The MAC update to end all MAC updates…

August 21st, 2008 by Nick Gerogosian

It’s hard to believe that football season is less than one week away but for true college football fans it can’t come soon enough. Below is a quick look at all of the MAC teams as they prepare for their upcoming season.

AKRON

Fifth-year coach J.D. Brookhart is expecting much more efficient quarterback play from either junior Chris Jacquemain or redshirt freshman Matt Rodgers . The offensive line should be much stronger and there is plenty of depth at running back. The wide receiving corps is untested.
This season will mark the Zips’ final one playing at the venerable Rubber Bowl. Akron will open its long-awaited on-campus stadium InfoCision Stadium on Sept. 19, 2009, against Indiana.
Akron returns five All-MAC players in LT Chris Kemme, DE Almondo Sewell, LB Kevin Grant, RB Dennis Kennedy (from 2006), and RB turned DB Bryan Williams. Williams is one of the nation’s best kickoff return specialists.
True freshman RB DeVoe Torrence will be watched closely on and off the field. Having been acquitted of charges of having sex with a minor, the five-star recruit Torrence signed earlier this summer with the Zips. From nearby Massillon, Ohio, Torrence originally was committed to Ohio State but was dropped by the Buckeyes when charges surfaced. He could be a real gem for the Zips.
WR Andre Jones , thought to be a top returning free safety in the MAC, was moved to wide receiver to fill a glaring hole in Akron’s attack. He was the top punt returner in the conference a year ago.

BALL STATE

TB MiQuale Lewis is hoping for an injury free season. When healthy, Lewis is one of the top five tailbacks in the MAC. In his short playing time last season, Lewis rushed for 447 yards, which was 84 yards fewer that leading rusher Frank Edmonds had in the entire season.
The Cardinals will succeed if their defense makes improvements across the board. Ball State had the most dangerous offense in the Mid-American Conference last year, yet it lost six games, giving up at least 38 points in three of the defeats. They will fail if they don’t handle the hype. Ball State is among the favorites to win the Mid-American Conference championship, and its fan base is expecting enormous success. But if this team gets caught up in what could be, it could flame out.
No player in the program means more to Ball State than QB Nate Davis . Illinois coach Ron Zook last season said Davis (right, Icon SMI) was the best quarterback in the Midwest, and that included those in the Big Ten. Davis already holds Ball State’s career records for touchdown passes and 300-yard passing games, and the junior is primed to be even better this year than he was the past two seasons.
Coaches were excited when they signed WR Briggs Orsbon last winter. Playing time is up for grabs at the team’s third receiver position, and Orsbon will have a chance to make an impact. Osborn was a top-20 incoming MAC recruit according to VanDelaySports.com
ILB Wendell Brown is back in action after missing 2007 with a torn pectoral muscle. Brown was among the team’s leading tacklers in 2006, and his presence in the lineup should help the defense improve.

BOWLING GREEN

BG must replace three starters on the offensive line, including center Kory Lichtensteiger , who was drafted in the 4^th round by the Denver Broncos. There are veterans at the guard spots and fifth-year seniors ready to take over at the tackles, but projected starting center Brian Bojicic will be making his first collegiate snap in the opener.
QB Tyler Sheehan was 303-of-467 for 3,264 yards with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2007. He will be challenged to do even better this fall and has a veteran group of receivers to produce even bigger numbers in 2008.
RB Eric Ransom will be an important part of the offense both running and catching the ball. His big-play ability will be an added dimension. He did have a 53-yard touchdown reception against Minnesota in the 2007 season-opener but was lost for the year after suffering a knee injury in the next game. A native of Texas, he had a standout junior college career before coming to Bowling Green last season.
Backup QB Andrew Beam If Sheehan falters or is hurt, Beam can be ready after playing the last two seasons at San Joaquin Junior College. Beam has been working with the team during the summer and at 6-feet-4, 230 pounds, he has the size to make a difference.
WR Anthony Turner has played quarterback and running back and now the fifth-year senior is being tried at wideout. In 2007, Turner led the Falcons in rushing and his play was a major key to Bowling Green’s 4-0 finish to the regular season. He rushed for nine touchdowns, threw for three and caught one scoring pass last season.

BUFFALO

Eighteen starters are back from the Buffalo team that closed the season winning four of their last seven games, including an overtime triumph in its season finale at Kent State.
UB faces another brutal schedule early in the season. With three road games against likely bowl and conference-title contenders Pittsburgh, Missouri and Central Michigan before an open date October 4, the Bulls cannot let their confidence get shook. They’ll also be hurting for certain in the event QB Drew Willy suffers an injury. He’s a senior and the veteran leader in and out of the huddle. Without him, the Bulls lack on-field direction and the offense would likely stall without a single proven backup QB on the roster.
A breakout star should be Jamal Chisam. He has been injured for the majority of this career but if he remains healthy, will have an impact at linebacker. Chisam started as a true freshman in 2004 then sat out both his sophomore and junior seasons with injuries. He was listed as a starter last season before being sidelined by an ankle injury.
WR Brad Beggs graduated a year early and will not return to the team and signee Darius Willis did not qualify academically but hopes to re-enroll in January and have four seasons of eligibility remaining. Willis, a QB/LB prospect was the only signee who didn’t qualify.
TB James Starks suffered a small fracture in his right hand during off-season workouts in July but should be ready for the Bulls’ season opener against UTEP on August 28. Starks has to wear the cast for the next 1-2 weeks but his only limitations are catching the football out of the backfield.

CENTRAL MICHIGAN

Central Michigan junior quarterback Dan LeFevour has become larger than life. Literally. The junior signal-caller, the Mid American Conference’s 2007 Offensive Player of the Year, is the centerpiece of the Chippewas’ hopes of securing a third straight MAC title and they aren’t bashful about their high expectations for the program and their star quarterback. CMU’s LeFevour is proclaiming "Champions Come Standard at CMU" on a billboard measuring 30 feet by 60 feet on the back of the scoreboard of Comerica Park , home of the Detroit Tigers. That venue also happens to face Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, and the ad was placed just in time to greet MAC media representatives as they gathered for The Chippewas’ offensive juggernaut averaged a conference-leading 34.8 points and 447 yards per game. But more importantly there will be familiarity between the coaching staff and the players, unlike this time last year. the MAC’s annual football media day at Ford Field. While the offense appears set, it could again be an interesting year on defense for a team that, in spite of all of its offensive firepower, frequently had to pull games out late to overcome a sieve-like defense that allowed a MAC-worst 460 yards per game and yielded 36.9 points per game.
In 2007 LeFevour became only the second player in FBS history to throw for more than 3,000 yards and rush for more 1,000 yards in a single season, joining current NFL QB Vince Young in such exclusive company. LeFevour also came within one rushing touchdown last season of joining Florida’s Tim Tebow in the 20 passing TDs/20 rushing TDs club, passing for 27 scores and rushing for 19.
WR Taylor Bradley – The Chips already possess a potent receiving attack with junior Bryan Anderson, who racked up 1,132 yards receiving last season and last year’s MAC Freshman of the Year, Antonio Brown. But an option moving quickly up the depth chart is the sophomore Bradley, whose season was limited to four starts in 2007 due to injuries but is healthy entering fall. Taylor’s speed and athleticism could see him emerge as a starter this season at either the slot or outside.
Freshman RB Jahleel Addae was an early commit to West Virginia before finally deciding on Central Michigan. Addae rushed for over 1,400 yards and had 15 rushing touchdowns in his senior year at Riverview HS in Valrico, Fla. Addae will be given a strong look in the fall to earn playing time and with the Chips again expected to go to a running back-by-committee plan.
WR Bryan Anderson continues to recover from offseason shoulder surgery but is expected to be ready to go during fall camp after sitting out the spring session. RB Ontario Sneed’s status is still unsettled after sitting out the spring recovering from a fractured forearm.

EASTERN MICHIGAN

Eastern Michigan enters fall camp looking to build upon its momentum from last season and the team, from the coaches to the players, believes that this Eagles squad is fully ready to compete for a MAC title. That level of confidence has a large basis in the fact that the Eagles were the only conference squad last season to pin a loss on the two-time defending MAC champion Central Michigan Chippewas and the fact that the Eagles were able to finish above .500 in divisional play while claiming the Michigan MAC Trophy (by defeating both Central Michigan and Western Michigan), all significant accomplishments for a program that has not had a winning record in over a decade.
If Eastern Michigan’s fortunes are indeed on the upswing, junior quarterback Andy Schmitt and the offense will be key ingredients. The junior signal caller has bulked up to about 240 pounds and his dual threat abilities will likely keep opposing defenses guessing. Schmitt battled injuries last season which limited him but still managed 14 passing touchdowns and another six rushing scores. Schmitt was also the team’s second-leading rusher from last season and should benefit this season from an offensive line that loses only one starter from 2007.
The Eagles will look to replace their top rusher from last season, Pierre Walker, with a pair of unproven but talented backs in senior Terrence Blevins and sophomore speedster Dwayne Priest . The receiving corps returns most of its starters, losing only Travis Lewis from last season. Junior Jacory Stone will be counted on to become a bigger part of the offense after coming on strong at the end of last season to lead the Eagles in receiving while senior Tyler Jones and junior DeAnthony White will be counted on as well with White one of the squad’s top playmakers and a threat to score at any time. RB Jayson Jones and WR Nate Beard left the team after spring.
WR Dontayo Gage demonstrated last season that he is a threat to score on either special teams or as a receiving/running option out of the offense. Gage, a junior, led the Eagles with 1,215 all-purpose yards in 2007 and has nearly sprinter-class breakaway speed. Gage also became the first player in EMU history last season to top 1,000 yards (1,016) in kickoff returns in a single season.
PK Joe Carrithers, a sophomore transfer out of Palomar (CA) JC originally recruited by Cincinnati, was a late signee to the squad after spring. The Eagles’ placekicking was a major sore spot last season (converting on only 7-12 FG attempts) and the spring performances of P Zach Johnson and K Sean Dutcher, who is no longer on the EMU roster, only further convinced the coaching staff that a PK was a major priority before starting the season.

KENT STATE

Staying healthy is a focal point for Kent State in 2008 and so is holding onto the ball. The Golden Flashes ranked 12^th in the MAC in turnover margin (-0.92) last season and scored just 15 touchdowns on 41 red-zone trips. Their red-zone defense didn’t fare much better, ranking 11^th in the MAC in 2007.
RB Eugene Jarvis is the key to KSU having a huge season. Jarvis rushed for 1,669 yards and 10 scores last year. Coach Doug Martin is still waiting for at least two wide receivers to step up. Moving senior Jamseon Konz from OLB to TE has proven to be a stroke of genius as he is the best athlete on the team. Junior WR Phil Garner is the odds-on favorite to become Kent State’s best pass-catching threat. Garner caught 27 balls for 284 yards and one score. Those numbers should see a big increase this fall.
Phase II of the Dix Stadium renovation project has been completed. The $4 million undertaking included installation of a state-of-the-art video board and sound system.
A member of the KSU track team (hurdler), junior Greg Keys has returned to the secondary after one season at running back.

MIAMI (OH)

The strength of Miami’s defense will be their starting linebacking trio of junior Caleb Bostic and seniors Joey Hudson and Clayton Mulllins. Mullins claimed MAC honors as the league’s defensive player of the year after finishing in the top 10 nationally with 143 tackles. As a unit the Redhawks’ linebackers posted 345 tackles and were key factors for a unit that topped the MAC in scoring defense and was second in total defense.
Miami struggled on offense last season thanks to a combination of injuries and inexperience, averaging only 19.2 points per game which placed them 11th in the MAC and 108th nationally. The RedHawks are hopeful that a year of seasoning will mean that junior quarterback Dan Raudabaugh will be able to guide the offense with more confidence. In 2007 Raudabaugh took over as the starter after Mike Kokal went down with injury but likely would have stepped into the starting role at some point anyway with Kokal struggling badly. Raudabaugh showed some signs of becoming a solid collegiate signal caller but suffered through some serious decision-making breakdowns that cost the RedHawks in crucial situations.
If Raudabaugh struggles in fall camp or early in the season, however, don’t be surprised to see redshirt freshman Clay Belton in the mix. Belton had a strong spring and is seen by many as the RedHawks’ quarterback of the future but Montgomery hopes to avoid any quarterback controversy. "Right now Daniel is our starter," noted Montgomery.
A breakout star should be WR Chris Givens . The versatile sophomore can be used as both a slot and outside receiver and has impressed the coaching staff with his ability to go over the middle. Givens snared 25 passes for 430 yards as a true freshman in 2007.
RB Andre Bratton sat out spring while recovering from knee surgery but is back with the team in fall camp and reports indicate that the team is working with him on becoming a better pass receiving threat out of the backfield.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS

New Coach Jerry Kill welcomes back 19 starters and 55 lettermen. The key to a successful season for the Huskies lies in last year’s injured players returning to good health and playing with confidence. The Huskies have a solid offensive unit, led by quarterback Dan Nicholson , tailback Justin Anderson and receivers Britt Davis and Matt Simon. The offensive line is strong, but Nicholson, Anderson, Davis and Simon all are coming off serious injuries.
Defensively, the Huskies need their Mr. Everything, defensive end Larry English, to be healthy after recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. The linebackers will be an asset if middle linebacker Tim McCarthy is healthy. The secondary has some new faces, but overall the depth and talent is an upgrade from last year.
Alex Kube He had a big season as a freshman in 2007. The coaching staff moved Kube from the secondary to linebacker to take advantage of his playmaking ability.
Kicker Mike Salerno has the chance to join the ranks of successful all-conference kickers from Northern Illinois. The Huskies have quietly become Kicker U after the success of Kent Baker, Steve Azar and Chris Nendick.
RB Justin Anderson , who suffered a knee injury late last season, is healthy. Anderson lost 12 pounds in the offseason. Freshman WR Chase Mejia is no longer on the team.

OHIO

Four years into his tenure at Ohio, Coach Frank Solich is re-inventing the Bobcats once again. Gone will be the tradition I-formation that OU used to milk all-time leading rusher Kalvin McRae the last three seasons. Now Ohio will lean on athletic junior quarterback Theo Scott along with pass-catching tight ends Andrew Mooney and David Carter and an ever-improving group of wideouts to control the offense. Ohio returns 15 starters and a whopping 68 letter winners from last season.
Ohio’s success in 2008 hinges on improved play from its defense. The Bobcats allowed 29.9 points a game last year and better than 407 yards of total offense per contest. With an offense poised for another breakout season, the Cats are hoping to not have to outscore everyone on the schedule. With seven starters, and 35 letter winners, returning on that side of the ball, Ohio should have the experience and depth to make that improvement.
A potential star this year may be WR LaVon Brazill. A bit player last season, the sophomore wideout has impressed with his dedication to his craft during the offseason. Easily one of the most improved players during spring drills, Brazill has sharpened both his ball-catching, and route-running skills and now has the technical expertise to go with his athleticism. He’ll provide a nice complement opposite speedster Taylor Price on the outside.
QB Franshaw "Boo" Jackson The junior college transfer from California enrolled at Ohio in time for spring practice and wowed the coaching staff with his ability to pick up the offense on the fly. Jackson was so good during the spring that Solich didn’t rule out the fact the newcomer may find himself in the starting role should fellow junior Theo Scott struggle.

TEMPLE

Quarterback Adam DiMichele, who suffered a broken leg that ended his season with four games left. DiMichele is healthy and ready to run the offense. There is potential at the tailback spot, but no real experience as redshirt freshman Joe Jones and former wide receiver Marquise Liverpool vie for the starting spot.
A potential break out star is NT Andre Neblett who participated on 42 tackles last year, 8 1/2 for loss, including 4 ½ sacks.
A newcomer to watch is WR Vince Hill. Hill may not be eligible but he is a 4-star recruit who had eligibility issues after signing with Minnesota. If he can go – look out MAC. The Owls were trying to resolve eligibility issues on stud prospect WR Vaughn Carraway and DE Muhammad Wilkerson. TB Eric Reynolds, who originally signed with Boston College, was told he wouldn’t be eligible at BC and is at Temple.
WR Jason Harper has moved to the position from RB while Jared Williams, who played both sides of the ball in the spring, is now at CB.

TOLEDO

The Rockets yielded 34 or more points in 10 of their 12 games last season. The Rockets allowed 39.2 points per game in 2007, ranking 116^th in the country in points allowed. The return of several defensive starters from injuries is a big factor in reversing that trend. Defensive end Sean Williamson, who has 28 career starts, is back after suffering an injury in 2007. DE Douglas Westbrook and safety Tyrrell Herbert should bolster the defense with their return. The Rockets have the talent and determination to avoid a third straight losing season, but the defense must hold up against a tough early season schedule against the likes of Arizona, Fresno State and Michigan.
The most important player for UT is SS Barry Church who is on the cusp of becoming a star player known throughout the country. The junior has 163 tackles and seven interceptions in his first two years and ready for a big season with the return of free safety Tyrrell Herbert.
A newcomer to watch is much ballyhooed RB Morgan Williams. Williams was a prep standout at Canton McKinley rushing for at least 2,400 yards in each of his two seasons. Her sat out last season but is eligible to compete for playing time at running back and has looked great thus far in practice.
Running back Gordon Warner might be redshirted this season according to Coach Tom Amstutz while sophomore D.J. Lenehan has secured the backup quarterback spot behind starter Aaron Opelt .
Freshmen receivers who showed that they might be ready to play this season are Kenny Stafford, Sam Gaymon and Kaunda Hancock who’s moving up the depth chart and getting praise from the coaching staff.

WESTERN MICHIGAN

The Broncos will succeed if the defense, specifically the secondary, plays to its ability. Western Michigan’s secondary is probably the most talented in the MAC, but it didn’t always play to that level last year. The Broncos made only 10 interceptions in 2007, tying for the third fewest in the conference, while giving up 20 touchdown passes.
The Broncos will struggle if QB Tim Hiller relapses into some of his bad habits of last year. He’s the unquestioned starter now after an inconsistent performance in 2007 when he had 20 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions. Hiller must continue to improve, like he did at the tail end of last year and in spring practice, in order for the offense not to take a step back.
TB Brandon West has had to share time in the backfield the past two years with Mark Bonds. Bonds graduated, and the full-time job now belongs to West. West rushed for a team-best 848 yards last year while splitting time with Bonds. West, a speedster, is capable of doubling that total this year.
Much heralded transfer Doug Wiggins has moved from wide receiver to safety. Wiggins is sitting out this season after transferring to the Broncos from Miami (Fla.). He was viewed as a big-time receiver prospect.

Nick Gerogosian is the man at www.VanDelaySports.com. He loves MAC sports like a fat kid love cake. We are so happy to have him here.

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