College Football Predictions & Preview – MAC

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This is a continuation of our series on 2009 college football predictions. Today, we continue with a look at the Mid-American Conference.

College Football Predictions

MAC (Mid-American Conference)

East

1) Buffalo
2008 Record: (8-6, 5-3)
Coach: Turner Gill, 3rd year (15-23 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Danny Barrett (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Fred Reed (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 17 (6 offense, 9 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: The Bulls return six starters on offense, but former quarterback Drew Willy won’t be one of them. Replacing Willy will be difficult, though sophomore Zach Maynard (6-3, 185) has some of the same attributes. He’s a very mobile lefty, but will be pushed by freshman Jerry Davis (6-1, 200). At running back, senior James Starks (6-2, 211) is a tall back, but very effective, who ran for 1,333 yards last season and averaged 4.9ypc. They return both receivers including star senior Naaman Roosevelt, who caught 104 passes for 1,402 yards and 13 touchdowns. They return just two starters on the offensive line, but lose All-MAC guard Jeff Niedermier.

Defense: The defense returns nine starters from a unit that allowed 28.2ppg and 408.2 yards per game. This is a cause of concern because they won games by creating turnovers (+19 turnover ratio). The front four returns two starters at tackle, but they lack size and experience at both end spots. At linebacker, they return junior Justin Winters (5-11, 202), who led the team with 125 tackles and was named third-team All-MAC. The linebackers are undersized but fast and experienced. The secondary features all-conference contender FS Mike Newton, who recorded 121 tackles in 2008 and junior CB Domonic Cook (3 picks).

Outlook: The non-conference schedule features two road games at UTEP and UCF and two home games vs. Pitt and Gardner-Webb. They also host Bowling Green at home, which is a major reason they should win the MAC East. If they can continue to create turnovers and not commit many, they should have another outstanding season.

2) Bowling Green
2008 Record: (6-6, 4-4)
Coach: Dave Clawson, 1st year, (58-49 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Warren Ruggiero (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Shannon Morrison (1st year) and Mike Elko (1st year)
Returning Starters: 11 (7 offense, 3 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Tyler Sheehan)

Offense: Senior quarterback Tyler Sheehan (6-3, 225) returns to one of the top offenses in the MAC. Sheehan threw for 2,610 yards, 20 TDs and nine picks last season. The big question is how he fits in with new coach’s Dave Clawson’s system. Clawson, a former Richmond head coach, who spent last season as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator, requires more balance. That means that senior RB Chris Bullock (5-11, 220) will have to be more effective (384 yards). The top target this season should be senior Freddie Barnes (6-0, 212), who has 142 career catches and is also an effective runner. The offensive line returns three of five starters, including two on the left side.

Defense: The defense returns just three starters from a unit that allowed a respectable 23.2ppg and 343.4 yards per game (52nd in the nation). They have to replace all but one player in their front seven. Three starters on the D-line were lost to graduation, while one (Mike Ream) was dismissed for violating team rules. Sophomore DT Andrew Johnson (6-3, 257) has the most experience, recording three sacks last year. Another impact player could be senior LB James Schneider (6-0, 221), a juco standout before transferring in last season. The secondary loses both corners, but they return both safeties including senior SS P.J. Malone (5-11, 201), who had 95 tackles to lead the team and also three picks. Senior FS Jahmal Brown (5-10, 192) was third on the team last year with 83 tackles.

Outlook: The Falcons open with Troy at home and then take on Missouri on the road. They also host Boise State and face Buffalo on the road. They do have the talent to win the championship, but a new coach and system may hold them back.

3) Temple
2008 Record: (5-7, 4-4)
Coach: Al Golden, 4th year (10-26 at Temple)
Off. Coordinator: Matt Rhule (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Mark D’Onofrio (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 17, (7 offense, 8 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: The Owls’ offense produced just 23.4ppg and 298.1 yards per game (107th in the nation). They lose qb Adam DiMichele, but feel they have two excellent options in junior Vaughn Charlton (6-4, 235) and sophomore Chester Stewart (6-3, 225). Charlton was the starter in 2007 when DiMichele suffered a season-ending leg injury. Charlton played in seven games, completing 78 of 137 passes for 808 yards and three touchdowns. Stewart started three games last season and threw for 524 yards and four TDs. At running back, they have several capable backs, including sophomore Joe Jones and senior Lamar McPherson. The wide receiver position is a strength, led by senior Jason Harper, who caught 33 passes for 571 yards. They return just two starters on the offensive line, including sophomore Wayne Tribue (6-4, 312), who moves from left guard to center.

Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a unit that allowed 23.1ppg and 388.0 yards per game (81st in the nation). The leader up front is senior Andre Neblett (6-2, 295), who had 36 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles, is an All-MAC selection. Senior DE Junior Galette (6-2, 246) is a strong pass rusher, who had 7.5 sacks last year and 16.5 career sacks. The linebackers are led by senior Alex Joseph (6-2, 243), a big hitter, who recorded 87 stops last year. In the secondary, FS Jaiquawn Jarrett (6-2, 195) led the team in tackles with 88 and three picks. They also add CB Anthony Ferla (5-10, 190), who missed last season due to injury.

Outlook: The Owls face Villanova and Army at home, with Penn State and Navy on the road. They also take on Buffalo at home, which can’t hurt. Temple is certainly on the upswing and they’ve appeared to find a home in the MAC, where they can be competitive with most of the programs.

4) Ohio University
2008 Record: (4-8, 3-5)
Coach: Frank Solich, 5th year (23-26 at Ohio, 81-45 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Tim Albin (5th year)
Def. Coordinator: Jimmy Burrow (5th year)
Returning Starters: 13 (6 offense, 6 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Boo Jackson)

Offense: The Bobcats return six starters on offense, including senior Boo Jackson (6-1, 199). However, Jackson was pushed in the spring by senior Theo Scott (6-2, 209), who started in 2007 and missed most of last season with a broken collarbone. Jackson stood in for Scott last season and threw for 2,355 yards with 19 TDs and 333 yards rushing. The offensive identity is changing to a more base-spread look. The top four running backs return, including senior Chris Garrett (5-8, 190), who ran for 529 yards last season. The top receivers are also back, including senior Taylor Price (6-1, 209), who caught 51 balls for 694 yards and five scores in 2008. Up front, they return two starters and this is the major concern on the line.

Defense: The defense returns six starters from a unit allowed 27.3ppg (70th in the nation) and 348.6 yards per game (54th in the nation). They need to force more turnovers as the Bobcats finished 110th in the nation with a –12 turnover ratio. Up front, they need senior Kris Luchsinger (6-4, 258) and junior DT Ernie Hodge (6-4, 292) as returning starters to stop up. Luchsinger recorded 3.5 sacks last year. The linebacker is the strength, led by sophomore MLB Noah Keller (6-1, 236), who led the team with 104 tackles last year. Senior OLB Lee Renfro (5-10, 210) also returns after making 83 stops last year. The secondary returns two starters, but loses NFL draft pick Michael Mitchell to the NFL. Senior Steven Jackson (6-2, 192) is the most dependable returning starter with 71 tackles.

Outlook: Ohio faces Uconn and Cal Poly at home, while taking on North Texas and Tennessee on the road in their non-conference schedule. Conference road games against Bowling Green and Buffalo will be tough. Frank Solich’s squad needs to take a step closer to the conference elite this season. That will be a very tough task.

5) Kent State
2008 Record: (4-8, 3-5)
Coach: Doug Martin, 6th year (19-39 overall)
Off. Coordinator: A.J. Pratt (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Pete Rekstis (6th year)
Returning Starters: 16 (7 offense, 7 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: Kent State produced 25.7ppg last season and 400.3 yards per game, yet they still managed to go 4-8 overall. That’s because the defense was horrible, though now the offense has some issues namely at quarterback where they have to replace record-setting signal-caller Julian Edelman. Sophomore Giorgio Morgan and senior Anthony Magazu will battle it out with sophomore Sal Battles for the starting job. Senior RB Eugene Jarvis (5-5, 170) returns after running for 801 yards in just nine games. His backup Andre Flowers (5-11, 211) will get more touches this season in order to get Jarvis some rest. At receiver, they lack a big-play threat as they hope freshman Tyshon Goode can emerge after a strong spring. Up front, the Golden Flashes return four starters from a line that powered the offense to 230.6 yards per game rushing.

Defense: Kent State returns seven starters from a defense that allowed 31.7ppg (98th in the nation) and 395.2 yards per game (86th). The Golden Flashes have to replace both starting defensive ends. They do return senior Kevin Hogan (6-3, 228), a pass-rushing specialist, who recorded five sacks last year. At linebacker, Kent State loses two-time all-league pick Derek Burrell and Cedrick Maxwell. Junior Cobrani Mixon (6-1, 230) returns with two new starter alongside him. In the secondary, they are led by junior All-MAC performer Brian Lainhart (6-1, 207), who led the team with 106 tackles and six picks last year. They return three starters from a secondary that should be the strength of the team.

Outlook: Kent State opens with Coastal Carolina (1-AA) at home, followed by Boston College on the road. They also have to take on Iowa State at home and Baylor on the road. In the conference, they take on Buffalo and Western Michigan at home.

6) Akron
2008 Record: (5-7, 3-5)
Coach: J.D. Brookhart, 6th year (27-33 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Shane Montgomery (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Jim Fleming (6th year)
Returning Starters: 17 (9 offense, 6 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Chris Jacquermain)

Offense: The offense was impressive last season, averaging 30ppg with nine starters returning including quarterback Chris Jacquermain (2,748 yards passing last year). The senior threw for 20 TDs, but also 14 picks and has never quite lived up to his potential. Adding Walter Harris as qb coach and bringing in former Miami (Ohio) coach to lead the offense should help. He also has his top targets returning from last year in senior Deryn Bowser (64 catches for 785 yards) and senior Andre Jones (47 for 678). The major concern is at running back where they have to replace all-league back Dennis Kennedy (1,321 yards, 17 TDs). Senior RB Alex Allen (6-0, 205) gets a chance to see if he can do the job. Up front, they return four of five starters, but lose All-MAC lineman Chris Kemme.

Defense: The defense returns six starters from a unit that allowed a whopping 31.3ppg (95th in the nation) and 397.6 yards per game (90th). Junior DT Almondo Sewell (6-1, 280) is back after recording 62 tackles last year. He’s the only returning starter from the three-man line. At linebacker, they return Mike Thomas (5-10, 215), who recorded 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Sophomore Aaron Williams (6-0, 205) is a potential star, who played in all 10 games last year as a freshman. They return 3 of the 4 members of the secondary, including senior Miguel Graham, who picked off three passes and recorded 70 stops in 2007.

Outlook: The Zips will open their new stadium on Sept. 12 against Michigan State. They also play a brutal road game at Penn State and a home game against Indiana. They also face Syracuse on the road, along with tough MAC games against Buffalo and Bowling Green. This is a key year for J.D. Brookhart, who needs to find a running back and a defense to ensure he’s back the following year.

7) Miami-Ohio
2008 Record: (2-10, 1-7)
Coach: Mike Haywood, 1st year (0-0 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Peter Vaas (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Carl Reese (1st year)
Returning Starters: 13 (8 offense, 5 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Daniel Raudabaugh)

Offense: The offense returns eight starters including senior quarberback Daniel Raudabaugh (6-4, 229), who threw for 1,960 yards with eight TDs and nine INTs. Backups Zac Dysert and Clay Belton could step up if Raudabaugh doesn’t improve. He has to impress new head coach Mike Haywood. Junior WR Chris Givens (6-2, 205) is back after grabbing 513 receiving yards. He’s big and physical and was dominant in the spring. Haywood is the former offensive coordinator at Notre Dame, who would like to establish more balance. The Redhawks finished 101st in the nation in rushing yards last season (108.1ypg). This season, junior TB Thomas Merriweather (5-10, 203) returns as the starter after rushing for 547 yards, but will also be pushed by J.R.. Taylor (427 yards). The problem here is a young offensive line, which returns starting LB Bob Gulley (6-4, 305), and very little experience after him.

Defense: The defense returns five starters from a unit that allowed 32.7ppg and 395.5 yards per game (88th in the nation). They’ll have a new defensive coordinator in Carl “Bull” Reese, who coached at LSU and Texas. The defensive line returns just one starter out of four and they lose All-MAC end Joe Coniglio (4 sacks). They do return junior DE Morris Council (2.5 sacks). At linebacker the Redhawks return just one starter in Caleb Bostic (40 tackles). They have to replace All-MAC linebackers in Joey Hudson and Clayton. The secondary is deep and the strongest part of the team with both starting corners returning.

Outlook: The Redhawks take on Kentucky in Cincinnati to start the season. They’ll also face Boise State on the road, Cincinnati at home and Northwestern on the road in their non-conference schedule. In the MAC, they’ll host Bowling Green and Buffalo. This is a team that needs to rebuild with a new coaching staff. Expect improvements in small doses.

West

1) Central Michigan
2008 Record: (9-4, 6-2)
Coach: Butch Jones 3rd year (21-7 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Mike Bajakian (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Tim Banks (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 18 (6 offense, 10 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Dan LeFevour)

Offense: Central Michigan has played in the Motor City Bowl in three straight seasons and they have a great chance to return. That’s because senior quarterback Dan LeFevour returns after tossing for 2,784 yards with 21 touchdowns and just six INTs. He also rushed for 592 yards and six scores. He’s a big-time pro prospect as well and returns all three starters at wide out (which can’t hurt the numbers). Senior Bryan Anderson (6-5, 213) is a big target, who caught 63 passes for 865 yards and six TDs. Junior Antonio Brown was the possession receiver who caught 93 balls for 998 yards and seven TDs. At running back, the Chippewas need to replace Ontario Sneed. Sophomore Byron Schroeder (5-9, 212) will be the key back, after rushing for 209 yards in a backup role. Up front, the Chippewas are led by junior center Collin Miller (6-3, 287), but they have to replace three positions including All-MAC tackles Andrew Hartlin and Greg Wojt. Sophomore Rocky Weaver (6-6, 253) moves over from tight end to start at right tackle.

Defense: The defense brings back 10 starters from a defense that allowed 30.2ppg (89th in the nation) and 423.7 yards per game (104th in the nation). Last season, they just outscored opponents, but allowing 111 points in their last three games (all 3 losses) had to wake up coordinator Tim Banks and his defense. They do return senior DE Frank Zombo (6-4, 260) and junior DT Sean Murnane (6-1, 258), both of whom were All-MAC selections. Zombo led the team with nine sacks last year. Junior linebacker Nick Bellore (6-1, 245) returns to the weakside spot after a tremendous sophomore season, which included 148 tackles, 5.5 for loss and two forced fumbles. They gave up over 287 yards per game in the air so the secondary is a concern. They return all four starters and five with starting experience including senior CB Josh Gordy (47 tackles, six pass breakups).

Outlook: Central Michigan faces Arizona and Michigan State on the road to start the season. They also host Alcorn State (1-AA) and Boston College on the road. In conference, they face Western Michigan, Buffalo and Bowling Green on the road. Not a favorable schedule to get back to the Motor City Bowl, but that usually doesn’t matter when you have LeFevour under center.

2) Western Michigan
2008 Record: (9-4, 6-2)
Coach: Bill Cubit, 5th year (29-20 at Western Michigan, 63-38-1 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Bill Cubit (5th year)
Def. Coordinator: Steve Morrison (5th year)
Returning Starters: 12 (7 offense, 3 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Tim Hiller)

Offense: The Broncos return seven starters from a unit that averaged 28.6ppg and 411.5 yds/game (28th in the nation). Senior QB Tim Hiller (6-5, 228) is back after tossing for 3,725 yards last season. He has a great understanding of the offense and should shatter just about every team and MAC passing record barring injury. Senior Brandon West (1,026 yards) is back along with sophomore Aaron Winchester. At receiver, they return third-team All-MAC selection Juan Nunez, who caught 57 passes for 701 yards and seven touchdowns. The offensive line returns four of five starters including junior LG Phillip Swanson (6-4, 307), an All-MAC performer.

Defense: The defense returns just three starters and obviously this is the biggest concern. They allowed 395.3 yards per game last season so this is a unit that needs to improve. The line returns just one player, but junior DE Justin Braska (6-4, 234) is an impact lineman, who had 6.5 sacks last year to go along with 52 tackle and 10 tackles for loss. The linebackers should be a strength as first-team All-MAC selection Austin Pritchard (6-4, 233) is back after recording 86 tackles last year and 12.5 tackles for loss. Sophomore Mitch Zajac (6-1, 220) is back after starting five games last year with 29 tackles. The secondary lost three All-MAC performers so they basically are in rebuilding mode.

Outlook: The Broncos open with Michigan and Indiana on the road, before they take on Hofstra (1-AA) and Michigan State (Nov. 7). They take on rival Central Michigan and Buffalo at home, while facing Northern Illinois on the road. This is a pretty tough schedule for a team that should score plenty of points, but will also give up many.

3) Ball State
2008 Record: (12-2, 8-0)
Coach: Stan Parrish, 1st year (0-1 at Ball State, 57-42-3 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Eddie Faulkner (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Doug Graber (1st year)
Returning Starters: 12 (4 offense, 7 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: The Cardinals are coming off a dream season, but going undefeated in the MAC means you usually lose your coach. Brady Hoke left after the MAC Championship game (42-24 loss to Buffalo) to take over at San Diego State. Offensive coordinator Stan Parrish took over for the GMAC Bowl (45-13 loss to Tulsa) and returns as the new head coach in the first full season. This year, Parrish has to replace star QB Nate Davis, who left early for the NFL. Freshman Kelly Page (6-3, 206) appears to have the edge after winning the job in the spring. At running back, they do return junior MiQuale Lewis (5-6, 184), who led the team with 1,736 ayrds and 22 TDs. They also return sophomore WR Briggs Orsbon (6-0, 189), who caught 68 passes for 813 yards last season. The key will be find four new starters on te line as the Cardinals return just one starter in junior LG Michael Switzer (6-5, 278).

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 20.5ppg (29th in the nation) and 368.2 yards per game (69th in the nation). With a new coach comes a new coordinator as Parrish hired Doug Graber to coach the defense. Graber will lean on his front line, which returns all four starters. Junior DE Robert Eddins (6-3, 224) leads the way with 45 tackles, 6.5 for loss and four sacks in 2008. The lineabckers return just one starter and that’s junior Davyd Jones (6-1, 210), who recorded 85 tackles and 12 for loss last year. In the secondary, they lose both corners and return both safeties. Senior FS Alex Knipp (6-0, 194) is back after leading the team with 96 tackles and 3.5 for loss. Sophomore SS Sean Baker (6-1, 204) added 94 tackles and six picks.

Outlook: The Cardinals face North Texas and New Hampshire to start the season at home. After that they face Army and Auburn on the road, so it’s not inconceivable that they could start 3-1. They also host Central Michigan and Bowling Green (they skip Buffalo) and face Western Michigan on the road to end the season. This is a team that should take a few steps back after losing Nate Davis, one of the best players in the MAC. This means they will have to rely on their running game.

4) Northern Illinois
2008 Record: (6-7, 5-3)
Coach: Jerry Kill, 2nd year (6-7 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Matt Limegrover (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Tracy Claeys (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 10 (6 offense, 3 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Chandler Harnish)

Offense: The Huskies return six starters from a unit that averaged 24.2ppg. They also bring back sophomore quarterback Chandler Harnish (6-2, 210), who threw for 1,528 yards with eight touchdowns and nine picks as a freshman. He also led the team in rushing with 539 yards. Speedy sophomore RB Me’co Brown (5-7, 180) returns after rushing for 510 yards and two scores last year. The receiving corps returns junior Landon Cox (16 receptions) and not much else in terms of experience. Up front, sophomore LT Trevor Olson (6-6, 290) anchors a line that returns three starters.

Defense: The defense brings back three starters from a unit that allowed just 18ppg (14th in the nation) and 298.5 yards per game (17th). They lost significant talent including DE Larry English, the 16th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Senior DE Brandon Bice (6-4, 250) will see much more attention now, after recording 6.5 sacks last season after earning third-team All-MAC honors. Junior DT Mike Krause (6-4, 270) anchors the middle as last season he registered 20 tackles, including three for loss. At linebacker, they lose all but one starter-senior Cory Hanson (6-2, 225)-who recorded 37 tackles and six for loss last year. The secondary returns just one starter, but he’s a good one. Senior FS David Bryant, a former tailback and linebacker, was the team’s leading tackler with 83.

Outlook: The Huskies face Wisconsin on the road to start the season. They also face Western Illinois and Idaho at home, along with Purdue on the road. They also host Western Michigan and Ball State, but end the season on the road at Central Michigan. Expect the defense to regress after returning just three starters. The offense features some great potential and could be better their youngsters mature.

5) Toledo
2008 Record: (3-9, 2-6)
Coach: Tim Beckman, 1st year (0-0 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Matt Campbell (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Mike Ward (1st year) and Paul Nichols (1st year)
Returning Starters: 20 (9 offense, 9 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Aaron Opelt)

Offense: The Rockets bring in new coach Tim Beckman who is hoping to improve a moribund offense and a leaky defense. At least they return senior QB Aaron Opelt (6-2, 225), who threw for 2,176 yards with 12 TDs in an injury-plagued season. They also return senior RB DaJuane Collins (5-10, 211), who averaged 5.5 yards per carry with five TDs (700 yards). Sophomore Morgan Williams (5-11, 195), who ran for 1,010 yards despite being hampered by. They return two of the four starting receivers including two-time All-MAC selection Stephen Williams (6-5, 199), who had 781 yards in receiving. He has 144 catches and 15 TDs in his last two seasons. UP front, Toledo returns four starters led by seniors Jared DeWalt (6-4, 318) and senior Buster Garrett (6-3, 286).

Defense: The defense returns nine starters from a unit that allowed 31.4ppg and 381.4 yards per game. Beckman’s defensive background should help in revitalizing this unit. They return three of the four starters on the defensive line. While that’s a good thing, now they need production from those players. The Rockets finished with just 10 sacks in 2008 and that’s because the line was not generating a pass rush. At linebacker, junior Archie Donald returns from their 4-2-5 scheme. He led the team in tackles with 199 last year and is the leader of the defense. The secondary returns four of the five starters including senior S Barry Church (6-2, 219). Church could graduate as a four-time All-MAC selection and is on the Bronco Nagurski and Jim Thorpe lists. He has great size and range.

Outlook: The Rockets face Purdue on the road and then host Colorado at home. They also take on Ohio State in Cleveland and face Florida International on the road. In conference, they host Western Michigan and take on Central Michigan, Ball State and Bowling Green on the road. This is a tough schedule for a new coach that needs to rebuild most of his defense.

6) Eastern Michigan
2008 Record: (3-9, 2-6)
Coach: Ron English, 1st year (0-0 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Ken Karcher (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Eric Lewis (1st year)
Returning Starters: 18 (8 offense, 8 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Andy Schmitt)

Offense: The Eagles face some major challenges under new coach Ron English. But they do return senior QB Andy Schmitt (6-4, 238), who threw for 2,644 yards with 15 TDs and five rushing TDs. He is joined by senior RB Terrence Blevins (6-1, 238), a bruiser, who rushed for 575 yards and 12 TDs. He got support from Dwayne Priest, who added 474 yards and five TDs. The top returning receiver is also back in Jacory Stone (6-0, 201), who caught 88 passes for 943 yards and two TDs. Junior TE Josh LeDuc (6-3, 230) showed promise last season after catching 32 passes for 446 yards and four touchdowns. The offensive line loses All-MAC tackle T.J. Lang, but returns four other starters including Eric Davis (6-2, 280), a junior who has started since his freshman season.

Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a unit that allowed 35.6ppg and 408.6 yards per game (95th in the nation). This will be English’s biggest concern his first season. Sophomore DE Brad Ohrman (6-4, 244) came up big as a freshman with 42 tackles, 11 for loss and six sacks. They also have a strong though undersized tackle in senior Brandon Downs (6-1, 246), who had 30 tackles and 2.5 TFLs last year. At linebacker, they return all but one starter including senior Jermaine Jenkins (6-2, 207), who had 64 tackles, seven for loss and two sacks as well as two interceptions. Junior SS Ryan Downard (6-1, 201) adds 28 tackles and two picks in 2007.

Outlook: The Eagles start off by facing Army, a good home opponent for any new coach. After that, it becomes difficult with back-to-back roadies against Northwestern and Michigan. They also face Ball State and Western Michigan at home, with Central Michigan on the road. Later in the season, they take on Arkansas on the road. This will be a tough opening season for English, but look for some improvements in the running game and on defense.

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