Can Central Michigan and their power offense repeat as division champions? Or will intra-state rival Western Michigan knock the Chippewa’s off the totem poll?
2006 Record- 8-5
2006 ATS Record- 8-5
Offense: 9 Returning Starters
With so many starters returning, it’s hard not to include WMU in the conference title discussion. QB Tim Hiller returns from an injury and will lead an offense that was very good last season. PK Nate Meyer was, at times, the Broncos workhorse on offense and now he is gone. They need to focus on getting in the end-zone more and not settle for the three points.
Defense: 8 Returning Starters
The majority of starters return on a defense that can only be described as stellar. WMU led the MAC in 2006 in Rush Defense, Scoring Defense, Total Defense, Turnover Margin and Turnovers Gained. This defense should be just as stout as a year ago led by DT Nick Varcadipane.
Schedule:
The non-conference is brutal opening at West Virginia and having to play at Missouri, at Iowa and Indiana. The conference schedule is pretty easy. Catching CMU at home is crucial in the Broncos quest for a division title.
2007 Predicted Record: 8-4 (6-1)
Central Michigan
2006 Record- 10-4
2006 ATS Record- 12-2
Offense: 7 Returning Starters
The defending MAC Champs should be explosive on offense with QB Dan LeFevour, RB Ontario Sneed and four WR’s returning. LeFevour was great as a freshman and should have another great season, even with the loss of the head coach Brian Kelly.
Defense: 6 Returning Starters
The Chippewa’s were very solid on defense all together, especially against the run. This trend should continue this season with a majority of their returning starters up front. Because they have such an explosive offense, the defense doesn’t have to be perfect for the Chips to return to the MAC title game.
Schedule:
The non-conference schedule is tough with games at Kansas, at Purdue and at Clemson. They have a bye week before the show-down with Western, which will help. Overall, the schedule shouldn’t prevent the Chips from repeating as conference champions.
2007 Predicted Record: 8-4 (6-1)
Toledo
2006 Record- 5-7
2006 ATS Record- 5-6
Offense: 8 Returning Starters
The offense had its ups and downs last season and will look to be more consistent with every key position player back. They do lose three offensive linemen, but that unit struggled throughout the season. They led the MAC in scoring offense with over 30 points per game and should have that same success again this year.
Defense: 8 Returning Starters
The defense was pretty good last season, finishing in the top 5 of the MAC in Total Defense, Turnovers Gained and Turnover Margin. A plethora of starters return and some of that inexperience from a year ago should be gone.
Schedule:
The Rockets can’t get down on themselves as it’s a very strong possibility they start the season 0-5. The remaining seven games are all winnable though and if they stay focus, can finish above .500.
2007
Predicted Record: 7-5 (5-2)
Ball St
2006 Record- 5-7
2006 ATS Record- 8-3
Offense: 7 Returning Starters
This is one of the best passing offenses in the MAC and should flourish again this year with returning QB Nate Davis at the helm. They also return their RB, B.J. Hill, two starting WR’s and their TE, senior Darius Hill. The offense should be explosive.
Defense: 7 Returning Starters
Regardless of how good the offense is going to be, the defense is just horrible. And again, will be the main reason Ball St. could finish under .500 again this season. They finished dead last in the MAC in total yards allowed last season and will need to improve on that if they want a winning season.
Schedule:
Getting off on the right foot will be important as Ball St. opens with two conference games, at home verse Miami and at Eastern Michigan. Both games are winnable and would be a huge boost of momentum that would carry over to the second part of the season. Finishing with a winning conference record is not out of the question.
2007 Predicted Record: 5-7 (4-3)
Northern Illinois
2006 Record- 7-6
2006 ATS Record- 4-8
Offense: 7 Returning Starters
Replacing RB Garrett Wolfe will be no easy task for the Huskies. He was the best player on the field by far and losing him really hurts UNI. On the bright side, they do return four offensive linemen and a trio of very talented receivers.
Defense: 6 Returning Starters
The defense was the downfall of UNI last year. They were just average against the run, while they had major issues defending the pass and have to replace half of its secondary. There are a couple of young studs though that should give the D a much needed lift.
Schedule:
Just a brutal non-conference having to play at Iowa, Southern Miss, at Wisconsin and at Navy. Conference schedule helps them by only having two road games against Temple and Toledo. Too much depth to replace to be that competitive as this looks like a down year for the Huskies.
2007 Predicted Record: 4-8 (3-4)
Eastern Michigan
2006 Record- 1-11
2006 ATS Record- 6-6
Offense: 8 Returning Starters
The one bright spot for the Eagles this year might be it can’t get much worse than last season. EMU went through three QB’s a year ago and still couldn’t find a consistent passer. This year they lose their top two WR’s and All-American PK. It looks like another season in the cellar of the MAC.
Defense: 9 Returning Starters
Even though the defense returns most of there starters, there is still a lot of work to be done. They gave up almost 200 yards per game in MAC play on the ground and weren’t much better through the air. This needs to improve in they want to win any games this year.
Schedule:
Going 1-11 seems to be the path the Eagles will head down with the only, easy game verse Howard. The conference schedule is tough, and with a lack of an offense and no defense, it will be a long season in Ypsilanti, MI.
2007
Predicted Record: 1-11 (0-7)
The East Division will be looked at later today...
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