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By Mike Sopher It’s that time of year when Cleveland Indians baseball becomes too painful to watch (perhaps only this year) and Browns fans cling to far-fetched playoff hopes. No, we’re not talking about the #1 preseason ranked Ohio State Buckeyes- who really have no business being ranked that high- but rather one of Ohio’s best kept secrets: Mid American Conference football. Yes, those MAC fans from Northern Illinois, Ball State, Buffalo, and those Michigan teams may be offended, but they can’t argue that with six schools located in the Buckeye state, the MAC’s home is firmly situated between Indiana and Pennsylvania. But, then again, it’s easier for an Ohioan to make such a claim. With college football season less than a month away, MAC teams have a lot of work to do given the strong non-conference schedule many teams possess and the parody showcased last season, which has, in my opinion, made the conference stronger. No more is this clear than the preseason picks for conference champion. National and regional publications are torn between Northern Illinois, Akron, or Toledo as their favorites to bring home the championship in 2006. To think that only these three teams will determine the conference’s coveted prize is clearly out of touch with MAC football. Teams such as Miami University, Bowling Green, Ohio, Ball State, and Central Michigan have a window of opportunity to be in contention come November. Last year’s race to Detroit was one of the most exciting seasons for the conference. And 2006 looks to be even better. Each year the out of conference schedule gets tougher. Teams looking to improve their strength of schedule ultimately stack 2-3 BCS schools into the first month of the season. Although this has proved troubling for many of its members, the MAC has had some success with recent wins over Purdue, Alabama, Pittsburgh, Penn State, Maryland, and Northwestern to name a few. Many of these same teams return to go along with Ohio State, Iowa, Virginia, and Boston College, among others. Perhaps predicting several upsets of those above may be wishful thinking as previous history suggests otherwise. However, that warm and sunny Saturday in September of 2003 proved that the MAC is a conference that cannot be taken lightly. The race in the East leans toward Akron as its preseason favorite simply because of their quarterback Luke Getsy, 18 starters returning, and Coach JD Brookhart. Even with a rough schedule- especially with away games- the Zips have the experience, leadership, and talent to win the divisional title and inevitably repeat as champions. Surely Miami University will give them a run, and the Oct. 21 matchup looks to be for the division, but the Redhawks’s loss of Josh Betts, Terna Nande, and most of its defense to graduation will undoubtedly put a lot of pressure on Coach Shane Montgomery. The same holds true for the Bowling Green Falcons, who suffered the most disappointing season of any MAC team in 2005. An early departure for Omar Jacobs to the NFL along with most of its offensive firepower forces Gregg Brandon to rely on talented Anthony Turner to lead BG back to its prominence of two seasons ago. Throw in a questionable defense and a tough non-conference schedule, and BG fans may have to accept this season as a rebuilding year. Rounding out the East is Buffalo, Kent State, and Ohio. Buffalo looks to be poised for a promising future under the new leadership of Turner Gill, but as for this season, it may be painful to watch. If the Bulls can double their lone victory in 2005, call it a success. As for the Kent State Golden Flashes, the opportunity to double or triple their one win season last year looks probable. If Kent can get past Temple, Army, and Buffalo, the chances of a 5-6 win season look attainable. Finally, Frank Solich’s Ohio Bobcats will have an up and down season in 2006 but may play spoiler to several teams looking to move atop the division late in October or early November. A 6-6 or 7-5 mark is not out of reach and certainly Solich’s team will pull off several upsets in the process. Moving to the Western division shows Toledo or Northern Illinois as the early favorites to win the conference. Although Toledo boasts a very deep and talented backfield, Northern Illinois’s Garrett Wolfe has been described as one of the best backs in college football. Wolfe’s explosiveness has caused headaches for the opposition as he accounted for over 1,500 yards last season despite missing three games due to injury. But the Huskies will not have to lean on Wolfe for the entire season. A strong compliment of receivers to go along with two good quarterbacks and an improving defense puts Joe Novak’s crew at the top of the conference. However, the tough non-conference schedule against Iowa and Ohio State and early road tests at Ball State and Miami may put the Huskies at 3-3 thru the first six games. The annual showdown versus the Rockets will undoubtedly be for the West Division, and Northern Illinois has the early edge given the game is played on their turf. But, the Rockets will put up a fight for sure. Toledo returns most of its offense minus NFL quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, who will be hard to replace. Nevertheless, the depth at running back, receiver, and tight end will give newcomer Clint Cochran plenty of targets throughout the season. The defense will miss two superb middle linebackers in David Thomas and Anthony Jordan, and teams may be able to run successfully early on. But, the Rockets should repeat as one of the best defenses in the conference last season. Starters return in nearly every position, and All-MAC performer Mike Alston will emerge as one of the best pass rushers in the conference and possibly in the country. Two teams who may make some noise in the division are Central Michigan and Ball State. The Chippewas played spoiler to Toledo’s hopes of a MAC crown with a victory in Mt. Pleasant late last season. With a boatload of starters returning and a fine sophomore running back in Ontario Sneed leading the offense, this CMU team may perhaps pull off a 7 or 8 win season in 2006. It appears that the Chippewas are ready to join the top of MAC football and don’t be surprised if the word “bowl game” is being discussed come November. As for the Cardinals of Ball State, tough games against Indiana, Michigan, Purdue, Northern Illinois, and Toledo will be considered a success if they can pull wins out of two of those games. Many consider this year’s squad the best chance for Coach Brady Hoke to get over the .500 mark. Although possible, the Cardinals will have to pull off some huge upsets in order for this to happen. Lastly, Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan will more than likely have disappointing seasons but for separate reasons. The Broncos lost most of their offensive firepower to the NFL and despite an improving defense, road games at Indiana, Virginia, and Florida State will prove too much. The Eastern Michigan Eagles have been bad for a long time in the conference and more than likely will continue that trend in 2006. The talent is there in Ypsilanti, but finding a coach that can mold together that talent may be all that’s what keeping the Eagles from having some successful seasons. Overall, MAC football keeps getting better and better each season. But many fans anticipate that year when one MAC school plays the role of BCS buster. Will it be this year? Certainly Akron, Toledo, and Northern Illinois have a shot if they can go 3-1 or 4-0 in their non-conference games. But, in all likelihood this season will turn out to be another exciting year of great college football. For the first time, the MAC will have three guaranteed teams going bowling in December or January and a possible fourth or fifth if things work out in their favor. Who will emerge at the top of the conference? Who has the best chance to be nationally ranked come November? Which teams will be playing around the holiday season? Certainly, MAC fans are looking forward to these answers. Predictions: MAC East champion: Akron MAC West champion: Northern Illinois MAC Champions: Northern Illinois GMAC Bowl: Toledo Motor City Bowl: Northern Illinois International Bowl: Akron Birmingham Bowl: Central Michigan Have a question or comment for Mike? Email |