MAC Football Preview 2019
By Matt Hetzler
Arenafanatic's MAC Preview has dominated the competition since we started putting out a preview in 2012. 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 |
East
#1 Ohio 10-2 (7-1)
Coach: Frank Solich
Offensive Coordinator: Tim Albin
Defensive Coordinator: Ron Collins, Pete Germano
Stadium: Peden Stadium (24,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 9-4
2017 9-4
2016 8-6
2015 8-5
2014 6-6
2013 7-6
Offensive Coordinator: Tim Albin
Defensive Coordinator: Ron Collins, Pete Germano
Stadium: Peden Stadium (24,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 9-4
2017 9-4
2016 8-6
2015 8-5
2014 6-6
2013 7-6
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Nathan Rourke, SR, QB Rushing Nathan Rourke, SR, QB Receiving Cameron Odom, JR, WR Defense Interceptions 3 players tied at 2 Sacks Amos Ogun-Semore, SO, DE Tackles Javon Hagan, SR, S Unit Rankings
|
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Northern Illinois
Toughest Road Game: At Pittsburgh Biggest Conference Game: Western Michigan |
Quick Thoughts
Ohio is the clear cut favorite to win the MAC East this season, anything less will be a huge disappointment. Nathan Rourke is back after totaling over 3,000 total yards last season. He’s really one of my favorite QB’s to watch. Rourke loses most of his top skill guys from last season. Guys like Cameron Odom and Isiah Cox will need to step up in the passing game.
Ohio will possess the best defense in the MAC this season. Amos Ogun-Semore is an absolute beast coming off the end. He terrorized defenses last season, as a freshman. Ohio will be best in the secondary. All-MAC performer Javon Hagan is one hell of a player. Jamal Hudson happens to be on the best cover corners in the MAC. Ohio’s special teams duo of Louie Zervos and Michael Farkas is the best in the league.
Frank Solich has done just about everything he can do at Ohio. However, he’s still missing a MAC Championship. The Bobcats have a clear path to Detroit for the first time since 2016. I’m predicting a special season for the Bobcats with 10 regular season wins and adding that elusive MAC Championship to the trophy case in 2019.
Ohio will possess the best defense in the MAC this season. Amos Ogun-Semore is an absolute beast coming off the end. He terrorized defenses last season, as a freshman. Ohio will be best in the secondary. All-MAC performer Javon Hagan is one hell of a player. Jamal Hudson happens to be on the best cover corners in the MAC. Ohio’s special teams duo of Louie Zervos and Michael Farkas is the best in the league.
Frank Solich has done just about everything he can do at Ohio. However, he’s still missing a MAC Championship. The Bobcats have a clear path to Detroit for the first time since 2016. I’m predicting a special season for the Bobcats with 10 regular season wins and adding that elusive MAC Championship to the trophy case in 2019.
#2 Buffalo 7-5 (6-2)
Coach: Lance Leipold
Offensive Coordinator: Andy Kotelnicki
Defensive Coordinator: Brian Borland
Stadium: UB Stadium (29,013)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 10-4
2017 6-6
2016 2-10
2015 5-7
2014 5-6
Offensive Coordinator: Andy Kotelnicki
Defensive Coordinator: Brian Borland
Stadium: UB Stadium (29,013)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 10-4
2017 6-6
2016 2-10
2015 5-7
2014 5-6
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Kyle Vantrease, SO, QB Rushing Jaret Patterson, SO, RB Receiving Charlie Jones, SO, QB Defense Interceptions Aapri Washington, SO, CB Sacks Taylor Riggins, JR, DE Tackles James Patterson, SO, MLB Unit Rankings
|
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Toledo
Toughest Road Game: Ohio Biggest Conference Game: At Penn State |
Quick Thoughts
Buffalo had a memorable 2018 season, winning 10 games. Lance Leipold has done a tremendous job turning this program around. This season will be a challenge with most of the stars from last season gone. Buffalo will need to settle on a QB early. RB Jaret Patterson is an ALL-MAC performer and one of the best backs in the league. Buffalo will miss Johnson and Osborn at receiver. One strength of this team is the offensive line, led by big LT Evin Ksiezarcyk.
The Bulls will certainly miss star LB Khalil Hodge this season. Buffalo’s D takes a massive hit in terms of production. However, this is still a well-rounded defensive unit. James Patterson is one of the few starters back and the sophomore is coming off a solid season. There is good news for the Bulls. The schedule sets up nicely to find success. Buffalo hosts all of its toughest opponents. I like Buffalo to hang around in the MAC East for most of the season. Buffalo will be bowling again.
The Bulls will certainly miss star LB Khalil Hodge this season. Buffalo’s D takes a massive hit in terms of production. However, this is still a well-rounded defensive unit. James Patterson is one of the few starters back and the sophomore is coming off a solid season. There is good news for the Bulls. The schedule sets up nicely to find success. Buffalo hosts all of its toughest opponents. I like Buffalo to hang around in the MAC East for most of the season. Buffalo will be bowling again.
#3 Kent State 6-6 (5-3)
Coach: Sean Lewis
Offensive Coordinator: Andrew Sowder
Defensive Coordinator: Tom Kaufman
Stadium: Dix Stadium (25,319)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 2-10
2017 2-10
2016 3-9
2015 3-9
2014 2-9
Offensive Coordinator: Andrew Sowder
Defensive Coordinator: Tom Kaufman
Stadium: Dix Stadium (25,319)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 2-10
2017 2-10
2016 3-9
2015 3-9
2014 2-9
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Woody Barrett, JR, QB Rushing Woody Barrett, JR, QB Receiving Justin Rankin, JR, RB Defense Interceptions Jamal Parker, SR, CB Sacks Theo Majette, SR, DE Tackles Keith Sherald, JR, S Unit Rankings
|
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: At Ohio
Toughest Road Game: At Auburn Biggest Conference Game: At Toledo |
Quick Thoughts
Woody Barrett is one of the best kept secrets in the MAC. His first season at Kent State was a mild success, but there’s a reason to believe he will thrive this season. Barrett is a true dual-threat QB. He returns all of his top playmakers. I’m keeping an eye on Isaiah McKoy to have a breakout season at WR. Kent State will need better production from the OL this season.
Defense is an area that needs to improve overall for the Flashes to really move up the MAC ladder. The strength of the Kent State defense is at LB and in the secondary. Players like Jamal Parker and Matt Bahr could turn in all-conference performances. Kicker Matthew Trickett happens to be Kent State’s secret weapon.
I always find one team in the MAC that I believe is flying under the radar, and it’s this team. I’m expecting a big season offensively and we should see improvement on defense. Add that in with having some winnable games at home and Kent State has an opportunity to go bowling for the first time since 2012. Sean Lewis is building a winner.
Defense is an area that needs to improve overall for the Flashes to really move up the MAC ladder. The strength of the Kent State defense is at LB and in the secondary. Players like Jamal Parker and Matt Bahr could turn in all-conference performances. Kicker Matthew Trickett happens to be Kent State’s secret weapon.
I always find one team in the MAC that I believe is flying under the radar, and it’s this team. I’m expecting a big season offensively and we should see improvement on defense. Add that in with having some winnable games at home and Kent State has an opportunity to go bowling for the first time since 2012. Sean Lewis is building a winner.
#4 Miami (OH) 4-8 (3-5)
Coach: Chuck Martin
Offensive Coordinator: George Barnett and Eric Koehler
Defensive Coordinator: John Hauser and Spence Nowinsky
Stadium: Yager Stadium (24,286)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 6-6
2017 5-7
2016 6-7
2015 3-9
2014 2-10
Offensive Coordinator: George Barnett and Eric Koehler
Defensive Coordinator: John Hauser and Spence Nowinsky
Stadium: Yager Stadium (24,286)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 6-6
2017 5-7
2016 6-7
2015 3-9
2014 2-10
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing None Rushing Maurice Thomas, SR, RB Receiving Jack Sorenson, JR, WR Defense Interceptions 5 players tied at 1 Sacks Doug Costin, SR, DT Tackles Mike Brown, JR, S Unit Rankings
|
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: At Cincinnati
Toughest Road Game: At Iowa Biggest Conference Game: At Ohio |
Quick Thoughts
Miami enters the new season after what I considered to be another disappointing season in Oxford. Miami has clear flaws heading into 2019. Miami has to find a QB to replace Gus Ragland. I’m thinking these guys will struggle all season. Miami has to replace both RB’s. Miami does have an above league average OL and Jack Sorenson is back at WR.
Defensively, Miami should be okay. It’s the one area that has stayed consistently solid over the Martin years. Miami’s strength will be in the secondary, led by Brown and Rucker-Furlow. Doug Costin is one of the best defensive linemen in the MAC. Replacing Brad Koenig won’t be easy.
After consecutive seasons where I was extremely high on the Redhawks, I’m selling my stock in Miami. I see nothing good happening this season and that should push Chuck Martin out of a job. A .500 type season in league play would be good enough for me as a Redhawks fan.
Defensively, Miami should be okay. It’s the one area that has stayed consistently solid over the Martin years. Miami’s strength will be in the secondary, led by Brown and Rucker-Furlow. Doug Costin is one of the best defensive linemen in the MAC. Replacing Brad Koenig won’t be easy.
After consecutive seasons where I was extremely high on the Redhawks, I’m selling my stock in Miami. I see nothing good happening this season and that should push Chuck Martin out of a job. A .500 type season in league play would be good enough for me as a Redhawks fan.
#5 Bowling Green 3-9 (2-6)
Coach: Scott Loeffler
Offensive Coordinator: Terry Malone
Defensive Coordinator: Brian VanGorder
Stadium: Doyt Perry Stadium (24,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 3-9
2017 2-10
2016 4-8
2015 10-4
2014 8-6
Offensive Coordinator: Terry Malone
Defensive Coordinator: Brian VanGorder
Stadium: Doyt Perry Stadium (24,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 3-9
2017 2-10
2016 4-8
2015 10-4
2014 8-6
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Jarret Doege, JR, QB Rushing Andrew Clair, JR, RB Receiving Quinton Morris, JR, WR Defense Interceptions None Sacks Karl Brooks, SO, DE Tackles Jerry McBride III, SR, S Unit Rankings
|
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Toledo
Toughest Road Game: At Notre Dame Biggest Conference Game: At Western Michigan |
Quick Thoughts
I had my eye on Bowling Green for most of the offseason. I had high hopes for the Falcons rolling into 2019. That was until QB Jarret Doege decided to transfer. It was a big blow to first year coach Scot Loeffler. That being said, BG has some really nice pieces offensively in RB Andrew Clair and WR Quintin Morris. The OL is one of the better units in the league.
Defensively, it’s a mess for the Falcons. BG is coming off a season where it allowed 40 points per game. Highlights include Sophomore DE Karl Brooks and S Jerry McBride. Bowling Green is lucky enough to draw CMU and Akron at home. Wins for this team will be few and far between this season. The Falcons stay out of the cellar but not by much.
Defensively, it’s a mess for the Falcons. BG is coming off a season where it allowed 40 points per game. Highlights include Sophomore DE Karl Brooks and S Jerry McBride. Bowling Green is lucky enough to draw CMU and Akron at home. Wins for this team will be few and far between this season. The Falcons stay out of the cellar but not by much.
#6 Akron 1-11 (0-8)
Coach: Tom Arth
Offensive Coordinator: Tom Arth
Defensive Coordinator: Matt Feeny
Stadium: InfoCision Stadium (30,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 4-8
2017 7-7
2016 5-7
2015 8-5
2014 5-7
Offensive Coordinator: Tom Arth
Defensive Coordinator: Matt Feeny
Stadium: InfoCision Stadium (30,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 4-8
2017 7-7
2016 5-7
2015 8-5
2014 5-7
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Kato Nelson, JR, QB Rushing Kato Nelson, JR, QB Receiving Andre Williams, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Alvin Davis Jr., SR, S Sacks: Josh ward, SR, DE Tackles: John Lako, SR, LB Unit Rankings
|
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Eastern Michigan
Toughest Road Game: At Northern Illinois Biggest Conference Game: Kent State |
Quick Thoughts
Terry Bowden is out and Tom Arth is in. Arth will be challenged with the task of improving one of the worst offenses in CFB last season. Kato Nelson returns at QB along with 3 of his top receivers from 2018. Akron’s OL is a work in progress, being one of the worst in the MAC.
Defensively, Akron will need to replace much of its total defensive production. John Lako is one of 3 returning starters. Lako is a good one to have as he led the Zips defense with 126 tackles (9.5 for loss). Alvin Davis is the lone starter in the secondary.
I’m projecting a rocky first season in the MAC for Coach Arth. The road schedule for the Zips in conference isn’t doing them any favors. There are winnable games but I feel Akron is the worst team in the MAC.
Defensively, Akron will need to replace much of its total defensive production. John Lako is one of 3 returning starters. Lako is a good one to have as he led the Zips defense with 126 tackles (9.5 for loss). Alvin Davis is the lone starter in the secondary.
I’m projecting a rocky first season in the MAC for Coach Arth. The road schedule for the Zips in conference isn’t doing them any favors. There are winnable games but I feel Akron is the worst team in the MAC.
WEST
#1 Toledo 10-2 (8-0)
Coach: Jason Candle
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Wright
Defensive Coordinator: Brian George
Stadium: Glass Bowl (26,248)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 7-6
2017 11-3
2016 9-4
2015 10-2
2014 9-4
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Wright
Defensive Coordinator: Brian George
Stadium: Glass Bowl (26,248)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 7-6
2017 11-3
2016 9-4
2015 10-2
2014 9-4
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Eli Peters, JR, QB Rushing Bryant Koback, SO, RB Receiving Desmond Phillips, SR, WR Defense Interceptions Zachary Ford, SO, S and Jamal Hines, SO DE Sacks Jamal Hines, SO, DE Tackles Kahlil Robinson, SR, S Unit Rankings
|
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Western Michigan
Toughest Road Game: At Kentucky Biggest Conference Game: Northern Illinois |
Quick Thoughts
Toledo will be looking for a 2nd MAC Championship in just 3 years. Jason Candle is continuing the winning tradition. They have a golden opportunity to capture that title in 2019. Mitchell Guadagni appears to be the guy that will kick things off for the Rockets. Eli Peters will be there if things go south. Bryant Koback should eclipse the 1,000 rushing yard mark this season. Bryce Mitchell is poised to become the next breakout WR for Toledo.
Toledo’s defense will have some challenges to overcome. Toledo was in the bottom half last season in most statistical categories. The offense is explosive so it really puts a ton of pressure on these guys. Jamal Hines is a rising sophomore at DE. Toledo’s secondary should improve with the return of Justin Clark and Khalil Robinson.
Compared to their two major challengers in the West, Toledo has the easiest schedule of them all. Toledo draws Kent, BG and Buffalo out of the East. Every big game is played at the Glass Bowl. I’m looking forward to seeing the BYU game there as well. I have Toledo running the regular season table in the MAC. The offense is going to be too much for a lot of the defenses they’ll see. I wouldn’t be stunned if Toledo took down Kentucky in week 1.
Toledo’s defense will have some challenges to overcome. Toledo was in the bottom half last season in most statistical categories. The offense is explosive so it really puts a ton of pressure on these guys. Jamal Hines is a rising sophomore at DE. Toledo’s secondary should improve with the return of Justin Clark and Khalil Robinson.
Compared to their two major challengers in the West, Toledo has the easiest schedule of them all. Toledo draws Kent, BG and Buffalo out of the East. Every big game is played at the Glass Bowl. I’m looking forward to seeing the BYU game there as well. I have Toledo running the regular season table in the MAC. The offense is going to be too much for a lot of the defenses they’ll see. I wouldn’t be stunned if Toledo took down Kentucky in week 1.
#2 NIU 7-5 (6-2)
Coach: Thomas Hammock
Offensive Coordinator: Eric Eidsness
Defensive Coordinator: Derrick Jackson and Robert Wimbley
Stadium: Huskie Stadium (23,595)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 8-6
2017 8-5
2016 5-7
2015 8-6
2014 11-3
Offensive Coordinator: Eric Eidsness
Defensive Coordinator: Derrick Jackson and Robert Wimbley
Stadium: Huskie Stadium (23,595)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 8-6
2017 8-5
2016 5-7
2015 8-6
2014 11-3
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Marcus Childers, JR, QB Rushing Tre Harbison, JR, RB Receiving Spencer Tears, SR, WR Defense Interceptions Jalen McKie, SO, CB and Mykelti Williams, SR, S Sacks Jack Heflin, JR, DT Tackles Antonio Jones-Davis, SR, LB Unit Rankings
|
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: At Toledo
Toughest Road Game: At Nebraska Biggest Conference Game: Western Michigan |
Quick Thoughts
The defending MAC Champions return most of the key pieces from last season. Their biggest loss comes from the departure of Sutton Smith and HC Rod Carey. Offensively, Marcus Childers returns at QB. He’s a guy that is has a lot of promise but the consistency is an issue. Having 1,000 yards running back Tre Harbison is a gift. The offensive line returns 3 starters.
Defensively, NIU will be one of the best in the MAC. Matt Lorbeck and Jack Heflin are big-time players on the DL. There’s not a better LB unit than this group in DeKalb. Antonio Jones-Davis and Kyle Pugh combined for 236 tackles last season. The secondary has two senior leaders in Mykelti Williams and Trayshon Foster.
First year head coach Thomas Hammock has a very talented team. They would be the easy pick for a MAC title if the schedule wasn’t as brutal as it is. NIU has to visit Ohio and Miami OH out of the East. NIU also has to travel to Toledo. Home games against EMU and WMU at the end of the year are must wins. The schedule will be too much to overcome but NIU will be bowling for a third consecutive season.
Defensively, NIU will be one of the best in the MAC. Matt Lorbeck and Jack Heflin are big-time players on the DL. There’s not a better LB unit than this group in DeKalb. Antonio Jones-Davis and Kyle Pugh combined for 236 tackles last season. The secondary has two senior leaders in Mykelti Williams and Trayshon Foster.
First year head coach Thomas Hammock has a very talented team. They would be the easy pick for a MAC title if the schedule wasn’t as brutal as it is. NIU has to visit Ohio and Miami OH out of the East. NIU also has to travel to Toledo. Home games against EMU and WMU at the end of the year are must wins. The schedule will be too much to overcome but NIU will be bowling for a third consecutive season.
#3 Western Michigan 7-5 (5-3)
Coach: Tim Lester
Offensive Coordinator: Jake Moreland
Defensive Coordinator: Lou Esposito
Stadium: Waldo Stadium (30,200)
Offensive Coordinator: Jake Moreland
Defensive Coordinator: Lou Esposito
Stadium: Waldo Stadium (30,200)
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Jon Wassink, SR, QB Rushing LeVante Bellamy, SR, RB Receiving Jayden Reed, SO, WR Defense Interceptions Anton Curtis, SR, CB Sacks Ali Fayad, JR, DE Tackles Anton Curtis, SR, CB Unit Rankings
|
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: At Toledo
Toughest Road Game: At Michigan State Biggest Conference Game: At Northern Illinois |
Quick Thoughts
I’m going to open by saying Western Michigan is my favorite team in the MAC this season. There are great players across the board. Jon Wassink proved to be a solid QB last season. LaVante Bellamy is going to finally be the guy. He’s had some great RB’s that he’s had to share carries with in the past, but he’s the clear #1 and is coming off of a 1,228 yard rushing season. The OL is one of the best in the league, this is going to be a potent offense.
Defensively the Broncos return virtually everyone. They were middle of the pack in the MAC as a whole in 2018. Ali Fayad led the team with 7.5 sacks. The roster is loaded with experienced seniors. Alex Grace and Drake Spears are a solid 1-2 combo at LB.
WMU enters the season with an eye on another MAC Championship. They however face the same challenges that NIU does. The schedule is absolutely brutal. Road games at Toledo, EMU, Ohio, and NIU are big games. It’ll be interesting to see how they play Michigan State and Syracuse in the non-con. I think the schedule holds the Broncos back from another run at Detroit.
Defensively the Broncos return virtually everyone. They were middle of the pack in the MAC as a whole in 2018. Ali Fayad led the team with 7.5 sacks. The roster is loaded with experienced seniors. Alex Grace and Drake Spears are a solid 1-2 combo at LB.
WMU enters the season with an eye on another MAC Championship. They however face the same challenges that NIU does. The schedule is absolutely brutal. Road games at Toledo, EMU, Ohio, and NIU are big games. It’ll be interesting to see how they play Michigan State and Syracuse in the non-con. I think the schedule holds the Broncos back from another run at Detroit.
#4 Eastern Michigan 6-6 (4-4)
Coach: Chris Creighton
Offensive Coordinator: Aaron Keen
Defensive Coordinator: Neal Neathery
Stadium: Rynearson Stadium (30,200)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 7-6
2017 5-7
2016 7-6
2015 1-11
2014 2-10
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Mike Glass III, SR, QB Rushing Shaq Vann, SR, RB Receiving Arthur Sexton, SR, WR Defense Interceptions Vince Calhoun, SR, S and Kevin McGill, SR, CB Sacks Turan Rush, JR, DE Tackles Vince Calhoun, SR, S Unit Rankings
|
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Western Michigan
Toughest Road Game: At Kentucky Biggest Conference Game: At Toledo |
Quick Thoughts
Chris Creighton enters his 6th season in Ypsilanti. The Eagles are coming off of an appearance in the Camellia Bowl. QB Mike Glass started 3 games last season and did a fine job. He returns along with RB Shaq Vann. There’s experience at the wideout position and the offensive line is above league average. Glass is going to make this offense much better this season.
EMU had the best defense last season in the MAC. They’ll have to some monsters like Maxx Crosby and Kyle Rachwal. Brody Hoying is a solid returning piece for the Eagles defense. They only return 3 full-time starters from a season ago. Despite that, this is one of the better-built defenses in the league.
EMU continues to get better and better with Creighton. Mike Glass is an important factor in their success this season. The schedule sets up quite nicely. Road trips to Toledo and Northern Illinois will decide if they make a run at a MAC West crown or not.
EMU had the best defense last season in the MAC. They’ll have to some monsters like Maxx Crosby and Kyle Rachwal. Brody Hoying is a solid returning piece for the Eagles defense. They only return 3 full-time starters from a season ago. Despite that, this is one of the better-built defenses in the league.
EMU continues to get better and better with Creighton. Mike Glass is an important factor in their success this season. The schedule sets up quite nicely. Road trips to Toledo and Northern Illinois will decide if they make a run at a MAC West crown or not.
#5 Ball State 2-10 (1-7)
Coach: Mike Neu
Offensive Coordinator: Joey Lynch
Defensive Coordinator: David Elson and Tyler Stockton
Stadium: Scheumann Stadium (22,500)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 4-8
2017 2-10
2016 4-8
2015 3-9
2014 5-7
Offensive Coordinator: Joey Lynch
Defensive Coordinator: David Elson and Tyler Stockton
Stadium: Scheumann Stadium (22,500)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 4-8
2017 2-10
2016 4-8
2015 3-9
2014 5-7
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Drew Pitt, JR, QB Rushing Malik Dunner, SR, WR Receiving Justin Hall, JR, WR Defense Interceptions 3 players tied Sacks Christian Albright, JR, OLB Tackles Bryce Cosby, JR, S and Ray Wilborn, SR, LB Unit Rankings
|
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Toledo
Toughest Road Game: At NC State Biggest Conference Game: Ohio |
Quick Thoughts
Mike Neu had one of my favorite rosters coming back at the end of the 2018 season. Unfortunately, the roster did not carry over. QB Riley Neal (Vanderbilt) and RB James Gilbert (Kansas State) transferred out. Drew Plitt and Caleb Huntley will be tasked with replacing those two great players. Ball State still has a pair of solid receivers in Riley Miller and Justin Hall (130 combined receptions). Add in one of the better offensive lines in the MAC and there is still hope for the Cardinals.
Ball State returns 9 starters from a group that allowed over 32 points per game and was one of the worst rushing defenses in the MAC. Christian Albright is one of the potential stars on this defense. Ball State has a stable of solid linebackers, led by Jacob White. The Cardinals defense should be much improved in the secondary. Overall, there is potential for this Ball State defense.
I won’t lie. I was ready to pencil in Ball State in Detroit after last season. Today, I still believe this could be a decent team. They will certainly be competitive in most league contests this season. At the end of the day, I have them finishing near the bottom of the West and winning just a single league contest. Mike Neu will be wondering what could’ve been at seasons end.
Ball State returns 9 starters from a group that allowed over 32 points per game and was one of the worst rushing defenses in the MAC. Christian Albright is one of the potential stars on this defense. Ball State has a stable of solid linebackers, led by Jacob White. The Cardinals defense should be much improved in the secondary. Overall, there is potential for this Ball State defense.
I won’t lie. I was ready to pencil in Ball State in Detroit after last season. Today, I still believe this could be a decent team. They will certainly be competitive in most league contests this season. At the end of the day, I have them finishing near the bottom of the West and winning just a single league contest. Mike Neu will be wondering what could’ve been at seasons end.
#6 Central Michigan 3-9 (1-7)
Coach: Jim McElwain
Offensive Coordinator: Charlie Frye
Defensive Coordinator: Robb Akey
Stadium: Kelly/Shorts Stadium (30,255)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 1-11
2017 8-5
2016 7-6
2015 7-6
2014 7-6
Offensive Coordinator: Charlie Frye
Defensive Coordinator: Robb Akey
Stadium: Kelly/Shorts Stadium (30,255)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 1-11
2017 8-5
2016 7-6
2015 7-6
2014 7-6
Top ReturnersOffense
Passing Tommy Lazzaro, SR, QB Rushing Romello Ross, SR, RB Receiving Cameron Cole, SR, WR Defense Interceptions 4 players tied at 1 Sacks Laquan Johnson, FR, DT Tackles Devonni Reed, SO, S Unit Rankings
|
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Eastern Michigan
Toughest Road Game: At Wisconsin Biggest Conference Game: Northern Illinois |
Quick Thoughts
Jim McElwain makes his return to the head coaching ranks this season. He will certainly have his work cut out for him. He will have a familiar face in Quieten Dormady at QB. He will be tasked with getting a stagnant offense moving. Four returning starters on the OL should help some of the running backs get going. TE Tony Poljan is a big time target and should be utilized more.
Defensively, CMU is going to be a work in progress. The Chippewas lost tons of defensive production in the offseason. Devonni Reed is one of the bright spots returning. LB Andrew Ward has a promising future. This is a very young group of guys and there will speed bumps.
CMU is a very good job. McElwain will straighten out the roster and get the Chippewas back to bowl contention soon enough. Wins will be hard to find and they have a golden opportunity against Akron to open conference play with a W. I’ll just say this to CMU fans, buckle up, it will be an ugly season. Despite it all, the future is bright.
Defensively, CMU is going to be a work in progress. The Chippewas lost tons of defensive production in the offseason. Devonni Reed is one of the bright spots returning. LB Andrew Ward has a promising future. This is a very young group of guys and there will speed bumps.
CMU is a very good job. McElwain will straighten out the roster and get the Chippewas back to bowl contention soon enough. Wins will be hard to find and they have a golden opportunity against Akron to open conference play with a W. I’ll just say this to CMU fans, buckle up, it will be an ugly season. Despite it all, the future is bright.