Five Most Important Conference Games
1. Miami at Marshall, Sept. 29
2. Toledo at No. Illinois, Nov. 9
3. Bo. Green at No. Illinois, Sept. 24
4. Bo. Green at Toledo, Nov. 23
5. Toledo at Miami, Nov. 2
Team that will surprise
Kent State
Team that will disappoint
Western Michigan
Coach that must produce
Brian Knorr, Ohio
Best head coach
Bob Pruett, Marshall
The potentially huge MAC upset might be ... Kent State over Marshall, Oct. 16
The potentially worst MAC game might be ... Miami at Buffalo, Oct. 16
Best player no one pays attention to ... Northern Illinois OT Jake VerStraete
T1. Marshall (7-1 in MAC, 8-3 overall)
Offense: The Herd attack will explode on bad MAC teams, but struggle a bit with everyone else needing time to get the offensive line together and hoping for relatively unproven receivers to help out star Josh Davis. RB Earl Charles is a good enough back to revolve the offense around. QB Stan Hill should emerge as one of the MAC's best if he can stay on the field..
Defense: There's experience and depth to burn with as much talent as Marshall has ever had. The front seven has backups every bit as good as the established starters, while the secondary has the potential to be one of the MAC's best with a great pair of corners.
T1. Miami (7-1, 8-3)
Offense: Ben Roethlisberger was the leader of one of the nation's most explosive offenses, but don't look for the machine to stop now that he's gone. The receiving corps is loaded led by Martin Nance and Mike Larkin ready to make new quarterback Josh Betts look like a star. The line needed to replace some top producers, but it should be fine in time paving the way for the 1-2 rushing punch of Mike Smith and Luke Clemens.
Defense: The defense surprised last year turning out to be almost as good as the high-octane RedHawk offense. The back seven should be air-tight with SEC-like speed at outside linebacker and corner. The only concern is at defensive end where Tranaine Sills and Jarrod Rich have to fill in some big shoes, but they should turn out fine.
T2. Akron (4-4, 5-6)
Offense: New head coach J.D. Brookhart and QB Charlie Frye are enough to keep the offense moving, but it will take some big help from the new skill starters to equal the 36.2 points and 470 yards per game of last year. The top five pass catchers from last year are gone including unheralded running back Bobby Hendry. The line is big, experienced and should surprise as one of the MAC's better front walls.
Defense: The Akron defense wasn't always miserable last year, it wasn't clutch. The Zips never seemed to be able to come up with the really big stop, especially in the red zone, and now things could be much worse with a very green back seven and little size up front. The pass rush should be fine as Dwayne LeFall and Chase Blackburn will shine on the ends, but the secondary is starting from scratch and the linebacking corps will take a while to settle.
T2. Kent State (4-4, 5-6)
Offense: The return of QB Joshua Cribbs from his legal troubles gives the offense a life. There are a few good playmakers, but not enough to have a prayer of winning too many games if Cribbs isn't directing the attack. RB David Alston is a home-run hitter, but he can't stay healthy and he hasn't gotten enough room to move playing behind an average line. The receiving corps is talented, led by deep-threat Darrell Dowery Jr., but underutilized.
Defense: There's more than enough experience to expect an overall improvement after allowing 33 points and 461.8 yards per game. The defensive backs have too much experience and skill for the Golden Flashes to have the worst pass defense in the MAC again. There has to be a pass rush from somewhere.
T2. UCF (4-4, 4-7)
Offense: To put it bluntly, this was the most disappointing offense in America last year. That should turn around as the painfully young offensive line of 2003 is now a year older and more experienced and the receiving corps is busting with good, athletic playmakers. The running backs are strong thanks to Alex Haynes and what seems like his 13th year as a Golden Knight. With more of an emphasis on the running game, he should have a fantastic year. The one question is quarterback where Steven Moffett and Jon Rivera have to perform far better than they did last year. Under O'Leary, the emphasis is on a crisper, more up-tempo offense faster in and out of the huddle.
Defense: Forgetting all the off-the-field problems that hit the whole team hard, the UCF defense had a nightmare of a time last year because it couldn't stop the run. This is a woefully undersized defense relying on speed and quickness to make plays. The only problem is that the great athletes get steamrolled over. The secondary will be tremendous led by safeties Atari Bigby and Peter Sands..
T6. Buffalo (1-7, 1-10)
Offense: This is an extremely experienced offense with more depth than it's ever had since coming to the D-I level. The running game will be the best head coach Jim Hofher has ever had running behind a very good MAC line. The passing attack has to improve to the point to where defenses have become a wee bit concerned.
Defense: There's a ton of returning experience, and now there has to be some production after getting the doors blown off allowing 37.1 points and over 476 yards per game. The secondary has the potential to be good with fast young corners and experienced safeties. The line is as deeper than ever if everyone comes back healthy this fall. The concern is at linebacker where some playmakers need to be found.
T6. Ohio (1-7, 2-9)
Offense: The Bobcats are trying to change things up going from an option team to a spread attack, so the question is whether or not the pieces are there to fit the offense. The receivers can fly as Scott Mayle and Anthony Hackett are premier deep threats and the line, while geared towards running the ball, is experienced enough to change. Now it's up to Ryan Hawk and Austen Everson to get everyone the ball.
Defense: The Ohio D was good last year at everything except keeping offenses out of the end zone allowing far too many big plays and dying down the stretch. The back eight will be excellent as SS Rob Stover and LB Dennis Chukwuemeka lead the way for what should be one of the league's top run defenses. The front three is average and won't get to the quarterback, but is big enough to hold firm against the run.
West
1. Northern Illinois (8-0 in MAC, 10-1 overall)
Offense: The loss of star RB Michael Turner and WR P.J. Fleck would cripple most MAC teams, but not the Huskies. Junior A.J. Harris will be the man to step out from the running back committee, while Dan Sheldon returns from injury to be the new go-to receiver. The starting offensive linemen are great, but there's no depth. QB Josh Haldi is a great leader to direct the show.
Defense: Injuries to several good players forced several young players to see time. That experience will pay off this year for one of the fastest and most active defenses in the MAC. The sacks and tackles for loss will pile up with great pass rushing talents on the ends led by the healthy return of Travis Moore. The secondary will be strong if FS Lionel Hickenbottom has an All-MAC season and young stars Ray Smith and Adriel Hansbro play as expected.
T2. Bowling Green (6-2, 8-3)
Offense: Bowling Green was third in the nation in total offense last year averaging close to 500 yards per game. Don't expect any sort of a drop-off even after the loss of franchise QB Josh Harris. QB Omar Jacobs has all the talent to keep the loaded offense moving with one of the deepest receiving corps in the nation and a great group of running backs. The line was banged up this spring but is experienced enough to be among the best in the MAC.
Defense: With eight returning starters and several good, experienced players, this should be one of the MAC's better defenses. There will be few problems getting to the quarterback with All-MAC caliber ends Mitchell Crossley and Devon Parks. The secondary will be nasty if SS Tim Arnold becomes a playmaker.
1. Miami at Marshall, Sept. 29
2. Toledo at No. Illinois, Nov. 9
3. Bo. Green at No. Illinois, Sept. 24
4. Bo. Green at Toledo, Nov. 23
5. Toledo at Miami, Nov. 2
Team that will surprise
Kent State
Team that will disappoint
Western Michigan
Coach that must produce
Brian Knorr, Ohio
Best head coach
Bob Pruett, Marshall
The potentially huge MAC upset might be ... Kent State over Marshall, Oct. 16
The potentially worst MAC game might be ... Miami at Buffalo, Oct. 16
Best player no one pays attention to ... Northern Illinois OT Jake VerStraete
T1. Marshall (7-1 in MAC, 8-3 overall)
Offense: The Herd attack will explode on bad MAC teams, but struggle a bit with everyone else needing time to get the offensive line together and hoping for relatively unproven receivers to help out star Josh Davis. RB Earl Charles is a good enough back to revolve the offense around. QB Stan Hill should emerge as one of the MAC's best if he can stay on the field..
Defense: There's experience and depth to burn with as much talent as Marshall has ever had. The front seven has backups every bit as good as the established starters, while the secondary has the potential to be one of the MAC's best with a great pair of corners.
T1. Miami (7-1, 8-3)
Offense: Ben Roethlisberger was the leader of one of the nation's most explosive offenses, but don't look for the machine to stop now that he's gone. The receiving corps is loaded led by Martin Nance and Mike Larkin ready to make new quarterback Josh Betts look like a star. The line needed to replace some top producers, but it should be fine in time paving the way for the 1-2 rushing punch of Mike Smith and Luke Clemens.
Defense: The defense surprised last year turning out to be almost as good as the high-octane RedHawk offense. The back seven should be air-tight with SEC-like speed at outside linebacker and corner. The only concern is at defensive end where Tranaine Sills and Jarrod Rich have to fill in some big shoes, but they should turn out fine.
T2. Akron (4-4, 5-6)
Offense: New head coach J.D. Brookhart and QB Charlie Frye are enough to keep the offense moving, but it will take some big help from the new skill starters to equal the 36.2 points and 470 yards per game of last year. The top five pass catchers from last year are gone including unheralded running back Bobby Hendry. The line is big, experienced and should surprise as one of the MAC's better front walls.
Defense: The Akron defense wasn't always miserable last year, it wasn't clutch. The Zips never seemed to be able to come up with the really big stop, especially in the red zone, and now things could be much worse with a very green back seven and little size up front. The pass rush should be fine as Dwayne LeFall and Chase Blackburn will shine on the ends, but the secondary is starting from scratch and the linebacking corps will take a while to settle.
T2. Kent State (4-4, 5-6)
Offense: The return of QB Joshua Cribbs from his legal troubles gives the offense a life. There are a few good playmakers, but not enough to have a prayer of winning too many games if Cribbs isn't directing the attack. RB David Alston is a home-run hitter, but he can't stay healthy and he hasn't gotten enough room to move playing behind an average line. The receiving corps is talented, led by deep-threat Darrell Dowery Jr., but underutilized.
Defense: There's more than enough experience to expect an overall improvement after allowing 33 points and 461.8 yards per game. The defensive backs have too much experience and skill for the Golden Flashes to have the worst pass defense in the MAC again. There has to be a pass rush from somewhere.
T2. UCF (4-4, 4-7)
Offense: To put it bluntly, this was the most disappointing offense in America last year. That should turn around as the painfully young offensive line of 2003 is now a year older and more experienced and the receiving corps is busting with good, athletic playmakers. The running backs are strong thanks to Alex Haynes and what seems like his 13th year as a Golden Knight. With more of an emphasis on the running game, he should have a fantastic year. The one question is quarterback where Steven Moffett and Jon Rivera have to perform far better than they did last year. Under O'Leary, the emphasis is on a crisper, more up-tempo offense faster in and out of the huddle.
Defense: Forgetting all the off-the-field problems that hit the whole team hard, the UCF defense had a nightmare of a time last year because it couldn't stop the run. This is a woefully undersized defense relying on speed and quickness to make plays. The only problem is that the great athletes get steamrolled over. The secondary will be tremendous led by safeties Atari Bigby and Peter Sands..
T6. Buffalo (1-7, 1-10)
Offense: This is an extremely experienced offense with more depth than it's ever had since coming to the D-I level. The running game will be the best head coach Jim Hofher has ever had running behind a very good MAC line. The passing attack has to improve to the point to where defenses have become a wee bit concerned.
Defense: There's a ton of returning experience, and now there has to be some production after getting the doors blown off allowing 37.1 points and over 476 yards per game. The secondary has the potential to be good with fast young corners and experienced safeties. The line is as deeper than ever if everyone comes back healthy this fall. The concern is at linebacker where some playmakers need to be found.
T6. Ohio (1-7, 2-9)
Offense: The Bobcats are trying to change things up going from an option team to a spread attack, so the question is whether or not the pieces are there to fit the offense. The receivers can fly as Scott Mayle and Anthony Hackett are premier deep threats and the line, while geared towards running the ball, is experienced enough to change. Now it's up to Ryan Hawk and Austen Everson to get everyone the ball.
Defense: The Ohio D was good last year at everything except keeping offenses out of the end zone allowing far too many big plays and dying down the stretch. The back eight will be excellent as SS Rob Stover and LB Dennis Chukwuemeka lead the way for what should be one of the league's top run defenses. The front three is average and won't get to the quarterback, but is big enough to hold firm against the run.
West
1. Northern Illinois (8-0 in MAC, 10-1 overall)
Offense: The loss of star RB Michael Turner and WR P.J. Fleck would cripple most MAC teams, but not the Huskies. Junior A.J. Harris will be the man to step out from the running back committee, while Dan Sheldon returns from injury to be the new go-to receiver. The starting offensive linemen are great, but there's no depth. QB Josh Haldi is a great leader to direct the show.
Defense: Injuries to several good players forced several young players to see time. That experience will pay off this year for one of the fastest and most active defenses in the MAC. The sacks and tackles for loss will pile up with great pass rushing talents on the ends led by the healthy return of Travis Moore. The secondary will be strong if FS Lionel Hickenbottom has an All-MAC season and young stars Ray Smith and Adriel Hansbro play as expected.
T2. Bowling Green (6-2, 8-3)
Offense: Bowling Green was third in the nation in total offense last year averaging close to 500 yards per game. Don't expect any sort of a drop-off even after the loss of franchise QB Josh Harris. QB Omar Jacobs has all the talent to keep the loaded offense moving with one of the deepest receiving corps in the nation and a great group of running backs. The line was banged up this spring but is experienced enough to be among the best in the MAC.
Defense: With eight returning starters and several good, experienced players, this should be one of the MAC's better defenses. There will be few problems getting to the quarterback with All-MAC caliber ends Mitchell Crossley and Devon Parks. The secondary will be nasty if SS Tim Arnold becomes a playmaker.
