2007 MAC Preview

The Mid American Conference could be classified as a super conference, but does not get a lot of respect. It should be noted that 4 NFL teams (Browns, Jags, Steelers, Jets) have starting QB's that played in this conference. Not too shabby. Central Michigan shocked everyone last year winning the MAC, but can they do it again? Will Ohio be the best in the East, or will Miami-Ohio roll to the top?

Who's New

Butch Jones-Central Michigan

Who's on the hot seat

Turner Gill-Buffalo Bulls
Jeff Genyk-Eastern Michigan

East

7. Buffalo Bulls. The absolute worst team in College Fotball last year has a bright light for 2007. The Bulls return 16 starters, 8 on both sides. But the talent is just above high school, and in a competitive leauge, the Bulls are waaaay behind the 8 ball. The Bulls must find one QB and ditch the 2 QB system on offense, and utilize key personnel. If they can do that, the Bulls migh crack 3 wins, at best

6. Temple Owls. This team got kicked out of a conference, that is how bad this program, well, sucks. I knew someone who was recruited by Temple, and he told me they would bring in homeless people to fill the stands. Ouch. But the Owls return 14 starters, and rerturn their best WR/Return man in Travis Shelton. On Defense, the Owls have better depth, and that may help them win a game or two in conference play. Head Coach AL Golden has a big uphill battle, but may find the program could rise from crappy to mediocre, which would make those bums in the stands (literally) happy.

5. Bowling Green Falcons. When you lose to Temple, that is bad. The Falcons have gone downhill since Urban Meyer left, and continue to struggle, going 4-8 last year. To make matters worse, the Falcons return 1 starting WR on offense, and needed a new kicker and punter-last year the Falcons used true freshman, and both left the team. On defense, the back 7 is solid, but return 1 staerter on the DL. It is not going to be a great year for BG, but if they go 6-6, it should save the job of head coach Gregg Brandon.

4. Akron Zips. Record setting QB Luke Getsy is gone, but the big weapons are back for the Zips offense. The O-line will be almost brand new with 4 new starters, but ashould gel later in the year when they need it. Defense should be the savior, and win a couple of games, but need to utilize the 3-4 personnel they have to better match up to the opposing offense. Despite returning 12 starters (8 on Defense), you might think fold, but in this weak division, Akron might be looking up

3. Miami-Ohio Redhawks. I think Redhawk fans should be optimistic for 2007. To me, if you return your O-line, and return a healthy powerful TB, and your QB, you can make up for deficiencies at WR. The problem is the non conference schedule (Minnesota, Cincy, Colorado, Vanderbilt) that could do them in. The defense should rely on speed from the front 7 to get pressure, but fall behind the top 2 teams in this division. Bottom line-Shane Montgomery is out if the Hawks can't get things going

2. Kent State Golden Flashes. To many, a sexy pick to win the East. To me, a team that needs to prove itself, but is better than most in the division. The Flashes return 17 starters, and there is optimism for the first time in years. On offense Julian Edelman returns to helm a very good if not short offense (Edelman is 5'11, leading rusher Eugene Jarvis is 5'5). On defense, 9 starters return, and should be solid on this side of hte ball as well. If the kicking game improves, the Flashes could win the East.

1. Ohio Bobcats. Frank Solich spent his time out of College Football watching USC, Michigan, Ohio State, and Florida practice. He talked to coaches about the recruiting process. In 2 years on the job, Ohio Bobcat football is a big deal. And the credit goes to Solich for tweaking his Option style attack for the MAC, and the players buying into the system. Despite returning only 10 starters, the Cats are ready to defend their East title, and should repeat.


West

6. Eastern Michigan Eagles. 1-11, that was the record last year on a tema that had some promise. When the QB led the team in rushing-and your offense is the spread-you have trouble. The defense is strong, but a weak offense can do them in. Expect a new coach in 2008.

5. Northen Illinois Huskies. If the Huskies are to make Cindy Crawford smile (DeKalb is her hometown), then the Huskies must run the ball. Problem is, Garrett Wolfe is now in the NFL. The O-line is weak, and well, you need a QB. That spells bad news for the Huskies, who were the darlings of the media in 2003 and 2004. The front 7 on defense is the strongest, returning 4 of 7 from last year, but it is not enough to overcome the team's weaknesses. No bowl in 2007 seems likely, but the futire looks good, so Joe Novak won't be fired.

4. Toledo Rockets. Normally, Tom Amstutz has this team near the top. Not so this year. A brutal schedule for the first month of the season could see them start at 0-5 in September. The Rockets need to find a QB, and on defense create pressure up front. If they do that, the season might be saved, but not by much.

3. Ball State Cardinals. The fighting David Letterman's will be the breakout team in the MAC-in 2008. This year, they will have to settle for being near the top in 2007. QB Nate Davis was the top recruit in the conference in 2006-and showed why. If the Cards find a TB, look out, they will be ahrd to beat. But it's the defense that will doom them. Only 5 starters return, and were last in the conference in total defense, but are optimistic. Bottom line-the Cards will be competitive as long as Brady Hoke keeps recruiting well

2. Central Michigan Chippewas. They shocked everyone last year, and now have a new coach in Butch Jones who inherits a solid team. The offense should be spectacular again, but the concerns are the defense, that gave up big plays and points. The Chippewas have a great QB in Dan LeFevour, plenty of help at WR, and the O-line, so they will be exciting to watch.

1. Western Michigan Broncos. I am not willing to let a team with a new starting QB win a division, but permit me to do so here. The Broncos have an O-line that can protect the QB (gave up an average of 1.3 sacks per game last year), and open holes for RB Mark Bonds. On defense, the 2 deep for all 11 positions are Juniors. This is the year the Broncos win it all, not only the division, but the MAC.


MAC Champs-Western Michigan Broncos