MAC preseason conference outlook

By J.R. Hopwood  |   Friday, July 29, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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I really believe the MAC has some top talent this year. I would call for at least 2 MAC teams in the top 25 by year's end, if not three (Miami, Bowling Green and Toledo).

MAC East
1. The Miami (OH) Redhawks have some extremely solid talent. QB Josh Betts, WR's Ryne Robinson and Martin Nance, as well as a host of other players make this team a solid pick at #1 in the MAC. If Miami can somehow pull off an upset against Ohio State, I could see them going undefeated.

2. Bowling Green Falcons QB Omar Jacobs showed he was an elite talent last year. He threw for over 4000 yards and 41 TDs. The rest of the team should be solid all around and should compete heavily for the MAC title.

3. The Akron Zips lose QB Charlie Frye but return a lot of other offensive talent, including top rusher Briggs. The defense may lose a few games for them though.

4. The Kent State Flashes have to replace a solid QB in Joshua Cribbs but easing the transition is a very deep receiving corps. The defense returns 7 so will be experienced, but must step up their play from last year.

5. The Ohio Bobcats get a new head coach in Frank Solich but may be 2 or 3 years away from getting to a winning season.

6. The Buffalo Bulls return 9 defensive starters, but it won't be enough to get them out of the MAC cellar.

MAC West
1. The Toledo Rockets return star QB Bruce Gradkowski as well as a solid list of rushers. The defense should be more experienced, returning 8 starters. This team will be good, but will probably be the third best MAC team.

2. The Northern Illinois Huskies return a good group on offense, including talented RB Garrett Wolfe. Look for the D's numbers to improve as well this season.

3. Eastern Michigan Eagles QB Matt Bohnet returns after his 2800+ yard season. The offense returns 8 overall and should be solid. The D however has many questions.

4. Central Michigan Chippewas top RB Jerry Seymour returns after his 1284 yard season last year. The defense may play a few underclassmen and should be less experienced.

5. The Western Michigan Broncos won only one game last year and will look to improve this year. They do have some experience back, and I'd look for a better year this season.

6. The Ball State Cardinals lost some good talent, although they do return 2 1000+ yard passers. The defense returns 9 and could be a bit better, although not enough to get out of the cellar.
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