MAC Preview

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All-MAC Fantasy Team:  GO

For more on these teams, see the 2000 Fantasy Info below.

For MAC schedule in 2000: GO   |    For All-MAC Fantasy Team 2000:  GO

Team Breakdowns:

Akron | Ball State | Bowling Green | Buffalo | Central Michigan |  Eastern Michigan  
Kent | Marshall  | Miami  | Northern Illinois | Ohio | Toledo | Western Michigan

MAC in 2000

It will be an odd year for the MAC in 2000, with Marshall looking to vacate the top spot for the first time in who knows how long.  Not quite the level of FSU losing the ACC, but pretty close.

Prepare to hear names like "Butchie" and "Chester" being called during MAC conference reviews and round ups throughout the season.  It's the year of the Zips -- or is that Rockets?  Or Huskies?  In whatever case, it should be an off year for the Thundering herd, so someone has the opportunity to take center stage in the mid-American lands. 

  Akron Zips

They're coming off of their first winning season since the start of the 90's, so expect momentum to be on their side.  If they can put together an adequate defense, the offense should be good enough to have Akron atop the MAC East at year's end.  

"Butchie" (QB James Washington) leads the Zips' offense again this year.  In a year when numerous star QBs have departed the MAC, having one of the better ones returning will give them an edge.  He has a strong receiver in Lavell Bailey, who should light up scoreboards across the MAC.  Add to that the return of MAC Freshman of the Year RB Brendon Payne and defenses will have two targets to plan for instead of just one.  Again, advantage Akron.  The only negative on that side of the ball is the OL, which loses most of their starters.

Defense is a question mark this season.  They lose about half of the key players on that unit, but more importantly is the lack of any standout talent returning outside of DB Reliford.  If LBs Myers and Mackey develop as hoped, they'll get a decent pass rush and stop the run well.  If not, the secondary won't be doing much beside chasing receivers deep and tackling runners who get by the front seven.  

The non-conference schedule is interesting, with Virginia Tech being a game they'll lose, UConn a game they'll win, and Central Florida a game they'll have to play well in to win.  The MAC schedule is favorable.  No Toledo, first.  Then, the Zips get two games they should win at the beginning of the year, then play Miami, Northern Illinois, and Marshall with a winnable game in the week between each.  They close with two games they should win (UB and Kent) so if they stagger in the middle of the schedule, they can sit back and watch Marshall and NIU face tough opponents -- and possible losses -- at the close of the season.  The West is strong this year, so the Zips may find their toughest opponent waits at the close of the season.  They'll get a decent bowl bid if they can win the MAC, with name recognition being a big stumbling block for an invite to a premiere bowl even if they manage a Marshall-type season.  (Bowl games are businesses, unfortunately.)

To see what we said about Akron in the spring, click here:  GO

Ball State Cardinals

Tradition at Ball State is strong, with the Cardinals capturing as many MAC championships as any other team in the 90's until the Herd grabbed the top spot last season.  Numerous Players of the Year and other honors have been bestowed upon Ball State players and coaches.  Which makes it all the harder to suffer through seasons like '99.  And the 2000 season is looking like a repeat, unless there is some hidden magic on the roster.

The schedule favors a decent 3- or 4-win season for the Cardinals.  That is their bright spot, unfortunately.  The team has plenty of contributors, and some potential stars.  They remain in the potential phase at his point, though.  Come the fall, we get to see how they perform when it's game time, and the action starts.  

The defense loses a bunch in the front seven -- one LB and three DL starters return.  The secondary was quite good last season, and they'll need them to repeat that this year since the pass rush should take some time to develop.  Projections out of coach Bill Lynch's spring practice sessions are favorable.   

Offensively the passing game has to improve.  It just was not good last season.  QB Conn returns for another go at it, and his experience will help.  The running game was a bit better, but it isn't there yet.  Youngster RB Dunbar returns, and with an extra year of experience and hitting the weights he should be much improved.  They have to be able to sustain ten and fifteen play drives, so the defense can have time to regroup before returning to the field.  returning PK Pucke cashing in with FGs a few times a game, and getting into the end zone at least once will give Ball State a chance at a couple of more games.

The schedule is great for getting your team recognized, awful for team confidence and record.  Kansas State and Florida road trips should crush the spirits of this team if they are hoping for a good showing.  Lynch and the coaches have to keep the kids focused on the overall picture of such games, and should.  They may be 1-2 before hitting the MAC portion of the schedule.  They'll lose the first two, but will have a chance to win each of the next four games.  Then it's on the road to Toledo, where they should lose, before closing out with a UConn team they should beat.

To see what we said about the Cardinals in the spring, click here:  GO

Bowling Green Falcons 

The Falcons are a MAC team struggling to break into the top third of the conference, and having a very difficult time doing it.  They showed signs of offense last season, but not enough to call for them to break out this year.  The running game loses a pivotal player in FB Martin, which could mean trouble for the rushing production of the returning pair of Alls and Lewis.  And should definitely hurt them in short yardage and red zone production.  QB Andy Sahm returns, and if he can continue developing he may lead a potent Bowling Green attack.  He'll need help from the receivers, though, and the bad news there is the late loss of Louisville transfer Redd.

Defense looks to be their strength at this point.  They lose only two starters, which should make for immediate production while other teams are still trying to develop their new guys.  The backfield should be solid, with stars Long and Rose back at safety.  If the front seven can improve over last year's mediocre play, and develops into a cohesive unit in time for the conference games the Falcons have a good shot at a decent year.

The year should depend on whether or not the defense can keep teams out of the end zone so the offense has the chance to outscore them.  That and the pressure on this team and coaching staff to erase the past few dismal seasons, and how that pressure affects the team's performance.  We see Bowling Green stuck in the middle of the pack, possibly winning only 3 games in conference.  They start with two likely losses to Michigan and Pitt, before a win at Temple.  Then a couple of likely MAC wins (UB and Kent) before an Akron loss and tough game with Miami.  Eastern Michigan, Marshall and Ohio come to town next, which could be two wins.  they close with a likely loss to Toledo.

To see what we said about Bowling Green in the spring, click here:  GO

Buffalo Bulls

Their first season in the MAC was a learning experience, for most of the team.  Those that got to play, that is.  With so many players out with injuries throughout last season, it was a surprise these guys were able to compete at all.  They did admirably, even managing to field the MAC's best receiver.  With ex-QB Chad Salisbury now making waves in the Arena Football League, and a few of the '99 players at camps around the NFL, you have to think these guys have talent waiting in the wings; we'll see how good they are come the fall.

WR Drew Haddad was spectacular for UB in their first year at the Div IA level in a few decades.  He is now a Buffalo Bill; he leaves the Bulls for a one-letter team name change, and a ten mile relocation down I-90 to Ralph Wilson stadium and the Bills facilities.  With Haddad gone the Bulls need a clutch receiver and leader.  We don't see signs yet of who that will be.  The QB spot got interesting thanks to the forced development of third-stringer Freedy last season and the return of injured starter Gaydosz for 2000. They only get four starters returning, so it should be another tough year for the Bulls offense.  

The defense is the greater beneficiary of returning starters.  Most of the unit is back, and with the sting of an '0-for' MAC season still in their mouths these guys should come out firing.  They need star safety Craig Rohlfs to heal quickly (after shoulder surgery) and returning LB Shelly, the team tackles leader to spark that front seven.  If they can keep teams low scoring, the offense may be able to put up enough points to win a game or two.  Are things good enough for a few MAC wins?  We're not going that far, but things are getting better up in Buffalo.

The schedule should get the Bulls good exposure in their main recruiting area of the northeast.  Going to Syracuse will be just for the recruiting exposure, but the Rutgers game will be closer.  Their MAC schedule has a few beatings on tap, with road games against Marshall, Northern Illinois and Akron most notable.  They'll start 0-2 before facing UConn.  They need to win this one, though it should be tougher than expected (as UConn comes to I-A in 2000 after a successful I-AA stay).  They may surprise Bowling Green or Ball State or Kent at home, but shouldn't beat Marshall, NIU or Ohio in between on the road.  They won't win in the season ending games against Akron pr Miami.  

We admit, this is one of our favorite teams to watch.  The tradition of big time football goes way back, with names like Buddy Ryan (ex-Bears and Philly Eagles coach) donning the walls at Alumni Arena, and the Bulls are looking to get back to the level of success that hasn't been seen there in Buffalo for a few decades.  They re-enter the Div IA foray last season, and as expected got blanked.  They have ex-Penn State OL coach Craig Cirbus in charge of rebuilding, with coaches like now-Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett making stops there to pitch in for a couple of years (at the close of their Div II days).  The brains are there, and the brawn is slowly coming in through aggressive recruiting.  We like what they're doing, and can't wait to see how it all translates into on-field production in the next two or three years.  

To see what we said about UB in the spring, click here:  GO

Central Michigan Chippewas

The Wolverines loss is the Chippewas' gain, as former offensive coordinator at UM is now the head man at CMU.  Look for him to bring confidence, discipline and aggression to this team.  

RB Eric Flowers was their gem last season, and with his departure the coaches have a high priority on replacing him this spring.  Not sure whether the returning Webber (out for '99 injured) will be as good, so the passing game has to improve to make up for the potential loss in production on the ground.  Their QB Pete Shepherd returns and will have to improve on his '99 numbers.  O'Neal will be his likely go-to guy, after an impressive first year.  The line will be solid as they have all starters back.

Defensively the backfield is strong, but the front seven need help.  They have potential all- conference LB Lewis back, and he'll need to be the spark on that unit.  They lose a bunch and have a tough task ahead of them.

That non-conference schedule is brutal.  Going to Purdue is no way to start a season with confidence.  Following that up with Akron and Boise at home and trips to Wyoming and Toledo isn't any better.  It gets better after that, until they close at Northern Illinois.  

Another 4-7 season would be a good result for the Chippewas.  They may not get there, as they'll likely start out at 0-5, with Purdue, Akron, Wyoming, Boise State and Toledo.  Then it's Kent, Ohio, Ball State, Eastern Michigan, all winnable, before Western Michigan and a trip to Northern lllinois to close out the season.  

To see what we said about the Chippewas  in the spring, click here:  GO

Eastern Michigan Eagles

In the case of the Eagles, it's the Wildcats' loss that is their gain. They get a former Arizona assistant in Woodruff to take over the head coaching job at EMU.  

His new offense is in good hands with QB Walt Church.  He was good last season, and should be better this year.  The program that built surprising NFL talent Charlie Batch seems to be turning into a QB factory.  Church loses his big receiver in WR Jermaine Sheffield.  They need to find him another one.  The running game has to take a step up to complement the passing game, since Church shouldn't be saddled with the responsibility of carrying the offense again.  The OL returns most of their unit, so with the emergence of a decent RB things could develop there.   

Defensively they lose a bunch of talent, but should be all right.  The backfield is the primary problem area, with many starters lost.  The LBs are strong, led by Philpot.  The front seven as a whole get most of their guys back, and they'll have a year together to build on.  If they can put it all together and complement that strong offense, the Eagles can be a force in the MAC.

Depending upon how strong they are, the non-conference schedule could be a nice surprise.  UConn should be a win; Temple and South Carolina will be tough but aren't out of the question.  They don't play Akron or Marshall, so they're lucky there.  They get Toledo and Northern Illinois at home, so there is a good chance for an upset or two of the top teams.  They also have Miami and Central Michigan at home, and these could both be wins.  MAC road games look like two likely wins.  We see the Eagles struggling to repeat their 4 win season.  Three games seem solid, and they'll have to pull an upset along the way to get the fourth.  Don't be surprised if they win 5 or 6 if the 'D' matures more quickly.  

To see what we said about the EMU in the spring, click here:  GO

Kent Golden Flashes  

Coming off of a 2-9 season is always tough.  Will you build on mistakes from last year, and the experience gained, or will the nine losses hang on the team and sap their confidence.  When you get fifteen starters back, you tend to lean toward the optimistic side.  When some of your key players were among the departures, you go the other way.  So it's a wash.

The running game could come around.  Murphy looked good at RB last year, surprising a lot of people.  He returns, and should be better.  Most of his line is back as well, so they should pick up right where they left off last season.  The passing game is hard to judge with a new QB stepping in.  Davis leaves, and with him the improvisational skills the scrambling QB possessed.  Williams steps in, and through the spring was looking like he could be a strong talent down the road.  Until we see him in some game situations we're withholding judgment.  

Defensively there are plenty of questions at the backfield positions and the front seven.  They get leading LB Rayl back, and he should be even better this season and this will give some support up front.  The most pressing need is for speed at the DB and safety positions.  They need answers for these questions before they can begin to look for wins in the MAC, which should light them up for scores often if they can't match up against the receivers.

The non-conference schedule is tough, and they should expect to lose to the Boilermakers and Panthers who are going to be strong this year.  Youngstown State may be their best shot at a win.  Then it's road trips to Miami, Central Michigan and Marshall, which should be two losses at least, with home games against Bowling Green and Ohio in between which could be wins.  Then there are Marshall, Western Michigan and Akron games that will be hard to get wins in, with a trip to Buffalo where they can win.  

To see what we said about Kent in the spring, click here:  GO

Marshall Thundering Herd   

They don't lose a game all year, but then lose Chad Pennington and Doug Chapman to the NFL.  These losses hurt more than an on-field one would have, we think.  With these guys gone, and half of the starters in total, don't count on them running the table again in 2000.

Byron Leftwich becomes the new signal caller for the prolific Herd offense.  He gets some of his OL talent back, and he'll need it as he develops his skills in game situations.  There's returning WR Poole to help out, and the infusion of a JUCO all-American RB in Pitts.  Pitts joins with Rogers and Carey to form a trio of potential starters at the RB spot, which should get cleared up before the season begins.  The offense in post-Pennington era will be fine, just not as good as it once was.  (But how many in the nation were?)

Defensively things are okay.  The defense is stacked.  The backfield sports Daninelle Derricott and Maurice Hines, two of the premiere MAC DBs.  The front seven is loaded with DE Paul Toviessi as the leader.  They will have plenty of chances to shine with the excellent support the DBs bring.  Regardless of how well the new QB/RB crew does, Marshall will be in every game this year as the defense will hold teams to the teens or lower in most games.

They start the season with a cake team, then face Michigan State and North Carolina on the road.  These games will judge where the Herd are in 2000.  They next take on Buffalo and Western Michigan, games they'll win, before trips to Toledo and Akron (with Kent in between).  If they win thus far, they'll be in the drivers seat for their next MAC title.  If not, it could be a down year for them. They should win their final three games, Bowling Green, Miami and Ohio. 

To see what we said about Marshall in the spring, click here:  GO

Miami Redhawks  

They will definitely miss RB Travis Prentice.  How can you replace college football's all-time leader in touchdowns?  Essentially, you can't hope to and you have to start relying on someone else to carry the load.  Redhawks fans will miss the sight of their RB crashing through defensive lines and coming up three yards deep into the end zone; they'll have to hope that a more mixed offensive attack gets different players in there often enough to equal the frequency Prentice did it on his own.

And a more mixed offense is exactly what is on tap, if spring practice is any indication.  QB Mike Bath returns, and he'll be called on to do more now that the offense doesn't have the talent of Prentice.  RB Little is getting the unenviable task of replacing the nation's most prolific rushing scorer.  The Redhawks lose WR Trevor Gaylor to the NFL as well, so Bath will have to find someone else to throw to.  They're hoping WR Johnson can come close to replacing Gaylor's TD/game average.  Bath was good last season, but it's hard to say how much of his efficiency was based on defenses overcompensating for Prentice.  We'll find out soon enough.

The new defense has about half of the '99 crew back.  The secondary should be fine, led by Godsey.  The front seven benefit from getting most of their OL back, led by Aracri.  They will be called on to hold teams to decent point production, so the evolving offense is able to pull out wins. 

Miami may be in the hunt for the MAC title game, but they have too tough a schedule and too many question marks to bet on it.  They'll be challenged immediately by a trip to an improving Vanderbilt and Ohio State, with Eastern Michigan in between.  Then it's MAC home games against Kent, Ball State and Bowling Green, with a trip to Akron (which they should lose) sandwiched in the middle.  They close with road games against Cinci, Marshall and Buffalo, and a final home game against Ohio.  They don't have to face Toledo or Northern Illinois, so a 2- loss MAC season is in reach.  For now, call it runners-up in the East, but look out.

To see what we said about Miami in the spring, click here:  GO

Northern Illinois Huskies  

This is a year when the Huskies start out the season knowing they have the chance to take the MAC, and steal some of the thunder brought to the conference by Marshall in the past few years.  If they can manage it, the benefits for recruiting and media draw will be enormous.  Their schedule helps out with this by having them go to Northwestern and Illinois to showcase their program in front of huge crowds and coverage.  

Getting nine of your starters back on offense and defense, each, certainly helps boost projections for the coming year.  Youth played a large part in the previous season, and now the Huskies get to enjoy the dividends.  

Among the nine returning players the offense gets back are QB Finlen and WR Justin McCariens back.  McCariens should be solid, and potential all-conference selection.  Finlen returns after a so-so season, but the coaches are hoping his improvement over spring wasn't a fluke.  He gets all of his protection back, with the entire OL returning.  He hopes they have improved as much as he has, since they weren't an exceptional group a year ago.  The running game is a question mark, with their best back Andrews nixed thanks to academic problems.

The defense loses CFL first-round pick FS Donnovan Carter (who is now an Argo).  They need to replace him, and bulk up the secondary in the pass-happy 2000 MAC.  If the team performs as well as expected, the DBs will get a lot of second half work.  LB is the strength of this defense, with help from an impressive DT Tate up front.  Returning most of their defense, the Huskies are set to challenge for the title of MAC's best defense.

If Marshall were on the schedule they would be guaranteed a high finish in terms of schedule strength, but their absence helps the Huskies' chances of taking the MAC West.  They go to Akron but get Toledo at home; the rest of the games are winnable.   The Huskies win the West, and play Akron for the MAC, if they can take down the Rockets at home.  At this point, we think Toledo has the edge, though.  If they can go 2-1 in the non-conference part of the schedule, they may finish 9-2; 8-3 is more likely.  Not bad for a team that has been biding its time and following their 5-year plan even when it meant starting younger players and struggling to win a few games a year. 

To see what we said about the Huskies in the spring, click here:  GO

Ohio Bobcats  

One of the few remaining option teams, the Bobcats are fun to watch.  They lose their anchor, though, in the graduating C Mike Varone.  This position is critical to an option team, so they need a solid replacement there and right away.  QB Dontrell Jackson has to improve, which is likely since he seems fully recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered early last season.  The option offense relies on good decision-making and individual playmaking from its QB, and for Ohio to better its 5-win season he'll need to be healthy.  Running backs have to step up as well, and there is no shortage of talent at that position for the Bobcats.  Jackson will have a nice target in WR Taylor, as well, which should make defenses have to respect 

Defensively they lose some key players in the backfield and front seven, and these need to be filled.  One problem with an option offense is turnovers, so they need a solid front seven to be able to hold teams to 3-and-outs a few times a game and keep teams from capitalizing on the TOs.  The front seven in 2000 has some question marks, with LB being the most settled, led by Weilbacher.  the backfield is the strong point of the squad, with the White brothers returning back there.

They have about the best MAC schedule there is this year.  They get Marshall and Akron at home, and don't have to play Northern Illinois or Toledo. They could get pounded in two of their three non-conference games, but they get the added exposure of playing Big XII (Iowa State) and Big Ten (Minnesota).  The Bobcats may slip a bit if it weren't for their relatively easy conference schedule.  They should split their MAC games, and take one non-conference game.  Another 5-6, it looks like.

To see what we said about the Bobcats in the spring, click here:  GO

Toledo Rockets  

This could be their year.  They have many of the pieces in place, and it just remains to see whether they can win the games they should and pull out a couple of the tight ones.  Opening at Penn State will be brutal, but after that they could sweep a few before meeting up with Marshall; win that one and they will be 4-0 in conference with only possible loss left on the schedule.  

Defense is solid.  They get almost everyone back, and have experienced backups ready to step in when needed.  Rollins leads the LB crew and Goulde the DL, making up a decent front seven.  The secondary returns a couple of starters, but no one sticks out as a force there yet.  Chances are that opponents will get down by a bunch to the Rockets, and have to go to the air to play catch up; when this happens, look for  a ton of picks from these guys as they sit back and let offenses come to them. 

At this point, Marshall and Northern Illinois look like the only teams in the MAC that may not be underdogs when lining up against the Rockets. The opener with Penn State should tell us what kind of team Toledo has for 2000.  Toledo may finish tied for the MAC West, and have their head to head game with Northern Illinois be the difference maker.  If they beat NIU, they could finish 7-1 in conference and 9-2 overall. Then it's on to the MAC title game, and then bowl season.

To see what we said about the Rockets in the spring, click here:  GO

Western Michigan Broncos  

They lose QB Tim Lester, but keep RB Robert Sanford; that about sums up the status of the offense for 2000.  If they can replace Lester and get some of his MAC-best career passing yardage from the new QB, Welsh, and rely on Sanford to pick up the tough yards and keep drives going they will do just fine.  The loss of utility receiver and run supporter TE Jake Moreland will hurt.

Defensively they have to fill a ton of holes.  LB Evans is the bright spot there, and they hope he can center an effective front seven unit.  The secondary has potential replacements if spring is any indication.  In the MAC you need to be strong on the defensive side of the ball to make any noise, and we're not sure how strong the Broncos will be on 'D.'  If they can make a cohesive unit out of the incoming starters and the few left over from the '99 squad, they could be more than spoilers this season.

The non-conference schedule is not bad, with a 2-1 record possible.  The MAC schedule helps them out by having Northern Illinois and Toledo come to Western Michigan, but hurts by having the Marshall game on the road.  If one of those three contenders were off of their schedule this year, we would have ranked them a step higher; but winning two of these games should be hard, and puts them in a race for runner-up.  

To see what we said about WMU in the spring, click here:  GO