MAC Football Predictions 2017
By Matt Hetzler
MAC Fo0tball Preview 2017
Arenafanatic's MAC Preview has dominated the competition since we started putting out a preview in 2012. For the past five years we have at least one accolade for the Mid American Conference. There's a reason we call him "MACtion Matt". Accolades are based of the Stassen.
|
2012
MAC East |
2013
MAC East MAC West MAC |
2014
MAC West |
2015
MAC West |
2016
MAC East |
MAC Football Preview
East Division
#1 Miami (OH)
|
Coach: Chuck Martin
Offensive Coordinator: George Barnett, Eric Koehler Defensive Coordinator: John Hauser, Matt Pawlowski Stadium: Yager Stadium (24,286) 2016 Record: 6-7 The Breakdown Offense: Gus Ragland orchestrated one of the best and historic turnarounds in the CFB history last season. Miami was dead in the water at 0-6 and then with the return of Ragland, ripped off 6 consecutive wins and went bowling. Miami averaged nearly 30 ppg after his return, up from 17 ppg in the first 6 contests. Ragland was extremely consistent, completing 64% of his passes and had 17 TD to only a single interception. Miami returns 9 starters on the offensive side of the ball. Alonzo Smith led the RedHawks in rushing with 709 yards. James Gardner returns as Ragland’s top target. Gardner pulled in a team high 45 receptions for an outstanding 16.7 ypc and 6 TD. Jared Murphy and Ryan Smith both are coming off of solid seasons. 4 returning starters on the offensive line will have this team running like a well oiled machine week 1. Defense: Miami’s defense continued being one of the better units in the MAC in ‘16. 8 returning starters have RedHawks fans excited about how good they’ll be this season. Ikeem Allen is a big bodied DT, that led the Hawks defensive pressure. Miami’s LB’s could very well be the best in the conference. Juniors Brad Koenig, Junior McMullen, and De’Andre Montgomery will fly all over the field. The secondary returns a trio of starters, including Heath Harding (11 PBU, 4 INT). Special Teams: Samuel Sloman will start the season as the RedHawks new kicker. Punter Kyle Kramer averaged nearly 42 yards per punt in ‘16. Overview: The rebuilding job of Chuck Martin finally came to fruition in 2016. After an 0-6 start, many were starting to wonder if Martin was the right man for the job, 6 straight wins later, he was a hero in Oxford. If Miami could hit FG’s in the bowl game, they would’ve shocked Miss State. There isn’t a game on the schedule that I don’t think Miami can win. A trip to Notre Dame is certainly the hardest but this team will be ready. Miami faces a tough MAC opener at CMU but outside of a trip to Athens on Halloween, Miami should be favored in all other conference matchups. This is a 9-10 win team. My prediction has Miami heading to Detroit to face off with Toledo, and Miami winning the MAC Title. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing: Gus Ragland, JR, QB Rushing: Alonzo Smith, JR. RB Receiving: James Gardner, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Heath Harding/De’Andre Monntgomery Sacks: Ikeem Allen, SR., DT Tackles: Tony Reid, SR, S Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 6-7 2015 3-9 2014 2-10 2013 0-12 2012 4-8 |
#2 Ohio
|
Coach: Frank Solich
Offensive Coordinator: Tim Albin, Scott Isphording Defensive Coordinator: Jimmy Burrow Stadium: Peden Stadium (24,000) 2016 Record: 8-6 The Breakdown Offense: Sophomore Quinton Maxwell returns as QB for the Bobcats in 2017. Maxwell took over the Bobcats and led them to a MAC East title, despite having mediocre numbers. AJ Ouellette will return at RB for the Bobcats after being hurt last season. Ohio has depth at the RB position with Dorian Brown and Maleek Irons as backups. Papi White returns as the top target from last seasons squad. White pulled in 41 catches for 672 yards. Elijah Ball could be a big factor in the passing game this season. Defense: Ohio had one of the best defenses in the FBS last season. The Bobcats leader returns at LB this season. Quentin Poling is a do-it all player. Poling will look to add to his impressive numbers from 2016. Poling finished with 110 tackles, 4 sacks, and 9.5 for loss. Chad Moore is a versatile player at LB. Moore had 8 PBU and 2 INT, to go with 97 tackles. FS Javon Hagen was an All-MAC performer after an impressive freshman season. Kylan Nelson added 3 INT. Special Teams: Louie Zervos could be one of the best kickers in the entire country. His freshman season was successful as he converted on 29-35 FG’s with a long of 51. Michael Farkas was an All-MAC performer with Zervos. Overview: Frank Solich has done an amazing job in his tenure in Athens, OH. Ohio will once again be one of the best teams in the conference. Ohio lost 6 games last season and none by double digits. The non-conference should see at least 3 wins and maybe a 4th at Purdue. Ohio gets its two toughest MAC games at home in Miami (OH) and Toledo. Tricky road games at EMU and Akron have me concerned. Ohio is going to be very good and could possibly be a double digit winner. I am very bullish on Miami (OH) this season and that’s why I have Ohio 2nd in the East. But, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ohio returns to Detroit. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Quinton Maxwell, SO, QB Rushing Dorian Brown, SR, RB Receiving Papi White, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Javon Hagan/Kylan Nelson Sacks: Quentin Poling, SR, LB Tackles: Quentin Poling, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016: 8-6 2015 8-5 2014 6-6 2013 7-6 2012 9-4 |
#3 Akron
|
Coach: Terry Bowden
Offensive Coordinator: A.J. Milwee Defensive Coordinator: Chuck Amato Stadium: InfoCision Stadium (30,000) 2016 Record: 5-7 The Breakdown Offense: Thomas Woodson returns to lead the Zips in what should be a solid year for the senior QB. Woodson completed 60% of his passes for 2,079 yards and a 3/1 TD/INT ratio. Woodson is one of 8 returning starters for Akron. Warren Ball and Van Edwards will split carries at RB. Woodson loses his top two receivers from last season but senior Austin Wolf returns. Wolf ended with a 15.3 yards per catch average and 5 TD’s. Four offensive lineman return for this veteran Zips squad. Defense: Akron returns 7 defensive starters off a team that ranked in the bottom half of the MAC. Ulysees Gilbert will lead the Zips at LB. Gilbert was a force in opponents backfields with 4 sacks and 7.5 TFL, 122 tackles. FS Alvin Davis was outstanding as a true freshman. Davis registered 87 tackles. DE Jamal Davis will be a new face after his transfer from Pitt. The Zips need players who can make an impact in the rush game. Another big transfer for the Zips is sophomore LB James King from Miami (FL). Coach Bowden is counting on his transfer to help boost this defense to the next level. Special Teams: Kicker Tom O’Leary returns after hitting 10-11 FG’s with a long of 46 last season. Junior Nick Gasser has to improve on his 37.7 punting average to flip the field. Overview: Akron is going to have a really tough squad this season. The Zips have talent across the board on both sides of the ball. Terry Bowden has done an outstanding job turning this program around. With that being said, the schedule is unkind to the Zips. 3 road games at WMU, Toledo and Miami (OH) will be tough tests for Akron. Ohio is the only home contest I see Akron having a problem with. With the non-conference schedule as it is, I think Akron will need to win 5 MAC games to make a bowl. This is a team capable of making bowl season and I say they do. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing: Thomas Woodson, SR. QB. Rushing: Van Edwards, JR, RB Receiving: Austin Wolf, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Kyron Brown, JR, DB Sacks: Ulysees Gilbert, JR, LB Tackles: Ulysees Gilbert, JR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 5-7 2015 8-5 2014 5-7 2013 5-7 2012 1-11 |
#4T Bowling Green
|
Coach: Mike Jinks
Offensive Coordinator: Kevin Kilmer, Andy Padron Defensive Coordinator:Perry Eliano Stadium: Doyt Perry Stadium (24,000) 2016 Record: 4-8 The Breakdown Offense: Bowling Green took a big step back last year from the 2015 offense. Sophomore James Morgan will return as QB for the Falcons. Morgan struggled big time in his first season of action. Morgan completed just 56% of his passes and threw 15 INT’s. Both statistics need to improve if BG is going to bounce back to respectability. Donovan Wilson and Josh Cleveland will split carries at RB. Scott Miller enjoyed a nice sophomore season in ‘16. Miller hauled in an impressive 74 receptions, easily Morgan’s favorite target. Miller has big play ability with a 13.6 ypc average and 10 TD’s. 6’5” junior Datrin Guyton could emerge as a huge red zone threat for Morgan. Defense: Bowling Green had a rough season defensively in 2016. The Falcons consistently finished near the bottom of every major ranking in the FBS. Some key players return from that squad but there will still be major work to do. DE Tyrik Jones is a shining star, his 4.5 sacks as a true freshman were impressive. DT Gus Schwieterman led the Falcons with 5 sacks. Brandon Harris leads the LB’s and Jamari Bozeman leads the secondary. Bozeman led the Falcons in multiple categories, including tackles (71) and interceptions (3). Special Teams: Jake Suder returns at kicker for BG, Suder was good on 9-12 attempts. Punter Joe Davidson is a weapon for BG. Davidson was an All-American last season after finishing with a 45.8 punt average. Overview: I want to compare BG to Buffalo when heading into this season. Both teams have QB’s heading into a sophomore season and terrible defenses. BG has more overall talent and that’s why I have them pegged a couple spots higher. Should James Morgan cut down on the TO’s and improve his accuracy BG has a chance to go bowling in 2017. BG draws Toledo and NIU at home from the West. The MAC opener against Akron will be telling on how the season will go. BG won’t contend for a MAC East crown this season, but the future looks bright. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing James Morgan, SO, QB Rushing Josh Cleveland, SR, RB Receiving Scott Miller, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Jamari Bozeman, JR, DB Sacks: Tyrik Jones, SO, DE Tackles: Jamari Bozeman, JR, DB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 4-8 2015 10-4 2014 8-6 2013 10-4 2012 8-5 |
#4T Kent State
|
Coach: Paul Haynes
Offensive Coordinator: Don Treadwell Defensive Coordinator: Ben Needham Stadium: Dix Stadium (25,319) 2016 Record: 3-9 The Breakdown Offense: Nick Holley took over the reigns at QB mid-season and the Golden Flashes found a spark offensively. Holley finished with 920 rushing yards and 10 TD and was mediocre in the passing game. Holley is going to always be run first but if he can develop a decent passing game, Kent State will be much improved. Sophomore Justin Rankin finished with 511 yards rushing as a freshman and led Kent State in receiving with 28 catches. WR Johnny Woods could be a potential big target for Holley in the passing game. Defense: Kent State has been respectable on defense for the past couple of seasons. They take a bit of a blow this year with their top 4 tackles departing, including 8 sacks from Terence Waugh. DE’s Marques Moore and Theodore Eboigbe will need to step up to replace the productivity of Waugh. James Alexander will be the voice of the defense but don’t sleep on young gun Jamal Parker. Jerrell Foster was an All-MAC performance in ‘16 and returns after a big junior season. Special Teams: Shane Haynes attempted 22 FG’s in ‘16 and knocked in 15. Sophomore punter Derek Adams will need to improve on his 40.3 yards per punt. Overview: Kent State hasn’t been able to win more than 3 games for the past 3 seasons. I think many want to point at HC Paul Haynes and he could be removed without a successful year. Unfortunately for him and Kent State fans, the schedule is absolutely brutal. MAC road games include Northern Illinois, Ohio, Western Michigan and Akron. Kent State will stay around the 3-4 win season but will move up in the MAC standings this season. I really like Holley’s ability to be a playmaker at QB and the defense will continue to be one of the better in the conference. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing: Nick Holley, SR, QB Rushing: Nick Holley, SR, QB Receiving: Justin Rankin, SO, RB Defense: Interceptions: Jerrell Foster/Jamal Parker Sacks: 4 players. Tackles: Juantez McRae, JR, DB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 3-9 2015 3-9 2014 2-9 2013 4-8 2012 11-3 |
#6 Buffalo
|
Coach: Lance Leipold
Offensive Coordinator: Andy Kotelnicki Defensive Coordinator: Brian Borland Stadium: UB Stadium (29,013) 2016 Record: 2-10 The Breakdown Offense: There wasn’t much to like from the Buffalo offense in 2016. Most of that can be attributed to a freshman QB and a non-existent passing game. Sophomore Tyree Jackson should improve in his sophomore season. Jackson completed 53% of his passes, which is better than most dual threat QB’s in the MAC. The problem was with his decision making, 9 INT to 9 TD. Jackson has to improve in the TO department but his skills provide plenty upside. Johnathan Hawkins and Theo Anderson will get the bulk of the carries at RB. Kamathi Holsey is a big target if Jackson can get him the ball. The Bulls return 4 offensive lineman. Defense: Buffalo’s rush defense was one of the worst in the country last season. Buffalo returns 8 starters this season and desperately need to address the run defense. All-MAC LB Khalil Hodge leads a solid LB unit. Hodge led the Bulls with 123 tackles in ‘16. Ishmael Hargrove and Jarrett Franklin round out the LB’s, Hargrove finished with 103 tackles last season. CB Cameron Lewis finished with 7 PBU and FS Tim Roberts added 2 INT. Special Teams: Adam Mitcheson struggled in his sophomore season, converting on just 11-18 FG’s. Punter Kyle DeWeen will need to improve upon a 39.8 average. Overview: Buffalo should be better overall heading into this season. Tyree Jackson may eventually blossom into being one of the better QB’s in the MAC. My biggest concern with Buffalo lies with the defense. They allowed 32 ppg and let opposing teams run all over them. The schedule will really hurt Buffalo as well. The most winnable MAC home game is BG and road game Kent State. Buffalo may struggle to find 2 wins this season. In my honest opinion, Buffalo is one year away from competing in the MAC again. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing: Tyree Jackson, SO, QB Rushing: Tyree Jackson, SO, QB Receiving: Kamathi Holsey, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Tim Roberts, SR, DB Sacks: Demone Harris, SR, DE Tackles: Khalil Hodge, JR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 2-10 2015 5-7 2014 5-6 2013 8-5 2012 4-8 |
West Division
#1 Toledo
|
Coach: Jason Candle
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Wright Defensive Coordinator: Brian George Stadium: Glass Bowl (26,248) 2016 Record: 9-4 The Breakdown Offense: Toledo was high-flying last season on the offensive side of the ball. The Rockets lead the MAC in total offense behind one of the best G5 QB, Logan Woodside. Woodside completed 69% of his passes for a total of 4,129 yards. His 45 passing TD’s led the nation. Kareem Hunt departs but his backup Terry Swanson is capable of reaching Hunt’s numbers. Woodside’s favorite target returns at WR, senior Cody Thompson. Look to see if TE Adam Kulon can find the success of last season’s TE Michael Roberts. Defense: On the defensive side, the Rockets did as well as expected given the high octane offense. Toledo finished middle of the road in most statistical categories nationally and in conference. LB Ja’Wuan Woodley is the leading returning tackler with 79 tackles and 3.5 sacks. DE Olasunkanmi Adeniyi will be a force to handle for opposing lineman. The Rockets secondary returns 3 starters, a unit that was fairly strong last season. One area I’d like to see Toledo improve is in the takeaways department (90th nationally T/O margin). Special Teams: Jameson Vest will return as kicker for the Rockets. Vest converted on just 13-19 FG’s. Freshman Bailey Flint will handle punting responsibilities. Overview: Toledo has all the tools and a favorable MAC schedule to make a run at a conference title. Woodside is going to be one of the best QB’s yet again. It’ll be interesting to see how the offense deals with the loss of Hunt and Roberts (28 total TD’s). I really like the defense to improve and win the close games for the offense. Toledo is staring at possible double digit wins, Tulsa and Miami (FL) will be tough non-conference matchups. The November 8th matchup at Ohio will be key for the Rockets and a possible undefeated conference record. When it’s all said and done, Toledo will be your MAC West title game representative. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Logan Woodside, SR, QB Rushing Terry Swanson, SR, RB Receiving Cody Thompson, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Trevon Mathis, SR, DB Sacks: Olasunkanmi Adeniyi, JR, DE Tackles: Ja’Wuan Woodley, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 9-4 2015 10-2 2014 9-4 2013 7-5 2012 9-4 |
#2T Central Michigan
|
Coach: John Bonamego
Offensive Coordinator: Chris Ostrowsky Defensive Coordinator: Greg Colby Stadium: Kelly/Shorts Stadium (30,255) 2016 Record: 6-7 The Breakdown Offense: Central Michigan comes into 2017 with a new face at QB for the first time in a few years. Cooper Rush has departed but look for Michigan transfer Shane Morris to fit right in with the Chippewas. Morris will have plenty of talent surrounding him. Leading rusher Devon Spalding (758 yards, 6 TD) returns. Last season’s top 4 receivers are back, most notably, Corey WIllis (72 rec, 1,091). TE Tyler Conklin is a big time target (6 TD). All 5 OL starters return from ‘16. If this team can cut down on the turnovers, it will be one of the finest in the MAC. Defense: The Chippewas return some key players from the ‘16 squad. Joe Ostman wrecked havoc in opposing backfields a year ago with 9 sacks and 69 tackles. LB Malik Fountain led CMU in tackles with 92, 9 for loss. The secondary will be full of experience as all four starters are seniors. Amari Coleman, who was a 1st team MAC selection (15 PBU, 4 INT) returns. Special Teams: Sophomore Kaden Keon will take over at kicker. Junior punter Cooper Mojsiejenko returns (40.2 avg.). Overview: If I had to pick a surprise team who could win the MAC this season, the Chippewas would be my team. CMU has been one of the most consistent teams, making bowls 4 of the last 5 seasons. The offense is primed to have a breakout season regardless of who starts at QB. The defense has a good mix of star players returning and guys in key spots for leadership. Let’s not forget this is a team that beat Oklahoma State (extra play or not), this is a solid group of players. CMU has a chance to beat some ACC bottom feeders on the road. The MAC schedule is balanced with tough teams in Miami and Toledo at home. Road trips to Ohio and WMU could decide the fate of this team. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing N/A Rushing Devon Spalding, SR, RB Receiving Corey Willis, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Amari Coleman, SR, DB Sacks: Joe Ostman, SR, DE Tackles: Malik Fountain, JR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 7-6 2015 7-6 2014 7-6 2013 6-6 2012 7-6 |
#2T Western Michigan
|
Coach: Tim Lester
Offensive Coordinator: Kevin Johns, Jake Moreland Defensive Coordinator: Tim Daoust, Lou Esposito Stadium: Waldo Stadium (30,200) 2016 Record: 13-1 The Breakdown Offense: The 2017 edition Western Michigan Broncos will look slightly different from last season’s 13-1 team. WMU loses a few key pieces on the offensive side of the ball, most notably Corey Davis. It’s going to be a 2-man race to see who replaces Zach Terrell at QB. Tom Flacco was Terrell’s backup but sophomore Joe Wassink may get the nod. Regardless of who plays QB, the RB position will be loaded once again. Jarvion Franklin regained his starting role in the middle of ‘16 and finished with 1,353 rushing yards. Jamauri Bogan still managed an impressive 923 yards and the duo combined for 20 rushing TD’s. WMU is going to be extremely young at the WR position. Anton Curtis and Giovanni Rice will be my players to watch and see if they develop. Defense: WMU had one of the best defenses in the MAC in ‘16 and that trend will continue this season. LB Robert Spillane led the Broncos with 111 tackles, 7.5 for loss. Asantay Brown continued his dominance from the previous season and will be one of the leaders of this team. CB Darius Phillips is one of the best corners in the MAC. Phillips has 9 INT’s over the past two seasons. Special Teams: WMU hands over the kicking duties to freshman Josh Grant. Derrick Mitchell will handle punting. Darius Phillips is a dangerous return man, returning 2 for TD’s last season. Overview: PJ Fleck and “Row the Boat” may be gone but this Broncos team can still add to the trophy case. WMU has a lot to figure out on the offensive side of the ball but coach Tim Lester (a former WMU QB) will have them clicking by the start of MAC play. Defensively there is still a ton of talent to love. The LB’s and secondary will be tops in the MAC. November 24th (@Toledo) will be the date to circle as that game could decide who advances to the MAC Championship game. WMU opens with back-to-back road games at USC and Michigan State (who they could beat). I could easily see this Broncos team with another 9-10 win season once the dust settles. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Tom Flacco, JR, QB Rushing Jarvion Franklin, SR, RB Receiving Jarvion Franklin, SR, RB Defense: Interceptions: Darius Phillips. SR, DB Sacks: Eric Assoua, JR, DE Tackles: Robert Spillane, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 13-1 2015 8-5 2014 8-5 2013 1-11 2012 4-8 |
#4 Northern Illinois
|
Coach: Rod Carey
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Uremovich Defensive Coordinator: Kevin Kane Stadium: Huskie Stadium (23,595) 2016 Record: 5-7 The Breakdown Offense: Northern Illinois were decimated by injuries on the offensive side of the ball last season. The Huskies had 4 different players start at QB and ended the season with a WR playing QB. Ryan Graham returns as the Huskies top option at QB. Graham struggled in limited action last season, 8TD/6INT, 56% completion. NIU loses top players at RB and WR. Jordan Huff can rip off big runs if given space. Huff averaged 603 yards per carry and totaled 703 rushing yards. TE Shane Wimann was a key piece in the passing game with 6 TD. Christian Blake is will have to fill the big shoes that Kenny Golladay leaves behind. Defense: NIU struggled mightily on defense last season. The Huskies return 7 defensive starters so there will be some experienced players. NIU has to get better pressure on opposing QB’s this season. Josh Corcoran is the best outside rusher coming back. Senior LB Bobby Jones will have to work with younger guys at LB. The strength of the defense will be found in the secondary, where all four starters return. Brandon Mayes is the top tackler returning with 71 and Shawun Lurry will look to improve on 11 PBU, 3 INT at CB. Special Teams: Senior Christian Hagen converted on 11-18 FG’s last season with a long of 41. NIU will have a freshman punter, Matt Ference. Overview: NIU took a big step back in 2016, most of which can be attributed to the injuries. When looking at this season’s team, I’m not as high on them as past years. Rod Carey will more than likely make me look like a fool come December. There are too many question marks on the offense for me to pick them as a contender in the MAC West this season. NIU draws Kent State and Buffalo from the East which is a major plus, for bowl eligibility purposes. NIU will return to a bowl game but will not reach Detroit this season. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Ryan Graham, JR, QB Rushing Jordan Huff, SR, RB Receiving Christian Blake, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Shawun Lurry, SR, DB Sacks: Josh Corcoran, JR, DE Tackles: Brandon Mayes, SR, DB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 5-7 2015 8-6 2014 11-3 2013 12-2 2012 12-2 |
#5 Eastern Michigan
|
Coach: Chris Creighton
Offensive Coordinator: Aaron Keen Defensive Coordinator: Neal Neathery Stadium: Rynearson Stadium (30,200) 2016 Record: 7-6 The Breakdown Offense: Eastern Michigan made huge strides on the offensive side of the ball in 2016. QB Brogan Roback led the resurgence with his big arm. Roback finished with 2,694 passing yards, 18 TD’s and only 7 INT. EMU lost star RB Shaq Vann early in the season to injury. Vann will return this season and will have a capable backup in junior Ian Ericksen (771 yards, 9 TD). Roback’s top two WR’s return, senior’s Sergio Bailey (60 receptions, 868 yards) and Antoine Porter (44 receptions, 491 yards). Defense: EMU finished in the bottom half of the MAC in total defense in ‘16 but will return 8 starters. LB’s Jason Beck and Kyle Rachwal both totaled over 100+ tackles in ‘16. Jeremiah Harris had a productive season rushing the edge (4 sacks). Three starters in the secondary return, none better than sophomore Vince Calhoun (77 tackles, 3 INT). This defense could pull in some post-season awards this season. Special Teams: Sophomore Paul Fricano returns at kicker. He was a 2nd team MAC selection after hitting 19 FG’s. Ivan Oraha will handle the punting duties. Blake Banham is a dangerous kick returner for the Eagles. Overview: Last year I made the prediction that the Eagles could reach the postseason for the first time in nearly 30 years and they did. Most of the key pieces return from last seasons run to the bowl game. I feel foolish putting them at 5th but the MAC West is going to be strong this season. EMU has a tough conference schedule, especially on the road and a difficult overall schedule for a MAC squad. If the Eagles can reach a bowl game with this schedule I think Coach Chris Creighton will be fielding offers to leave Ypsilanti. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Brogan Roback, SR, QB Rushing Ian Ericksen, JR, RB Receiving Sergio Bailey, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Vince Calhoun, SO, DB Sacks: Jeremiah Harris. JR, LB Tackles: Kyle Rachwal, JR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 7-6 2015 1-11 2014 2-10 2013 2-10 2012 2-10 |
#6 Ball State
|
Coach: Mike Neu
Offensive Coordinator: Joey Lynch Defensive Coordinator: David Elson Stadium: Scheumann Stadium (22,500) 2016 Record: 4-8 The Breakdown Offense: Ball State had one of the better offenses in the MAC last season. The Cardinals used a balanced attack and possessed one of the top rushing offenses in conference. QB Riley Neal returns for his junior season and gives the Cardinals a chance to improve on the Cardinals 4-8 record. Neal completed 61% of his passed but needs to improve his decision making (13 INT). Riley Neal has one of the best RB’s in the MAC at his disposal, junior James Gilbert. Gilbert finished the 2016 season with 1,332 rushing yards and 13 TD. Look for those numbers to increase with 4 offensive linemen returning. Ball State loses its top WR from a season ago but junior Devin Reece could fill that role. Defense: Ball State was torched through the air in ‘16. The Cardinals gave up a MAC-worst 320 yards in the air. Ball State most also find replacements for its top 5 tacklers. One bright spot for the defense will be senior DE Anthony Winbush (8.5 sacks). Cornerbacks Josh Miller and Marc Walton will have to improve to give Ball State a chance this season. Special Teams: Sophomore K/P Morgan Hagee with handle all duties. Hagee was solid in his freshman season, converting on 15-19 FG’s. Overview: Ball State has some major concerns on the defensive side of the ball. If the Cardinals want to improve and make some noise in the MAC West, they defense will have to be better. Riley Neal and James Gilbert are the real deal running the football. A playmaker at WR needs to emerge early to take pressure off the running game. This year’s schedule does Ball State no favors. The Cardinals ceiling will be 4-5 wins but even that will be tough to get with the defense. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing QB Riley Neal, JR. Rushing RB James Gilbert, JR. Receiving WR Corey Lacanaria, SR. Defense: Interceptions: DB Marc Walton, 3 INT Sacks: DE Anthony Winbush, 8.5 sacks. Tackles: CB Marc Walton, 93 tackles. Last Five Year Win Totals 2016: 4-8 2015 3-9 2014 5-7 2013 10-3 2012 9-4 |