Mid-American Conference Preview

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Mid-American Conference Preview


Entering its 63rd year of gridiron competition, the MID AMERICAN CONFERENCE will once again play a balanced schedule, meaning each team will play eight conference games in 2009. Let?s hope the results are more balanced that last year when Buffalo was the only team in the MAC East Division to finish the season with a winning record.

This is definitely a league that is wide open and one that likes to mix things up. Seven different teams that have appeared in the last four MAC Championship games while nine different MAC schools that have appeared in a bowl game in the last four seasons?

AKRON - *9 / 6
Team Theme ? FIX-a-FLAT
When does improving from 4-8 to 5-7 signify a quantum leap? When your offense and defense combined to improve 97 YPG, that?s when. Had it not been for a heartbreaking three-game season-ending losing skein the Zips might have landed a bowl bid last year. Instead, J.D. Brookhart will look to 15 returning starters from last year?s squad to try and complete the task this season. The keys to the car will be handed to QB Chris Jacqueman who, along with both of his leading receivers, will look to improve offensive production for the fourth year in a row. One thing is for certain. The Tiremakers will need to avoid season-ending blowouts in their final two games (0-6 last three years) this season if they wish to move up to the next level.
PLAY ON: vs. Ohio U (10/10)

BALL STATE ? 4 / 7
Team Theme ? NEUTERED
What a difference a month can make. Last year the Cardinals entered December one of only three undefeated teams in the land. By the time the calendar changed, Ball State suffered back-to-back losses and saw its head coach leave for the comfy climes of San Diego (State). To add vinegar to the wounds they lost all-MAC QB Nate Davis and four offensive linemen to graduation. Ouch! Enter BSU OC Stan Parrish to stop the bleeding. Parrish, who was on the staff of the 1977 Michigan national championship team and the 2002 Tampa Bay Super Bowl squad, coached the Cards in last year?s GMAC Bowl loss. ?The running backs and receivers should be the strength of our offense this season, but it all starts with the offensive line,? contends Parrish. Not to be snippy, but there?s too much of an overhaul needed for our taste, thank you.
PLAY AGAINST: vs. Central Michigan (11/18)

BOWLING GREEN ? *7 / 4
Team Theme ? FALCONS PUT CLAWS-ON.
After swimming in a sea of mediocrity the last four years (24-24), the Falcons opted for a coaching change. Out goes Gregg Brandon and in comes Dave Clawson, a head coach for nine seasons, including four years with Richmond. A two-time Division 1-AA Coach of the Year, Clawson took a Fordham team off 12 straight losing seasons to the playoffs. He brings 20 years of coaching experience and seven new assistants to Bowling Green. The birds of prey will rely on SR QB Tyler Sheehan, a third team all-MAC choice each of the last two seasons. In those two seasons he?s completed 570 of 876 passes, good for 5874 yards and 43 TD?s. Should the Bee Gees find a way to navigate their way through their first nine games they close out the season against a trio of losing teams. That?s when they?ll apply the claw.
PLAY ON: vs. Akron (11/20)

BUFFALO ? 5 / 8
Team Theme ? BULL MARKET
When asked about being in the mix for Auburn?s head coaching vacancy, Turner Gill quickly dispelled the thought. ?On the day I came here to be the head coach I told my team that one day we would be successful here at the University of Buffalo. Now, more than ever, I have never been more proud to be the head coach of this program,? said Gill. The two-time MAC Coach of the Year took the Bulls to their first bowl game ever last year. A hard-hitting defense forced 32 fumbles last season, including 21 in the last seven games, proving that preparation is key, Buffalo played four overtime games in 2008, winning three of them. RB James Starks (back-to-back 1000 yard seasons) and WR Naaman Roosevelt (1402 yards on 104 receptions) lead the offense. Win, lose or draw, this program looks to be in good hands.
PASS

CENTRAL MICHIGAN ? *6 / 10
Team Theme ? SUPERDAN
This much we know. QB Dan LeFevour is a sure-fire NFL star who has lead his team to 26 wins in three years. His accomplishments are many. He has accumulated 11,702 yards of total offense in three years as a starter (2765 yards rushing) and has been the Chips? leading rusher each of the last two seasons. To top it off, his top three receivers ? 199 receptions last year - all return. Close calls were much to CMU?s liking last year. They went 5-1 in the six games that were decided by three of less points. Four non-conference road games against bowl teams may be the only thing that can stop the Chips from becoming the first current MAC member to play in four straight bowl games. Hey! Look! Up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it?s Super Dan.
PLAY ON: vs. Michigan State (9/12)

EASTERN MICHIGAN ? *8 / 8
Team Theme ? ENGLISH LESSON
After floundering for six years in the waters of mediocrity, EMU officials finally raised the white flag and said enough is enough. Jeff Genyk and his 16-42 record was sent packing. Ron English, a former defensive coordinator with Michigan and Louisville, takes his place with his first stab as a major-college head coach. He inherits 16 returning starters from a team that actually improved its offense (77 YPG) and its defense (18 YPG) last season. SR QB Andy Schmitt and Jacory Stone, EMU?s all-MAC receiver, join forces with last year?s top four rushers to solidify the attack. ?We want to be able to run the ball and defend the run,? said English. We like the ways he thinks. We also like his pedigree. With eight of this year?s 12 opponents coming off losing seasons, the turnaround could happen sooner than later.
PLAY ON: vs. Temple (10/3)

KENT STATE ? 8 / 7
Team Theme ? MARTINIZED
Were it not for a season-ending upset win over eventual MAC champion Buffalo last year, Golden Flash head coach Doug Martin would likely have the dreaded ?former? label attached to his moniker. He will be on the hot seat to save his hide in 2009 and, unless he dramatically improves on a current 2-14 SU and 2-12-1 ATS run in games played on Saturdays, Martin will join an ever-increasing line of Americans looking for a new job. Replacing three-year starting QB Julian Edelman, who rushed and passed for 3190 yards last season, will not be an easy task. The brunt of the offense will be shouldered by RB Eugene Jarvis, who rushed for 801 yards and nine TD?s in nine games last season. Take a number, Doug. Yours looks like it?s up.
PLAY AGAINST: vs. Buffalo (11/27)

MIAMI OHIO ? *8 / 5
Team Theme ? RADA BALL
When you were the preseason choice to win your division and you go 2-10, for the second time in three years, it?s understandable you are one of a growing legion of Americans looking for work these days. Such was the plight of Shane Montgomery, the former RedHawks? boss. Enter Mike Haywood, a strong recruiter, who has coached under notable mentors such as Nick Saban, Mack Brown and Charlie Weis. He brings a pro-style offense with multiple formations to Miami, one that should please returning starting QB Daniel Radabaugh. ?We?re going to try and get our best players matched up against our opponents least athletic players. We want to get them the football,? said Haywood. In other words, it should be bombs away in Oxford this fall.
PLAY ON: vs. Kent State (9/26)

NORTHERN ILLINOIS ? *7 / 4
Team Theme ? KILL, KILL, KILL
We love the new chant that erupts from the student section at NIU football games these days. Kill, Kill, Kill. That?s exactly what the defense did last season in head coach Jerry Kill?s first year with the Huskies. Because NIU ended the 2008 season with the second-best overall defensive improvement in both yardage (138 YPG) and scoring (12.8 net PPG), Kill led his team to the Independence Bowl. Unfortunately, the Huskies were hit hard by graduation, losing 20 seniors from last year?s roster, including NFL first round DE Larry English. SO QB Chad Harnish, who led the Huskies in rushing and passing in his first year running the offense, is back. He joins SO Me?co Brown, who rushed for 510 yards on 110 carries last year, to shape a formidable backfield. Strike up the band and let the chants begin.
PLAY AGAINST: as favorites vs. Toledo (10/17)

OHIO U ? *7 / 7
Team Theme ? BOOBCATS
A strong battle took place this spring for the starting quarterback job at Ohio University. Head coach Frank Solich views it as a nice problem. In 10 starts last season, Senior QB Boo Jackson set single-season OU records for touchdown passes (19) and total offense. Challenging Jackson was another senior quarterback, Theo Scott. Scott was the starter heading into 2008 before a broken collarbone ended his season after just three games. Both men fit the mold of what Ohio U. wants, namely mobile, strong-armed passers who can create plays on the run. OU also returns most of its entire receiving corps and all four of its running backs from last season. However, the Bobbies will not improve their 4-8 mark from 2008 without better defense and fewer mistakes.
PLAY AGAINST: vs. Kent State (10/24)

TEMPLE ? 8 / 9
Team Theme ? SIGN, SIGN, EVERYWHERE A SIGN
Its 2009 and the times are definitely changing around the football program at Temple. After a 1-22 run in 2005 and 2006, Al Golden?s gang is all about change and the signs are there. The five wins recorded last year were the most by a Temple football team since 1990. Better yet, five of the seven losses in 2008 were by four or fewer points. Compare that to the fact that 17 of the previous 19 losses under Golden were by double-digit margins. With seventeen starters back, including nine from a defense that improved 75 YPG last year, it?s understandable the Owls are anxious to get back on the field. ?We really have a nice group coming back. We really do,? exclaimed Golden. Yea, we can read the signs.
PLAY ON: as a dog vs. Buffalo (9/26)

TOLEDO ? *9 / 9
Team Theme ? LET THE GAMES BEGIN
Tom Amstutz, the roundest mound in town, has stepped down from his head coaching post in Toledo. In nine years with the Rockets, Amstutz was 58-41, but only 13-23 the last three seasons. Tim Beckman, the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State the past two seasons, arrives with a highly competitive game plan. Beckman split the squad into eight teams in a continuing spring and summer-long series of off-season competition skills, rewarding the winners and penalizing the losers. Beckman welcomes 18 starters from last year?s disappointing team, including three-year starting QB Aaron Opelt and his entire offensive line. The first order of business will be addressing a defense that has been pummeled harder than former president George W. Bush on a speaking engagement in Iraq. That's not an indictment. Just a fact.
Pass

WESTERN MICHIGAN ? *7 / 4
Team Theme ? BRONCO BILLY
The Broncos kicked their heels and went bowling for the second time in three years last season and, thanks to the schedule maker, they could be in position for a holiday party once again in 2009. That's because Bill Cubit's crew's first six games this season are against teams who finished with losing records in 2008. Unlike last year, when eighteen returning starters were on board, only eleven grace the roster this season. The good news is QB Tim Hiller (3725 yards and 36 TD?s last season) and RB Brandon West (1026 rushing yards in 2008) are among the returnees. The bottom line is that the three road games at Big 10 venues will go a long way in determining WMU?s post-season fate. FYI: they are 3-15 on the Big 10 road.
PLAY AGAINST: vs. Michigan State (11/7)

 

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Can the MAC continue its ATS run?

Can the MAC continue its ATS run?

Can the MAC continue its ATS run?


- After finishing 2007 with subpar ATS records in out-of-conference play (23-28-1) and against BCS teams (15-27), last season was a revelation as the MAC went 28-21 ATS in non-conference play, and 17-12 against the top six conferences. Take away the bowl games and those numbers improve to 28-16 (64%) and 17-11 (61%).

Can the league continue its good fortune in '09? The odds are against it considering that Ball State, Buffalo and Northern Illinois, who combined for 62% (non-conference) and 83% (BCS) figures last year will not be as effective, and it's doubtful Ohio and Akron will pull off a second straight year of 7-0 (out-of-conference) and 5-0 (BCS) records. Moreover, just three squads bring back 16 or more starters, as opposed to seven a season ago.

Underdogs have gone 51-43-3 (54%) in conference play the last two years and expect more of the same this season, as 10 of the 13 clubs could finish between 5-3 and 3-5.


WEST DIVISION

6) NORTHERN ILL - The Huskies rebounded from a 2-10 campaign to reach the postseason with 21 returning starters. Just 11 of those return to Dekalb. They are 4-0 ATS as a home dog, but 1-9 ATS as a home favorite over the last three years.

Offense - They averaged 10 more ppg in league play than in '07, even though they gained fewer yards. The increased scoring came inside the red zone, where the club averaged 84% compared to a league-low 65% in '07. Regardless, this is not an overpowering unit, especially with the loss of the top two receivers.

Defense - The defense allowed 18 ppg (a total of seven fourth-quarter points in the final 11 games) after giving up 31 the year before. Moreover, the unit ranked first in league play in total defense after finishing 12th in '07. On the other hand, only five players return that compiled 25 or more tackles. Last year, they brought back 13.

Outlook - NIU will stay home this postseason with a 5-7 mark, 3-5 in the MAC.

5) BALL STATE - After a 12-0 start in which the team outscored its opponents, 452-200, Ball State fell flat with losses by 18 points in the MAC title game and 32 in their bowl contest. The Cardinals have been a great play on the road of late, covering 15 of their last 20.

Offense - Ball State led the conference in scoring and total offense, but it's highly doubtful it will happen again. The o-line loses four longtime starters and redshirt freshman Kelly Page takes over at QB for NFL draft pick Nate Davis. Given that situation, it will be tough for RB MiQuale Lewis to be as productive (1,736 yards and 22 TDs) in '09.

Defense - The "D" is in better shape with seven returning starters but the top three cornerbacks (eight interceptions combined) depart. It'll be interesting to see how the unit fares, since the team never trailed at the half during last year's regular season.

Outlook - The Cardinals will fall back to earth at 6-6 overall, 3-5 in league play.

4) EASTERN MICH - The Eagles have not won more than four games since '95, but it could happen under new head coach Ron English. They are just 2-9 ATS out- of-conference the last three years.

Offense - Nine starters return including QB Andy Schmitt, who threw for 1,000 yards in the final two games with an 8-1 TD/INT ratio. The Eagles finished first in MAC play in passing, and could be even more dangerous in '09. The o- line is underrated and the top two running backs come back to Ypsilanti.

Defense - If anyone can change the culture of this unit it's English, who was very impressed with the front four in the spring. The Eagles catch a break as six of their first eight opponents will be without last year's starting quarterback.

Outlook - EMU wins six (including at Northwestern) and goes 4-4 in the MAC.

3) TOLEDO - The Rockets begin anew after three consecutive losing seasons, with former Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Tim Beckman as their new head coach. They are an abysmal 7-15 ATS as an away underdog the last five years.

Offense - Despite solid rushing numbers (1,710 from RBs Morgan Williams and DaJuane Collins combined), over 50% of those yards came in just three of the 12 games. Toledo's numbers fell from 33 ppg to 22 (and 448 ypg to 334), but the last time the Rockets averaged less than 25 ppg, they jumped all the way up to 33 the following season.

Defense - While improving from last to eighth place in league play, giving up 397 ypg, the unit still ranked at the bottom of the MAC in first downs allowed and also finished 12th in third down conversions (51%). Nine of the top 11 tacklers return, so improvement is expected, especially with the new coaching staff.

Outlook - Toledo returns 89% of its lettermen and another year of experience will help the Rockets go 6-6 (4-4) with a pair of huge wins over Purdue and Colorado.

2) WESTERN MICHIGAN - One of the most improved teams in the league (5-7 to 9-4) a year ago, the Broncos will be hard-pressed to match last year's win total without 11 of their top 16 tacklers. They are 2-6-1 ATS as an away favorite the last four years.

Offense - The Broncos threw the ball 59% of the time last year even with QB Tim Hiller playing with a torn ACL the final four games. He'll be without three of his top four receivers, so the offense (eighth in scoring in league play) will be more balanced in '09.

Defense - WMU never recaptured the magic of '06 (20 ppg) despite the same personnel over the past two seasons (29 and 25 ppg). The secondary must be replaced but since the entire defense underachieved, don't be surprised if this unit overachieves.

Outlook - The Broncos will be right back in the hunt at 7-5 with six conference wins.

1) CENTRAL MICHIGAN - The Chippewas failed to win the league title for a third straight time a year ago, despite going 5-0 in MAC games decided by three points or less. They are 15-8-1 ATS off a SU victory the last three years.

Offense - After averaging 43 ppg in league play in '07, the offense settled for "only" 32 last season. Dan LeFevour will be on the run a lot more this year with two new tackles, but he has the best set of receivers in the MAC, which means another productive campaign.

Defense - The Chippewas ranked 12th in league play in total "D" and last vs. the pass. The unit was torched in the red zone, giving up scores on 30 of 33 chances. Look for a revival in '09 as the top 12 tacklers return.

Outlook - It's not often that an 8-5 team gets outscored and outgained, but that's exactly what happened to CMU last year. This season's squad has its holes but less than the rest of the division, so expect six MAC wins and seven overall.

EAST DIVISION

7) MIAMI (OHIO) - The RedHawks won just two games last year after appearing in the conference title game the year before. Former Notre Dame OC Mike Haywood takes over a program that is 1-7 ATS as a home favorite the last three years.

Offense - Miami had its least productive season in years scoring just 15 TDs in league action while finishing last with 4.7 yards per play. It's doubtful the RedHawks will turn it around since they have averaged fewer than 20 ppg each of the last three seasons.

Defense - Coming off a 19 ppg average in conference play, the defense allowed 34 ppg and 5.8 ypc, with eight starters returning. Those numbers might not improve with the loss of their top four tacklers.

Outlook - Don't expect a quick turnaround, as six of the first seven games are away from home. Two wins (both in conference play) is the current standard in Oxford.

6) BOWLING GREEN - Greg Brandon got the boot after three bowl appearances in six seasons. Former Tennessee OC Dave Clawson was hired to lift Bowling Green over the .500 mark. The Falcons are 4-13 ATS as home favorites over the last four years.

Offense - Did Clawson learn anything from his stint at Tennessee, after the Vols offense had its worst season is years? (Their o-line allowed 25 sacks after giving up just four in '07.) The Falcons do bring back QB Tyler Sheehan, but there will be more emphasis on the run this year. Expect a slight decline in production.

Defense - Bowling Green's defense finished second behind Northern Illlinois in total defense, but eight starters and DC Mike Ward depart. The unit has to learn new schemes so it might take a while for the defense to click.

Outlook - This looks like a transition year for the Falcons so don't expect anything more than four victories, three coming in the MAC.

5) KENT STATE - The Golden Flashes have not had a winning season since '01 despite bringing back at least 14 starters four of the last six years. They are 0-6 ATS off a SU win and 1-5 ATS in non-conference play the last two years.

Offense - Kent State must replace Julian Edelman and his 26 TDs (13 rushing, 13 passing), but Eugene Jarvis returns. The RB, who ran for 1,699 yards in '07, settled for 801 last season with 114 fewer carries. If a new QB can be found, the "O" could surprise.

Defense - The Flashes have allowed 29 ppg or more in five of the last seven seasons, including 32 last year. Still, the unit ranked fifth in total defense against the rest of the league. If red zone play improves (41 scores on 46 attempts) the "D" will come around.

Outlook - Kent State outgained its league foes by an average of 41 ypg but was outscored by four ppg. Expect a 6-6 overall mark and a 4-4 MAC record.

4) BUFFALO - Will the Bulls be as lucky this year after winning three overtime games last season? They have been a great team to wager on of late, covering 17 of their last 25 conference games along with 14 of their last 19 as an away underdog.

Offense - A mixed bag in '09. Drew Willy leaves as the all-time leading passer in school history and his probable replacement, Zach Maynard, must improve on his accuracy. On the other hand, James Starks, the school's all-time leading rusher, returns but without an experienced QB, it will be interesting to see how effective he'll be.

Defense - Buffalo won the league title on offense as the "D" ranked ninth in league play giving up over 400 ypg. In addition, the Bulls finished dead last in opponent completion percentage, and recorded just nine sacks in the final 11 games. Buffalo led the league in forced turnovers (33) and the top eight tacklers return so the unit should improve.

Outlook - There have been 10 teams the last two years that finished with a +10 turnover ratio (or better) and went into the new season without their starting quarterback. Only two clubs had a better record the following season. Look for five wins, four in the MAC.

3) AKRON - Can the Zips break the streak of three straight 3-5 league records? They have plusses and minuses in their ATS marks with a 9-3 out-of-conference record the last three years, but are just 2-7 as an away favorite over the last four.

Offense - Akron averaged 33 ppg in MAC play (2nd best) even with Chris Jacquemain completing fewer than 55% of his tosses (12th best). Look for him to improve this year with the coaching additions of Walt Harris and Shane Montgomery. Eight other starters return, but someone must replace RB Dennis Kennedy and his 1,321 yards and 17 TDs.

Defense - Only Eastern Michigan allowed more points in conference play last year as the Zips gave up an average of 36, a full TD more than '07. They also recorded just six sacks in the eight games but should be much stronger vs. the run as former Iowa defensive tackle Ryan Bain returns to the playing field after missing last season.

Outlook - Akron finally reaches the .500 mark, both in conference play and overall.

2) TEMPLE - The Owls could have won the division had they not lost to Buffalo on the final play of the game in early September. They are 7-2-1 as home underdogs the last three years.

Offense - Temple averaged 29 ppg with Adam DiMichele under center and 12 with Chester Stewart. DiMichele departs leaving Stewart (seven picks in '08) and Vaughn Charlton (one interception in his last 178 attempts) as the top two QBs. The ground game must pick up (81 ypg the last four years) if Temple has any hopes of winning the East.

Defense - This unit was on the field for over 600 MAC plays and still tied for first place in yards allowed per play at 5.0. Nine starters return so look for similar numbers as player strength (and depth) has increased. The Owls held opposing MAC teams to 892 rushing yards (3.3 ypc) but gave up 1,099 in four non-conference games (5.1 ypc).

Outlook - Temple will come up a bit short (6-6, 4-4) in its quest for the first winning season since 1990, with four losses in its final six games, including the big one to Ohio.

1) OHIO - The Bobcats were under the gun right from the start when QB Theo Scott was lost for the season in week two, finishing 4-8 but winning their final two games. They have fared well ATS the last two years at 13-8-1, 5-0-1 out-of-conference.

Offense - Ohio knew it would be without all-time leading rusher Kalvin McRae (graduation) but losing Scott for the final 10 games really hurt. In addition, both tailbacks and '07 leading pass catcher Andrew Mooney, were banged-up most of the season. Thirty-one turnovers didn't help either. This unit will be significantly better in '09.

Defense - The run defense improved as the season moved along, allowing just 3.5 ypc and recording 13 sacks over the last five games after giving up 4.5 with just eight sacks in the first seven. Ohio has the second-best defense in the league behind Temple.

Outlook - The top team in the East will have an easier time in '09, especially with Ball State and Northern Illinois replacing Central and Western Michigan on the schedule. Look for a four-game turnaround as the Bobcats win eight games and go 5-3 in the conference.

 

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Temple University Looks To Challenge In The MAC

Temple University Looks To Challenge In The MAC

Temple University Looks To Challenge In The MAC

Temple University has not been to a bowl game dating back thirty-years to 1979. The Owls defeated California 28-17 in the Garden State Bowl. Can former Penn State assistant and current head coach Al Golden finally garner a bowl bid for this MAC entity? Go inside for our observations and point spread goodies.
As an urban and land grant institution Temple sits on 110 acres in the middle of Philadelphia, one of the largest cities in the country. With all the amenities of a big time school Temple has failed in recent years to bring about a consistency that puts alumni, students and fans in the seats of Lincoln Financial Field to see their football team. However, with the arrival of head coach Al Golden in 2006 a formative structure has been set in place. In 2009 we expect some improvement over the recent 5-7 campaign. Since HC Golden has been at Temple the Owls have put together a combined 10-26 record, but we must note a 1-11 season in 2006 illustrates how far the University has come inside their football program.

In 2008 Temple became a full-time MAC opponent and now battles teams like Miami Ohio, Ohio University and Western Michigan on a weekly basis. The Owls brain trust pulled off a beauty in non-conference scheduling by adding Army and Navy the last two years, and again in 2009. Temple can be competitive with these programs on a consistent basis. This season Villanova (right outside Philadelphia) has been added to give a more natural local flavor to the college football scene, while increasing fan and media interest. With 50 lettermen returning along with 15 starters the Owls should build on their recent successes. Coach Al Golden continues to recruit well considering he is flying in the face of Maryland, Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers and Syracuse.

The more definitive issue for Temple since Golden took over was a porous defense. In 2006 Temple allowed 41.3 points per game almost last in the country, but 2008 had the stoppers yielding just 23.1. This is an amazing turnaround, but one must consider in 2006 Temple played Louisville (0-62), Minnesota (0-62), Clemson (9-63), Penn State (0-47) and Navy (6-42). With the 9 starters returning, DC Mike D?Onfrio the former Green Bay assistant should have yards per play decreasing from the inception of the season. The most definitive area of concern, offensively, is quarterback where Adam DiMichele has graduated along with his 2,000 yards in total offense. In addition, the losses at wide receiver will make this club a run first entity this season. So, expect the MAC defenses to stack the line of scrimmage looking to keep the Owls in difficult down and distance situations. On special teams Travis Shelton graduated and has left an opening for one of the underclassmen to take charge. We?ve heard in spring practice from one of our contacts that this area will show marked improvement?

Since Philadelphia is not a college football town playing the confines of spacious Lincoln Financial Field can be difficult. Simply, the Owls don?t have the fan base to create a true home field advantage. Last season, Temple lost to UConn 12-9 (OT), 7-3 to Western Michigan, defeated Ohio 14-10, E. Michigan 55-52 and Akron 27-6. The largest crowd was the Western Michigan game that brought 17,624 fans through the South Philadelphia gates. UConn did bring a group of 17,194 and that was in a wind driven rain storm. By the way, the Owls lost three games on the last play from the line of scrimmage. Who can ever forget the game in Buffalo?

The 2009 scheduling structure did nothing to assist the development of the Golden Owls. Temple starts off with Villanova on Labor Day weekend, catches a week of rest, and then drives to Penn State again. Temple does return home for a revenge game versus the Bulls the very next week. So, their physical condition will dictate how they fare versus Buffalo, In late October, Temple goes to Toledo and Navy, and then returns home on a short week to face Miami Ohio on Thursday. That three game set could determine whether the program has a winning season.

Point Spread Observations
Based on current facts and circumstances, the Owls look good against Penn State who will be breaking in a new wide receiving corpse, meaning we need four touchdowns to make a play. Last season the Lions -28 ? rolled 45-3! The following week at home Temple will handle Buffalo in what should be a low scoring defensive struggle. Finally, the Owls go on the road in late November to play a night game in Athens, Ohio. The Bobbies are setting up for a major payback, and HC Solich is loaded this season!

 

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The MAC breeds BCS busters

The MAC breeds BCS busters

The MAC breeds BCS busters

We?ve got less than two weeks to prepare for the college football season.

This week, we break down the MAC, a conference that is changing and one known for pulling off major upsets.

A Toledo team that finished 3-9 went into Michigan last season and won.

Bowling Green opened the year by winning at Pittsburgh.

Who?s got upset potential this year?

MAC Power Rankings
(ATS numbers are for last three years)

Central Michigan Chippewas
ATS: 23-14-2 (Home: 11-3. Away: 9-10-2)

The Chippewas are the pick to the win the MAC by almost everyone. Ten returning defensive starters and prolific senior quarterback Dan LeFevour are the reasons why.

This program turned the corner in 2005. It had been on a nice ATS run, especially at home. But oddsmakers caught up to them last season. Central Michigan finished at 5-7 against the number, its first losing ATS season mark in three years.

Buffalo Bulls
ATS: 23-14-1 (Home: 7-7-1 Away: 14-5)

Don?t be surprised if Buffalo doesn?t get off to a crisp start. Head coach Turner Gill hired new offensive and defensive coordinators in the offseason. The Bulls also are breaking in a sophomore quarterback behind a line with just two returning starters.

Buffalo does have two of the conference?s best playmakers in running back James Starks and wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt and what Gill says is the best defense he?s had.

Even if they start slow, the Bulls will be in the mix for the MAC East title.

Ohio Bobcats
ATS: 20-14-1 (Home: 8-5. Away: 11-7-1 ATS)

Frank Solich?s team couldn?t catch a break last season. The Bobcats were plagued by injuries and turnovers. They were 112th in turnover margin and finished 4-8 straight up.

But a closer look reveals a team that managed to stay in games despite the turnovers and injuries. They went 7-4 ATS.

Fourteen starters, including almost every skill position, return from the scrappy Bobcats. There should be some value betting on Ohio this year. Solich has posted three straight ATS winning seasons.

Western Michigan Broncos
ATS: 16-18-2 (Home: 6-6-1. Away: 8-10-1)

The Broncos are tied with Bowling Green for the fewest returning starters in the MAC. But the ones they do have coming back are good, including senior quarterback Tim Hiller, 1,000-yard rusher Brandon Rush and all-conference linebacker Austin Pritchard.

Toledo Rockets
ATS: 15-19 (Home: 10-7. Away: 5-11)

This team could surprise. New coach Tim Beckman inherits 16 returning starters to begin his Toledo tenure. Senior quarterback Aaron Opelt heads into his fourth year as the Rockets? starter, after passing for more than 2,100 yards last season. Opelt has his top receivers, top two rushers and all five starting offensive linemen back.

Bonus note: The Rockets? have one of the most underrated home-field advantages in the nation. Toledo is 31-15 ATS at the Glass Bowl since 2000.

Temple Owls
ATS: 19-15-2 (Home: 9-4. Away: 8-10-1)

Take a hard look at the under when playing the Owls this season.

They return nine defensive starters. Defensive tackle Andre Neblett, end Junior Galette and cornerback Jamal Schulters are all all-conference talents.

The offense will be breaking in a new quarterback.

The Owls are 8-16 under the past two seasons under coach Al Golden.

Bonus: Temple is 7-2-1 ATS as a home dog under Golden.

Eastern Michigan Eagles
ATS: 14-20 (Home: 4-7. Away: 10-11)

The Eagles have been the MAC?s worst team for three years running. Enter former Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English, who has 17 returning starters, including versatile senior quarterback Andy Schmitt to turn things around at EMU.

The Eagles upset Central Michigan to end last season. They?re on the rise in the MAC.

Bonus note: Since 1999, the Eagles are 6-20 ATS in non-conference play.

Northern Illinois Huskies
ATS: 15-20 (Home: 5-9. Away: 10-8)

The Huskies have already lost two defensive linemen for the season. That?s especially painful on a defense that returns just four starters.

Bonus note: The Huskies are 1-9 ATS as home favorite the past three seasons.

Akron Zips
ATS: 16-19-1 (Home: 7-6. Away: 8-10-1)

This program appeared to have peaked with 2005?s Motor City Bowl berth. Since then, it?s been downhill for coach J.D. Brookhart and the Zips, who are 7-16-1 ATS against conference competition the last three seasons.

Bowling Green Falcons
ATS: 18-18 (Home: 3-10. Away: 13-6)

In the past, hiring Tennessee?s offensive coordinator as your head coach might have been exciting. But anyone who saw Clawson?s offense during his one miserable season (last year) in Tennessee knows otherwise.

Clawson inherits just 10 returning starters, only three on defense.

It?s probably a good idea to take a wait-and-see approach with the Falcons.

Ball State Cardinals
ATS: 23-13 (Home: 8-6. Away: 15-5)

Why would coach Brady Hoke leave Ball State for San Diego State if the Cardinals were capable of building off of last year?s success?

Offensive coordinator Stan Parrish was promoted to take over for Hoke. The 62 year old has a career head coaching record of 2-31-1 in stops at Marshall and Kansas State.

Only one starter on the offensive line returns to block for starting quarterback Kelly Page, a redshirt freshman that had the ?deer in headlights look,? according to Parrish after a mid-August scrimmage.

Fade the Cardinals.

Kent State Golden Flashes
ATS: 13-21 (Home: 4-8. Away: 9-10)

The headline on the Kent (OH) Record Pub?s website said, ?Poor play on KSU?s O-line raises serious flags in scrimmage.?

Yikes.

Miami (Ohio) Redhawks
ATS: 14-21-1 (Home: 4-10-1. Away: 10-9)

Ex-Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Haywood takes over the Redhawks, who hit rock bottom last year, going 2-10.

The offense has not adjusted smoothly to Haywood?s scheme. Scrimmage reports suggest the defense has been dominating. That?s a defense with only five returning starters.

Haywood might get things turned around eventually, but not this year.