAC teams, EMU, KSU, Akron, Ohio, Toledo, and NIU who were a combined 15-31 in league play last season.

BG must replace three starters on the offensive line, including a center drafted by the Denver Broncos. But the real key is the defense that did not stop the run effectively and lost the turnover battle to opponents. In 2007 MAC opponents averaged 4.7ypc and 208ypg, probably a reason why the BG defense ranked third in the MAC in pass defense (216.6). Although the Falcons return nine starters and eight of their top nine tacklers, The D-Line is thin with the indefinite suspension of two starters, and although they have small but quick linebackers, they are not run stoppers. Converted safety Jerett Sanderson who had 73 tackles was moved to linebacker to help cover slot receivers. DBs Jahmal Brown and PJ Mahone had 83 and 90 tackles in 2007, and Mahone added 7 INTs even though he wasn’t a starter until halfway through the season.

BG allowed the most points in intra-division play (177) but also scored the most vs. East division opponents (195). They were the third highest scoring team in the MAC in 2007 with 271 points trailing only Toledo and Central Michigan. However, the Falcons must overcome the turnover bug that bit them last season. In BG’s eight wins last season they were +15 in turnover margin, while in their 5 losses they were -14 including 6 INTs vs. Boston College and 4 fumbles vs. Tulsa.

**joepa66** · 08-26-2008, 12:34 PM

3) BUFFALO BULLS

THE SKINNY �

A 5-7 record in 2007, the most in the school's Division I-A/Football Bowl Subdivision history � and grabbing a share of the MAC East title indicates significant progress in Buffalo. Season ticket sales have reportedly increased along with an 86% renewal rate and a waiting list was implemented for suites at UB Stadium. It�s talk about the Bulls now, not the Bills who haven't been to the Super Bowl since 1994.

With 10 starters back on offense and eight on defense, the Bulls are looking to keep that buzz growing this season. The Bulls planted those seeds of optimism with a 4-3 finish to the 2007 season. After starting the year 1-4, with non-league losses to Rutgers, Penn State and Baylor, UB picked up consecutive wins over Ohio and Toledo to get things started and finished October 3-1, and suddenly found themselves competing for a MAC title.

Despite all the optimism, realistically the Bulls are competing in a conference dominated by Central Michigan, and are mired in a log jam of perennial East division teams who are also loaded once again�.Bowling Green and Miami, OH return nearly all of it�s starters from a year ago.

Still, 18 starters are back for a Bulls squad that finished 2007 by winning four of their last seven games including an OT win over Kent State in their season finale. And, head coach Turner Gill like the physicality of his team and says this the 2008 Bulls are his fastest team to date with a complimentary mix of talented youth and returnees.

A brutal schedule at the outset has the Bulls facing three stiff road games against teams that will be both conference and bowl contenders in Pitt, Missouri, and Central Michigan, sandwiched around home games with UTEP and Temple. Road games in the conference include visits to Akron, Bowling Green and Ohio. Hopefully QB Drew Willy can make it through that early schedule unscathed because without him at the helm their offense would be stuck in neutral. Willy led the MAC in pass completion percentage last season at 68.4%, with 15 TDs and just 6 INTs, and setting a school record for completions in a season with 258 (34 of those against Kent State along with a career high 334 yards). He was named MAC East Offensive Player of the Week and needs 2035 yards to establish himself at the premier passer in Buffalo history.

James Starks also returns as the Bulls top running threat, and as a sophomore last year he became UB�s first-ever D-1A 1,000 yard rusher. He set a school record with 251 carries and 1,103 yards, 14 TDs (12 on the ground) and earned national attention with 231 yards on 34 carries in a 43-33 win over Toledo. Starks did suffer a slight wrist fracture in July and will hopefully be a full strength for UTEP.

Defensively the Bulls gave up just 112 points in East Division games last season, and ranked fourth in the MAC for points allowed. They did lose three defensive starters and are thin at linebacker. You have to be tough up the middle in football and sophomore LB Fred Branch is lost for the season after back surgery, and their two-deep chart is littered with 3 untested underclassmen. Recruit Darius Willis, a top LB prospect did not qualify academically and cannot re-enroll until January. DE Orlando Toussaint was also suspended for the entire season due to academic difficulties.

**joepa66** · 08-26-2008, 12:36 PM

4) KENT STATE GOLDEN FLASHES

THE SKINNY �

Expectations were high for Kent in 2007 after the Golden Flashes finished 6-6 and flirted with a MAC East title the year before. I picked them to finish first in the MAC East as did several national publications. Fast forward to 2008, where Coach Doug Martin is trying to convince his players that injuries quickly scuttled their early-season hopes and the Flashes found themselves in a familiar position�at the bottom of the pile. Kent dropped their last seven games and ended 3-9. After a comeback-win at Ohio they were 3-2, but never saw the winning side again.

When Martin says injuries, he means injuries. The Golden Flashes lost three quarterbacks to injury�one twice. That would impact the deepest rosters, let alone a team that really had only one experienced starter--Julian Edelman, who returns this season.

Edelman played through a knee and ankle injury through week 2 of the season, but a broken arm in week 8 ended his season. His backups, Anthony Magazu (ankle and elbow injuries requiring surgery), and freshman Giorgio Morgan (who was promised a red shirt but was forced into action and tore an MCL) were members of the QB MASH unit who experienced season ending injuries.

So staying healthy, especially at the skill positions is key for Kent along with attaching a handle to the football. The Flashes were 12th in the MAC in turnover margin (-0.92), and scored just 15 TDs in 41 red zone trips, often times fumbling themselves out of even field goal position.

Edleman is a very elusive and exciting player to watch but has been shown to be injury and turnover prone. It may take gun-slinging back-up QB Morgan to lead an over-the-top passing attack to stretch the defense and keep defenses from stacking the line against RB Eugene Jarvis. Jarvis, 5-5/170, comes into the 2008 season as the leading returning rusher in the nation. He gained a school record 1,669 yards last year with an average of 139.1ypg to finish fifth in the country.

In moves to shore up their passing attack, the Flashes moved LB Jameson Konz and defensive lineman Lester Troutman to TE. Konz ranks high on a lot of NFL scouting reports and has yet to catch a pass in a regular season game. His 6-2/222 pound frame, 4.38 speed in the 40 and 41 inch vertical leap has scouts salivating at the possibilities. The Flashes sure could use him and he played well in the spring game. They also need him for blocking as the O-line returns just three starters from a year ago, but many of the newcomers have game experience. And they better get out of the way with Jarvis and Edelman running behind them or they�ll get passed by. Kent�s best pass catching threat is junior Phil Garner who caught 27 passes for 284 yards and a TD. Jarvis led the team in receiving yards with 360, and most of the problems for the receivers directly relates back to the injuries at the QB position.

There will be some competition for the other spots with six receivers who were used sparingly last season, but all had double digit receptions. Speedy sophomore flanker Alex Vanderink who played mostly on special teams and is one of the fastest players on the team did catch a TD pass along with 13 receptions for 98 yards. Junior Derek McBryde saw most of his playing time on special teams but was third in reception yardage on the team with 294 yards. He is the fastest receiver on the team.

Three senior linebackers are key to the defense where the Flashes return eight starters. There are six seniors and four juniors on the front seven depth chart but just one lone senior in the defensive backfield. A swarming defensive line delivered the MAC�s second ranked rushing defense which ranked fourth in the conference in sacks. But gone is Colin Ferrell, to the NFL Colts along with his team leading tackles for loss and sacks.

A strong linebacking tandem of Cedric Maxwell and Derek Burrell combined for 186 tackles and nine tackles for loss. Burrell has started 17 games in the last three years and was named the Flashes Defensive Player of the Year. Cabrani Mixon, a transfer from Michigan, who ranked at the #8 ILB by Rivals.com will vie for playing time. Mixon sat out last season. The defense was solid last season holding MAC opponents to 225 total points, while the offense languished with injuries and only managed to score 175.

Rico Murray is only defensive back with any real experience. He made 75 tackles last year and coaches are expecting more. Last years unit was very raw as Kent had to replace several starters. This year will see players with experience but not great depth except for Murray and SS Brian Lanhart who made 63 tackles and 2 INTs. Kent�s top recruit this season is defensive back Josh Pleasant from Hargrave Military Academy where he recorded 62 tackles, 6 INTs, and even returned a pair of punts for TDs. He will get a shot at playing in the fall.

Kent�s place kicking game was one of the best in the MAC in 2007. Nate Reed made 18-24 field goals including a season best 52 yarder vs. CMU and tied the school record by making five field goals in a win over Ohio. Reed converted on 5/6 tries from beyond 40 yards. Punting had been a problem the last several years with Kent�s net punting average just 30.5 yards�118th�nationally, and dead last in the MAC with an average of 36.6 yards per punt. Watch out for frosh Matt Rinehart from Dover, Ohio an All-Ohioan who averaged 49.5 yards per punt. He was booming 60 yard punts in the spring.

Kent kicks off the season against Boston College in Cleveland, one of four straight non-conference games before the MAC season begins. They face their toughest MAC opponents on the road with trips to Ball State, Miami,OH, Bowling Green and Buffalo where they must win at least two games to contend for the MAC East, while they have Akron, Ohio, Temple and Northern Illinois at home.

**joepa66** · 08-26-2008, 12:37 PM

5) TEMPLE OWLS

THE SKINNY �

Can the Owls take the next step? In 2007 they matched their previous three-year win total by finishing 4-4 in the MAC with a huge win over MAC East Champ Miami,OH. It�s the third year in Philadelphia for Al Golden and his squad is 5-19 overall. But, last year was also their first year in MAC play. If not for a broken leg to QB Adam DiMichele with four games left in the season things may have even been a little brighter for the Owls who were on a three-game winning streak and lost three of their last four games.

The bright spots for Temple this year are that all 11 offensive starters return along with 25 letterwinners, and DiMichele returns having rehabbed his fractured tibia having been held out of spring drills to fully recover. He threw for 1,595 yards, 12 TDs, completed 62% of his attempts, and accounted for 213 total yards per game. His weakness is knowing when to hold �em or fold �em and he finished with 10 INTs.

A running attack is on the Owls wish list for this season, and Golden spent a lot of time searching in the spring. Their ran for an abysmal 93.2ypg last season which ranked them 108th nationally and dead last in the MAC. They managed to eke out just 2.7 yard per rush in 2007. Their leading rusher was also move to wide receiver this season along with three other top rushers. They have spent an inordinate amount of time searching for an answer to their running game are looking at a mix of freshman and transfers to foot the bill.

The defense returns all 11 starters also along with 28 letter winners. Surprisingly they were the best among MAC teams in totall defense, third in rushing defense (164.7ypg), first in pass defense (198.8ypg) and third in defensive pass efficiency. They also led the nation in red zone defense. Not bad for a team that ranked 118th in total defense in 2006. With every defensive starter returning along with a strong linebacking corp and deep secondary, the sledding won�t be any easier for MAC opponents this season. They are led by LB Amara Kamara, who was third on the team in tackles (71), with two fumble recoveries and an interception. Alex Joseph who made 66 stops and seven tackles for loss, had 12 tackles in the win over Miami,OH and 18 the following week vs. Ohio.

The Owls will be a force on defense in the MAC! They have to solve their running game to be effective on offense. Despite having a roster laden with freshmen, they have gained valuable experience that may carry them through several seasons to come. They didn�t score much against MAC opponents last season (140 points) but they didn�t give up many either (195).

A tough MAC schedule has them traveling to Buffalo, and after a Big Ten matchup with Penn State, they have three toughies in a row with Western Michigan at home, Miami,OH and Central Michigan on the road. By winning one or two of those games they may cruise through the rest of their conference schedule with games against the likes of Ohio, Kent State, Eastern Michigan and Akron.

**joepa66** · 08-26-2008, 12:41 PM

6) AKRON ZIPS

THE SKINNY �

Three years after capturing a MAC Championship in 2005, and entering his fifth season as coach, J.D. Brookhart and his Zips are getting no respect and picked to finish dead last in the MAC East after back-to-back losing seasons. The fall from grace has been far as the UA won only one of their final six games in 2007 to finish 4-8.

The Zips did some difficult housekeeping before the season in 2007, cutting loose seven players who didn�t represent the school well off the field even though they were key contributors on the field. The decision was for the betterment of the team in the long term while the short term was disastrous. And, despite a disappointing sixth-place finish the Brookhart thinks they are on the right path.

For their fans, the Jekyll and Hyde Zips of 2007 were hard to stomach at times. They were down big at halftime versus two-time MAC champ--Central Michigan�and lost 35-32, and were only down 3-2 to Ohio State at the half but eventually lost 20-2. But then they also lost to Temple and Buffalo and got pounded at
UConn 44-10 and BG 44-20, and lost just 7-0 at Miami,OH.

Akron does return eight starters on offense but lost nearly one-half of the starting defense from a year ago. The Zips O-line is solid returns four starters led by Chris Kemme a two-time All-MAC award winner. Junior QB Chris Jacquemain will need to find more consistency with veteran protection and does have a year in Brookhart�s system under his belt. He did pass for 1,623 yards and 11 TDs, but he also threw 10 INTs. His best asset is a quick release and strong arm but needs to improve on his accuracy. He split time with Carlton Jackson at QB last year, but Jackson has transferred which may give Jacquemain more time on the field. But he better not get too comfortable, because red-shirt frosh Matt Rodgers may step up to push him for playing time. Rodgers was a top 25 prospect in high school in Pittsburgh where he threw for over 3,500 yards and 40 TDs. A shoulder injury, which required surgery, sidelined him last year but he�s healthy now.

In 2007 the Zips bested only Temple as the MAC�s 11th ranked rushing attack. They only managed 128ypg and just 11 TDs on the year. RB Dennis Kennedy is a load but was hampered by injuries last season and limited to just 46 carries and 156 yards. He does have skill though and ran over MAC defenders his sophomore season for 914 yards. The Zips receiving corp is raw. Gone is WR Jabari Arthur who accounted for more than one-half of UA�s receiving yards with 1,171. A tandem of junior college transfers and a conversion of a senior safety to receiver is what they will be relying on.

The glaring hole for the Zips will be in their defense. They will get solid play from the D-line and linebackers, and NT Ryan Bain (6�2�/305) a transfer from Iowa, but they must replace 5 graduated starters from their secondary including rover John Mackey a heavy hitter and great coverage man. One move during spring drills had primary running back Bryan Williams (728 yards and 4.9ypc) playing at a starting safety position. Brookhart feels that Williams is solid in man coverage and the best blitz man on the team. They had better be solid in the middle this year because they were outscored by nearly 100 points by opponents last season.

Williams also returns as nation�s 2nd best kick return specialist with an average of 31.9, along with Andre Jones the 5th best punt returner in the nation with an average of 14.5. UA is the only school in NCAA D-1 with two players in the top 15 of each category.

Early season scheduling has the Zips making a road trip to Wisconsin and Syracuse, a homer vs. Ball State, a trip to Army and a homer vs. Cincinnati before jumping into full-time MAC play. A 2-3 start is most likely before they take on rival Kent State in Kent, and then return home vs. Bowling Green. It could be a make-or-break schedule at the outset but if the QB and DBs can mature it will be to the benefit of their later season schedule that includes EMU, Ohio, Temple, Buffalo, and Toledo. Brookhart has to win, he feels the cold stares of UA football fans everywhere.

**joepa66** · 08-26-2008, 12:43 PM

7) OHIO BOBCATS

THE SKINNY �

How about this for a stroke of luck�..OU�s Mike Enyon, a senior OT won $250,000 on a Mega Millions lottery ticket during the first week of camp. Now, his team is looking to share in his good fortune�by winning that is! But first they have to get through tough road trips to Wyoming and Ohio State, only to then face two-time defending MAC Champ Central Michigan, but at least that will be a home game at Peden Stadium before a trip to Northwestern. The Bobcats will also have to navigate through a schedule in which six of their first eight games are on the road. It going to some take real luck by a team that was 6-6 last year, and lost their all-time leading rusher. So winning early and stay healthy is a must.

Before Frank Solich, OU football was steady but not very successful. The Green and White found themselves bottom feeders of the MAC, as the program had only two winning seasons in the preceding 20. Eight times they won two or fewer in a season. But now, two years after taking over, Solich's squad claimed a MAC East title, and made its first bowl appearance since the Nixon administration. Despite a .500 finish in MAC East play last season, the Bobcats return 15 starters and 68 letter winners from last season. But their schedule is one that may not lead them to any more victories than last year.

Their continued rise on the field will hinge on the play of their defense. OU allowed 29.9ppg and more than 407 yards in offense per game. Solich feels that it sure would be nice not to have win high scoring games. With seven returning starters and 35 letterwinners on the defense they hope to improve.

The defensive unit was third in the MAC in tackles for loss and sacks, and their secondary was ranked second in the MAC in pass efficiency defense, and was also fifth in passing yards per game with 221. Three starters return to the secondary. ILB Michael Brown will be the stopper in the middle and led the team in tackles last year with 85 tackles along with six tackles for loss. He�ll have to make a lot more stops with a virtually untested front four. Last year OU�s front line of defense had trouble stopping the run to the tune of 186.4ypg which ranks 91st nationally.

Gone is Mr. Offense Kalvin McRae form the backfield. He dominated the line of scrimmage the last three years by setting school records in rushing (4,398 yards), most 100 yard rushing games, rushing attempts (909), 5,248 all-purpose yards, and most TDs with 49. Last year he also set single season rushing marks with 1,434 yards, 119.5ypg, and 19 TDs. There aren�t too many experienced runners in the fold and the Bobcats have moved WR Chris Garrett to TB. Last year, Garrett was ranked 24th nationally in kickoff returns. Solich is also hoping that seldom used RB Vince Davidson is ready to take a big jump since he only rushed for 47 yards in seven games, but managed an impressive 6.7 yards per attempt.

Also gone is QB Brad Bower who gave the �Cats a big-ten flavor in the backfield after transferring from Illinois. A pair of junior QBS, Theo Scott and Boo Jackson will step into those shoes. Scott is an elusive runner with a rifle arm, played in 10 games in 2007, completed 57.8% of his passes, had 5 TDs and 3 INTs, while Jackson a transfer from Flyers Fan�s alma mater, El Camino College, threw for 4,620 yards, 41 TDs, 60.6% accuracy, and was an honorable mention All-American. Looks like OU gets an overhaul this season, and moves to the spread offense shucking the I-Formation. If that is true, then things may open up for their young receiving corp in a offense that was dominated by throws to the tightends.

Andrew Rooney and David Carter carried most of the load for the tight ends last season. Rooney led the team in reception yards (498) and TDs (9) last year, while Carter had 299 yards but providing a semi deep threat with a 15.7ypc average. Taylor Price led the wide receivers with 464 yards but just 2 TDs.

It will be interesting to watch as last season the Bobcats were outscored by MAC foes 260-259, while overall they outscored their opponents by a mere touchdown 3

**joepa66** · 08-26-2008, 12:44 PM

MAC WEST DIVISION

1) CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS

THE SKINNY -

How do you motivate a team that swept through the MAC with a 6-1 record, a second straight MAC title and appearance in the Motor City Bowl, and a pretty explosive offensive performance. The Chipps offense was among the nation's best, ranking 20th in scoring offense (34.8 points per game), but had to repeatedly bail out a leaky defense that ranked 109th in total defense, allowed 460ypg and 36.9 points per game (111th nationally).

CMU will be seeking a third consecutive MAC title in 2008, and will be the first school in the MAC to win three straight titles since Marshall won four straight between 1997 and 2000.

Chipps junior QB Dan LeFevour is larger than life itself, and was the focus of a 30x 60 bulletin board outside of Ford Field in Detroit when MAC media day rolled around. The slogan on the board touted “Champions are Standard at CMU”. They are certainly loaded again on offense with key performers back at every position. They feature RBs Justin Hoskins and Ontario Sneed gaining over 1300 yards, and WRs Brian Anderson who caught 1,132 yard of passes along with MAC frosh of the year Antonio Brown who caught 102 passes and set an NCAA record with 2,267 all-purpose yards. Oh, by the way, do not forget about LeFevour the MAC Offensive Player-of-the-Year.

After just two seasons, LeFevour has 8,326 yards of total offense which ranks 12th all-time in MAC history. If he continues his torrid pace he will more than likely overtake the MAC record of 12,084 held by Byron Leftwich. Leftwich’s record of 939 career completions is also in jeopardy of falling to LeFevour as well as his record of most career passing yards—currently LeFevour has 6,683 and the record is 11,903. If that’s not enough, consider this, in 2007 LeFevour joined former Texas QB Vince Young as the lone players in bowl subdivision history to throw for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season with 4,774 total yards. Phew! Oh, and he ranked fourth among FBS QBs in rushing (80.1ypg), second in total offense and scoring, and 13th in passing yards. Oh, sorry, I thought I was done….he also was just one rushing TD shy of joining Florida QB Tim Tebow in the 20 passing/20 rushing TD elite club, by passing for 27 TDs and running for 19. If he was at a bigger school he may have gotten second looks for the Heisman watch.

Head coach Butch Jones was rewarded with a new five-year contract after last year’s championship season but his tenure did not get off to a good start. CMU got blown off the map by Kansas (52-7), Purdue (45-22), and North Dakota State 44-14 at home, going 1-3 before before they finally got untracked. Talk about embarrassing!

The offense towed the line for the defense last season, outscoring MAC opponents 300-222 but being outscored 517-487 overall. While they were obviously a juggernaut on offense, they sorely lacked defensive playmakers, which was exaggerated by numerous injuries, most of them in the secondary. The Chipps ranked first in the MAC in rushing defense, allowing 156.5 yards per game, but most likely it’s because opposing offenses torched their secondary for 303.5ypg, the worst in the MAC and 118th in the nation. They also gave up 34 TD passes. Unbelievably, every member of the Chipps secondary got injured or missed at least one game. If that’s not enough, returning free safety EJ McLaughlin has been declared academically ineligible for 2008. To compound their defensive problems, top defensive performers as linebackers Red Keith and Ike Brown have graduated. Keith led the MAC with 148 tackles, and Brown was second on the team with 106 tackles and lead team with 11 tackles for loss. Look for younger players to get playing opportunities. Last year the entire roster only had 11 seniors, and in 2008 the Chipps only have 10 seniors and 37 new players on the roster.

The Chipps hope that their non-conference slate improves from last seasons 1-4 record with the lone victory against Army. CMU was 0-3 against BCS teams and outscored by a combined 167-43. By the end of the year, CMU nearly avenged that early season whipping by Purdue narrowly losing 51-48 in the Motor City Bowl.

They will get a see if that improvement carries over to this season with Purdue again for the third time in less than a year, and a major obstacle at Georgia in the second game of the season. A favorable MAC schedule has home games against toughies Western Michigan, Ball State and Buffalo, and their toughest conference road game at Toledo.

**joepa66** · 08-26-2008, 12:48 PM

2) BALL STATE CARDINALS

The Skinny

Every college football team strives to qualify for a January bowl game. The International Bowl might not be their cup of tea, but after a decade of losing any postseason game will do. Despite falling 52-30 to Rutgers in the Toronto the experience of a 13th game was just reward for Brady Hoke’s teams first winning season since 1996.

This is the year that something bigger could happen for the Cardinals with a veteran-laced offense back and high expectations. However, the MAC Championship goes through Mount Pleasant, MI where CMU has won two straight MAC titles. BSU split the MAC West title with Central Michigan, but it was The Chipps who earned the title trip though after winning the regular-season meeting, 58-38 on the Cards home turf. Hopefully BSU isn’t fixated on revenge because they have 10 games on the schedule before they travel to CMU on Nov. 19. They have MAC roadies at Akron, Toledo, Western Michigan, and Miami,OH (the week before CMU) and if they don’t take the schedule week by week the CMU matchup will be for naught.

Ball State owned the MAC’s second-most explosive offensive—bested only by CMU--in 2007, setting school records in points (379) and passing yards (3,413) while ranking 22nd in the country in passing and 31st in total offense (433.8 yards per game). BSU scored a school-record 51 TDs and ranked fourth in the nation in turnover margin (+17).

Junior QB Nate Davis headlines an offense with nine starters back, and ranked 15th in the nation in total offense last season (300.31ypg), had thrown for 48 TDs, was 27th in the nation in passing efficiency (138.84) and threw for 3,667 yard and 30 TDs last season alone with just 6 INTs. He already holds Ball State records in career TD passes and 300 yard games. And if that isn’t enough, his favorite receivers are back again.

The Cardinals top two targets in senior receiver Dante Love and senior TE Darius Hill, who were both first-team All-MAC selections. Love ranked 2nd in the country in all-purpose yards (206.92ypg) and was 6th in the nation in receiving yards per game (107.54) and 7th in the country in catches per game (7.69). Love had 1,398 yards in catches and is only the 5th player in school history to reach 1,000 yards receiving in a season. Hill meanwhile, led the team with 11 TD catches, had 10 in 2006, and was a Mackey Award finalist last year.

The offensive line has four starters back, including fourth-year tackles Andre Ramsey and Robert Brewster and center Dan Gerberry from a unit that allowed 26 sacks a year ago. BSU also hopes the running game gets a boost with the return of junior MiQuale Lewis, who played in only four games before tearing an ACL. He ran for 169 yards vs. Navy and 122 against the Husker’s black shirts in consecutive games before being injured. Will Lewis be able to withstand a less brutal after non-conference slate after being lost for two straight seasons with injuries? And will Lewis’ top replacement, Frank Edmonds (531 yards) be durable enough to endure an entire season. Talented frosh Corey Sykes who ended his high school career with 3,600 yards and 39 TDs be able to give them a lift while Lewis is used as a decoy and relief valve in passing situations? Those are the offensive questions.

The defense ranked 3rd in points allowed in MAC games (166) but must replace 4 starters. It should help that ILB Wendell Brown, returns this year after missing 2007 with a torn pectoral muscle. He was the Cards top tackler in 2006 and should make his presence known this year. Nonetheless, 32 year old former marine Brandon Crawford who anchored the D-line with 60 tackles and 8 sacks, including two against Nebraska, and junior Drew Ruffin will be big upfront, while LB Bryant Haines is nursing an ailing back but led the Cards with 125 tackles and 9 tackles for loss in 13 starts last year. Defensive backs BJ Hill (77 tackles) and Trey Lewis (59 tackles) come off 5 INT seasons

Remember this thought…..Illinois Coach Ron Zook said that Davis was “the best quarterback in the Midwest and that includes those in the Big Ten”!

**joepa66** · 08-26-2008, 12:50 PM

3) TOLEDO ROCKETS

THE SKINNY –

The Rockets could be characters in E.L. Doctorow’s “Welcome to Hard Times”! The perennial elite of the MAC West for the last 10-12 years, have fallen like the mighty in the last two seasons with a huge thud. The once proud UT program had limped through two straight 5-7 seasons that included several blowout losses including an unheard of 42-14 thumping at the hand of Kent State. Their downfall was hastened in part by an inability to stop opponents and key injuries. Because of the injuries, the Rockets ended up playing 43 underclassmen, including 11 freshmen.

The injury problem was particularly tough on the defense, with four veteran starters going down and making them rely on untested underclassmen. As a result, defense allowed points in record fashion. UT gave up 34 or more points in 10 of 12 games last year, ranking 116th in the nation in points allowed at 39.2. They also finished 12th in the MAC in total defense allowing 444ypg, and they were also last in the MAC in sacks with just nine. The good news is all four injured defenders return this season, and being forced to play underclassmen might payoff in the long run. The stabilizing factor on defense is junior safety Barry Church, a first-team All-MAC performer two seasons in a row. He was third on the team with 92 tackles last year and had three INTs. UT had 23 letterwinners on defense including eight starters.

The Rockets were ranked first in total offense in 2007 but can be even better this year. Junior QB Aaron Opelt returns for this third starting season as the throttle for this high-powered offense. He has completed 56% of his passes for 2,631 yards and 18 TDs. When he’s not fighting the injury bug he has shown flashes of brilliance as evidenced vs. NIU last season when he passed for 387 yards and four TDs.

Opelt’s favorite targets return also, as a tandem of All-MAC receivers, junior Stephen Williams and senior Nick Moore led the way. Williams ranked seventh in the MAC with 73 catches and was third in receiving yards with 1,169. Moore is a gutsy over the middle guy with deceptive speed and made 60 catches for 731 yards and eight TDs. The Rockets will look to stretch the field with passing to establish a ground attack.

Gone is RB Jalen Parmele and his 1,511 yard and 14 TDs. Moving in will be DaJuane Collins, a junior who rushed for 699 yards on 99 carries for seven TDs as Parmele’s sub. Collins also had two 100+ yard games last year and caught 11 passes out of the backfield. RB Morgan Williams from Flyers Fan’s high school alma mater, Canton McKinley, ran for 4,864 yards and 65 TDs in senior and junior years. He will press Collins for playing time in the backfield.

UT has the talent and depth now to stave off a third straight losing season, but survival in early season games vs. Arizona, Fresno State and Michigan is paramount to their success. The cannot relax when they face MAC opponents like Eastern Michigan who is sandwiched between the Wildcats and Bulldogs matchups and is also a road game. UT has arguably the toughest MAC schedule of all with road games against EMU, Ball State, and Western Michigan, and home games vs. Bowling Green, Miami, OH, and Central Michigan. They have the offense to in the MAC, but the key is to develop a better pass rush and stay healthy.

**joepa66** · 08-26-2008, 12:52 PM

4) WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS

THE SKINNY –

The Broncos hope to shake off some of the disappointment in 2007 when they finished 5-7. That record was complicated by the fact that five of the teams they faced went on to play in bowl games. WMU’s schedule ranked as the 10th hardest schedule in the country. Two of their opponents finished in the top six in the nation—WVU and Missouri. In mid-November they did manage to upset Iowa on the road, which gave them a 2-0 all-time record against the Hawkeyes. That win, and a season ending win over Temple didn’t salvage their season but gave them some positives to build on for 2008.

With 11 starters back on defense and eight on offense, both sides of the ball appear solid and may help with the consistency that WMU lacked last season. The were mired in two three-game losing streaks and committed far too many miscues (17 interceptions, 12 fumbles) keeping them Broncos from any legit shot at a league share let alone a bowl game. They also have more stability in the coaching ranks and suffered through many adjustments last season with the addition of three new coaches.

Quarterback Tim Hiller threw for 367 yards and three TDs in the victory over Iowa, but struggled throughout the year and ended with 20 TDs and 15 INTs. He will be the starter if WMU wants to be a serious contender, but he must improve even though he threw for 3,021 yards. He is also only the second WMU QB to throw for over 3,000 yards in a season.

The receiver position has the most depth it’s had in a long time with Jamarko Simmons the deep threat on the team. Simmons was a first team All-MAC pick last year and caught 84 passes for 980 yards and six TDs. His 84 catches are the most ever in a season for a receiver at WMU, and he had four 100-yard receiving games last year. Senior TE Branden Ledbetter, a two-time All-MAC award winner has 86 career catches and 1,049 career receiving yards and 14 TDs. Jordan White has is also a go-to receiver and caught 338 yards in passes last year, including a 50 yard TD pass vs. Ball State.

RB Brandon West had to share time in the backfield the last two seasons but since Mark Bonds has graduated, the job is his alone. West rushed for 848 yards in 2007 and set a school record with 2,119 all-purpose yards en route to earning second team All-MAC offense and special teams honors. He had three 100-yard games including a career best 172 against Ball State.

The Broncos starting seconday of Londen Fryar, EJ Biggers, Louis Delmas and CJ Wilson are all back again this year and have 25 INTs among them. Delmas is very active with eight career INTs. He and Fryar have earned two-straight first team All-MAC defense selections. The seconday needs to step up though, as they were torched for 20 TDs and only 10 INTs last season which ranked 9th in the conference. Expected to help in defense is transfer Doug Wiggins. He sat out last year after transferring from Miami,FL and was a top receiving prospect but asked to be changed to the secondary where he “feels more at home”.mmThe second deepest unit on the WMU defense is their linebackers. Dustin Duclo and Boston McCornell are the top two tacklers from a year ago with 99 and 74 respectively. The youngest part of the defense is the line with two freshmen vying for playing time, and two upperclassmen with limited experience expected to step into the DE positions.

The Broncos have big games with Nebraska and Illinois on the schedule but Illinois comes right in the home stretch of the MAC season. They finish with a road game to Toledo and a home game vs. Ball State right after the Illinois game. Other key MAC games are visits to Central Michigan and a home game vs. Eastern Michigan a team that beat them and CMU last season to win the mythical MAC Michigan Championship.

**joepa66** · 08-26-2008, 12:54 PM

5) NORTHERN ILLINOIS HUSKIES

THE SKINNY -

The Huskies string of bowl appearances, big wins and victories came crashing to a halt last season in big way as they crash to a 2-10 finish. It was their first losing season since 1999, and now they have to deal with a huge coaching change and a rebound from some very serious injuries. The 2007 season was marked by injuries with 20 key players suffering injuries while 15 starters missed a total of 77 starts.

A year removed NIU returns 18 starters (nine on each side of the ball) and 55 lettermen. The key to their success this season will be the fortune of good health. Their offensive unit soled although they scored season lows of 84 points vs, MAC West opponents and 126 vs. MAC opponents overall. The lost to Ball State by 6, Western Michigan by 4, Temple by 1, Eastern Michigan by 2, and a non-conference game to Southern Illinois by 3.

After building Southern Illinois State into a perennial winner at the I-AA level, Jerry Kill made the move to NIU to succeed Joe Novak, who retired after building the Huskies into a MAC power through 12 seasons. Kill was 55-32 at SIU, leading the Salukis to five straight playoff appearances and a trip to the FCS semifinals last season. And, he won’t Husky find the cupboard bare.

The offense has some huge talent but QB Dan Nicholson, RB Justin Anderson, and WRs Britt Davis and Matt Simon are all coming off injuries. Despite not being healthy Nicholson passed for 1,633 yards, 9TDs, and 14INTs in nine games. He had four 200+ yard games and was ninth in the MAC in total offense with 1,567 yards. He was replaced by Ryan Morris, who started three games and threw for 458 yards and four TDs in the Huskies last two games. Anderson was a second team All-MAC performer with 1,254 yards rushing and eight TDs. Simon still managed to lead the team in receiving with 52 catches for 962 yards and 5 TDs, while Davis had 33 catches for 391 yards and 2 TDs. Their offensive line is healthy veteran laden group that yielded 21 sacks which was third in the MAC.

The defense was 11th in total defense last season, allowing 434.2ypg and was 12th in run defense at 210.1ypg. They forced a MAC-low 15 TOs, but their offense committed a MAC-high 32 miscues.

DE Larry English, a first team All-Mac performer who led the team with 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. English became the second defensive player in the MAC to earn the Vern Smith Leadership Award. English also has 23.5 career sacks in three seasons and looks to break the MAC record of 29. Sophomore Alex Kube, a strong safety led the team in tackles with 111 and was moved to strong side linebacker during the spring.

A lot of Kills’ players did not see action during the spring drills and it’s going to be a question if they can pick up his system before the season. Complicating things is the fact that the Huskies must play four of their first five games on the road. And, two of those games are against MAC West foes Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan. Their last roadie before a three-game MAC homestand is at Tennessee. The Huskies may have the toughest MAC schedule of all with those three consecutive games against Miami, OH, Toledo, and Bowling Green, before they travel to Ball State and Kent State sandwiches around a home game with Central Michigan.

**joepa66** · 08-26-2008, 12:55 PM

6) EASTERN MICHIGAN EAGLES

THE SKINNY -

The Eagles want to build on some momentum as they were the ONLY conference team to beat two-time MAC Champ Central Michigan last year. It was also a year in which they won the mythical Michigan MAC Championship by beat both CMU and Western Michigan and finish above .500 the school’s first winning record in more than 10 years.

Since they joined the MAC in 1976, they’ve won one lonely MAC title--in 1987, and one bowl berth when they defeated San Jose State in the California Bowl. Consider this, it’s been so long that an entire generation has come through the Eagles program during that span, as well as five head coaches.

Still, despite a 4-8 season in 2007, EMU is waging war on the media who predicted them to finish fifth in the West Division, and against the big boys who think those two West Division wins were a fluke. If EMU is putting themselves on the fence to put up or shut up this season, then QB Andy Schmitt will provide the impetus and direction on the offensive side of the ball. He’s a very mobile 240 pound QB with a strong arm and running capability. Last season he battled through injuries but still threw for 14 TDs, ran for six, and accounted for 1900 total yards of offense. Schmitt was the second leading rusher for a team who lost just one starter from the offensive line and were fourth in rushing (165.5).

That line however, will be blocking for a very green backfield that graduated its top runner. No other back on the team rushed for more than 180 yards on the season. Most of the receivers return for this season led by WR Dontayo Gage who led EMU with 1,215 all-purpose yards. Gage used sprinter-class speed to amass 1,016 yards in kickoff returns, the first time in school history that a player has eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark.

The Achilles Heel of the Eagles will more than likely be their defensive line losing one lineman to the NFL draft. They do feature Daniel Holtzclaw at LB, where he topped 100 tackles the last two of his seasons of a three-year starting career. Holtzclaw was first team All-MAC last year and is high on the NFL prospect list, and has accumulated 330 tackles. The secondary is also strong with the return of Ryan Downard who had six INTs last year which ranked him second in the NCAA for freshman and second overall in the MAC.

An early season schedule in the MAC favors the Eagles and could put them in business for divisional play. EMU catches Toledo at home, a team they have beaten only once in the last five years. With a win over the Rockets they would have the potential for a 2-0 start with Northern Illinois coming to Ypsilanti two weeks later. They start the season with three of their first five games at home sandwiched around road trips to Michigan State and Maryland. A 3-0 start at home would go along way to send notice to MAC opponents, but anything less would be disastrous. The get Central Michigan at home but have roadies with Bowling Green, Ball State, Western Michigan and Temple. The only positive side is that they get Toledo and CMU at home.

EMU hopes to get a boost in their kicking game which was woeful last season. It was so bad that they only attempted 12 field goals and made just 7. Spring punting was so bad that the Eagles wooed PK Joe Carrithers away from signing with Cincinnati. Carrithers placed among the top four in a national kicking combine, and is very accurate with lots of distance.

**MiamiSportsFan** · 08-26-2008, 08:40 PM

BG > MU

Brandon will have the boys slanging it all over the field with Sheehan, remember Omar Jacobs? Put a brain in his head and you have Tyler Sheehan.

The defense returns 4 year starters in the backfield...easily the best group in the MAC.

Get ready for a shootout with Pitt, bet the OVER.

**Hackman** · 08-26-2008, 11:14 PM

Originally posted by joepa66

6) EASTERN MICHIGAN EAGLES

They do feature Daniel Holtzclaw at LB, where he topped 100 tackles the last two of his seasons of a three-year starting career. Holtzclaw was first team All-MAC last year and is high on the NFL prospect list, and has accumulated 330 tackles. .

and he is a Native of Good OLE Enid OK.......................thats where I am....

Doing Color for the area game of the week this year on a new station...will get you the site information when i get it.........

Good information Joepa..........Good luck this year.....

JoePa's MAC Football Preview

JoePa's MAC Football Preview

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