THIS IS THE OVERALL RANK MAC * NEW

THIS IS THE OVERALL RANK MAC FOR BLOG * NEW

MAC Backwards Countdown 17 Pollsters (Sun. 5/25)

Overall Rank 1-13 with Division Ranks on the right. @ At the bottom you can see the comparison poll from the origional 6 from 5/9/14 with a side by side comparison from the New poll taken on 5/25/14 with 17 pollsters.

1. NIU (12-2)  W (1)
2. Bowling Green (10-4  E (1)
3. Ball State (10-3  W (2)
4. Toledo (7-5  W (3)
5. Ohio (7-6)   E (2)
6. Buffalo (8-5)   E  (3)
7. Kent State (4-8)    E (4)
8. Akron (5-7)   E  (5)
9. Central Michigan (6-6)    W (4)
10.  Western Michigan (2-10)  W  (5)
11. Eastern Michigan (1-11)  W   (6) 
12. Miami University (0-12)  E (6)
13. Massachusetts (1-11)    E (7)

 

             

                

 

 

 

MAC West Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014 #1

MAC West Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014

Starting Monday May 26 – June 7 we will attempt to rank the teams in the Mid American Conference.  On June 7^th we will reveal the projected finish from top to bottom 1-13

RECAP West Countdown

1. Northern Illinois (12-2)  2014 Prediction (10-2)

2. Ball State (7-5)              2014 Prediction (9-3)

3. Toledo  (7-5)                   2014 Prediction (9-3)

4. Central Michigan  (6-6)   2014 Prediction (6-6)

5. Western Michigan (2-10)  2014 Prediction (5-7) 6. Eastern Michigan (1-11)   2014 Prediction (1-10)

• Comparison of our original 6 voters (5/9/14) compared to the new poll with 17 people (5/25/14)
• Our original 6 voters the outcome was remarkably different than when we added an additional 11 posters that shared votes from the MAC board members (additional votes from 5/24 and 5/25).  After tabulating the results and without disclosing the difference in the two polls you will be surprised with the outcome (6/7/14).  Hope everyone enjoys the poll and  gets pumped to battle on the field in August.   So we started the backwards Countdown for the 2014 Preseason ranking with the East and now present the WEST.

Introducing MAC West # 1

  

1). NIU (12 – 2) MAC, *Third year coach Rod Carey, 12–2 (.857) knows all too well that things do not stay the same.  A fact that is obvious not only to the staff but the fans.  Jordan Lynch led the Huskies to back-to-back MAC West championships (2011–2012).  Now the staff starts preparing for more of the same.  Last year one area of concern was the secondary.   In 2013 the defense allowed 263 yards per game passing, a stat that has to be improved.  There is no such thing as no one is irreplaceable.  Jordan Lynch was one of the best college players in the country, and now moves on to the next level.  NIU will look to Matt McIntosh or Drew Hare to carry the team into the future.  Fortunately, the rest of the offense is strong and with Cameron Stingily and James Spencer back to run the ball, and a very smart and swift receiver like Tommylee Lewis, he could be the star of the offense with Da’ron Brown and TE Luke Eakes helping the move from goal line to goal line. Three starters are back on the O line, but Tyler Loos and all-star guard Jared Volk have moved on. Another area of concern is the entire defensive front four has to be replaced, but the linebacking corps returns intact and FS Dechane Durante and CB Paris Logan are ready for a challenge. NIU plays in the 24,000 seat Huskie Stadium.   NIU has the 4^th beat recruiting class in the MAC coming in with 31 players to continue to winning traditions.

2014 Northern Illinois Huskies Football Schedule Predictions (10-2 )
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Thursday Aug. 28	Presbyterian Blue Hose Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 6	at Northwestern Wildcats Ryan Field, Evanston, IL	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 13	at UNLV Rebels Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, NV	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 20	at Arkansas Razorbacks D.W.R. Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 27	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Oct. 4	Kent State Golden Flashes Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 11	Central Michigan Chippewas (HC) Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 18	Miami (OH) RedHawks Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 25	at Eastern Michigan Eagles Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 1	—	Open Date	—	—
Wednesday Nov. 5	at Ball State Cardinals Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN	7:00 p.m. CT ESPN2/ESPNU	L
Tuesday Nov. 11	Toledo Rockets Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL	7:00 p.m. CT ESPN2/ESPNU	W
Tuesday Nov. 18	at Ohio Bobcats Peden Stadium, Athens, OH	7:00 p.m. CT ESPNU/ESPN3	W
Friday Nov. 28	at Western Michigan Broncos Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI	Time TBA ESPNU/ESPN3	W

 

MAC West Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014 #2

MAC West Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014

Starting Monday May 26 – June 7 we will attempt to rank the teams in the Mid American Conference.  On June 7^th we will reveal the projected finish from top to bottom 1-13

RECAP West Countdown

2. Ball State (7-5)                 2014 Prediction(9-3)

3. Toledo  (7-5)                     2014 Prediction(9-3)

4. Central Michigan  (6-6)     2014 Prediction(6-6)

5. Western Michigan (2-10)  2014 Prediction(5-7)

6. Eastern Michigan (1-11)   2014 Prediction (1-10)

• Comparison of our original 6 voters (5/9/14) compared to the new poll with 17 people (5/25/14)
• Our original 6 voters the outcome was remarkably different than when we added an additional 11 posters that shared votes from the MAC board members (additional votes from 5/24 and 5/25).  After tabulating the results and without disclosing the difference in the two polls you will be surprised with the outcome (6/7/14).  Hope everyone enjoys the poll and  gets pumped to battle on the field in August.   So we started the backwards Countdown for the 2014 Preseason ranking with the East and now present the WEST.

Introducing MAC West # 2

  

2). Ball State (10 – 3) MAC   Pete Lembo (15–10) heads into his 4^th year.  If there ever was a coach that new the formula to win you would need to look no further than the Captain of the Cardinals.  Lembo is one of only seven head coaches that have won nine or more games at three or more schools.   Now all he has to do is find a Quarterback to replace Keith Wenning.  Last year the receipt for success was throw throw and throw again.  That formula leads the team to a 10-3 season in 2013.  Ball State plays in the 25,500 seat Scheuman Stadium.  The Cardinals have an all time record of   421–381–32 (.524)  Last year the Cardinals played both North Texas and NIU close before falling to them in 2014.  Their bowl loss to Arkansas State was the black eye that left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.  This year the only true challenge is Iowa for OOC and a mix of conference games.   However the season will be a question mark till they secure a Quarterback that can duplicate last year’s results.

2014 Ball State Cardinals Football Schedule  Predictions (9-3)
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Saturday Aug. 30	Colgate Raiders Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 6	at Iowa Hawkeyes Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 13	Indiana State Sycamores Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 20	at Toledo Rockets Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 27	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Oct. 4	at Army Black Knights Michie Stadium, West Point, NY	12:00 p.m. ET CBSSN	W
Saturday Oct. 11	Western Michigan Broncos (HC) Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 18	at Central Michigan Chippewas Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 25	Akron Zips Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 1	—	Open Date	—
Wednesday Nov. 5	Northern Illinois Huskies Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2/ESPNU	L
Wednesday Nov. 12	at UMass Minutemen McGuirk Stadium, Amherst, MA	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2/ESPNU	W
Saturday Nov. 22	Eastern Michigan Eagles Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN	TBA	W
Friday Nov. 28	at Bowling Green Falcons Doyt Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, OH	Time TBA ESPNU/ESPN3	W

 

MAC West Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014 # 3

MAC West Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014

Starting Monday May 26 – June 7 we will attempt to rank the teams in the Mid American Conference.  On June 7^th we will reveal the projected finish from top to bottom 1-13

RECAP West Countdown

3. Toledo  (7-5)                    2014 Prediction (9-3)

4. Central Michigan  (6-6)    2014 Prediction(6-6)

5. Western Michigan (2-10)  2014 Prediction(5-7)

6. Eastern Michigan (1-11)   2014 Prediction (2-10)

• Comparison of our original 6 voters (5/9/14) compared to the new poll with 17 people (5/25/14)
• Our original 6 voters the outcome was remarkably different than when we added an additional 11 posters that shared votes from the MAC board members (additional votes from 5/24 and 5/25).  After tabulating the results and without disclosing the difference in the two polls you will be surprised with the outcome (6/7/14).  Hope everyone enjoys the poll and  gets pumped to battle on the field in August.   So we started the backwards Countdown for the 2014 Preseason ranking with the East and now present the WEST.

Introducing MAC West # 3

  

3. Toledo  (7-5) 2014 Prediction (9-3), – Matt Campbell is currently the second youngest head coach in FBS.  Matt is heading into his 3^rd year as the Rockets head coach *(25-9).  Toledo had four consecutive losing seasons from 2006 -2009.  That is all a dissonant memory as the rockets have gone 25 -9 in the last three years.  For the last 78 years Toledo has called the, 26,248 seat glass Bowl home.  If this year’s offense is as explosive on the ground as last year, Toledo could be the surprise team in the MAC and even in the country.  The defense should be terrific with eight returning starters led by a linebacking corps anchored by Junior Sylvestre on the weakside and Chase Murdock in the middle.    Logan Woodside has take control of the job this offseason. Alonzo Russell and Dwight Macon lead the receiving corps that has to replace Bernard Reedy.   Four senior starters are back up front, but there are holes that will need to be addressed.  With a favorable home schedule this may prove to be a very rewarding years as the Rockets take flight into higher expectations.  *Tim Bekman, regular season and new head coach Matt Campbell for their bowl game.

E  2014 Toledo Rockets Football Schedule Predictions (9-3)
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Saturday Aug. 30	New Hampshire Wildcats Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 6	Missouri Tigers Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	TBA	L
Friday Sept. 12	at Cincinnati Bearcats Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH	7:00 p.m. ET ESPNU	L
Saturday Sept. 20	Ball State Cardinals Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 27	Central Michigan Chippewas Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 4	at Western Michigan Broncos Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 11	at Iowa State Cyclones Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 18	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Oct. 25	UMass Minutemen Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 1	—	Open Date	—	—
Tuesday Nov. 4	at Kent State Golden Flashes Dix Stadium, Kent, OH	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2/ESPNU	W
Tuesday Nov. 11	at Northern Illinois Huskies Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2/ESPNU	L
Wednesday Nov. 19	Bowling Green Falcons Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2/ESPNU	W
Friday Nov. 28	at Eastern Michigan Eagles Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI	Time TBA ESPNU/ESPN3	W

MAC West Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014 # 4

MAC West Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014  # 4

Starting Monday May 26 – June 7 we will attempt to rank the teams in the Mid American Conference.  On June 7^th we will reveal the projected finish from top to bottom 1-13

RECAP West Countdown

4. Central Michigan  (6-6)     2014 Prediction(6-6)

5. Western Michigan (2-10)  2014 Prediction(5-7)

6. Eastern Michigan (1-11)   2014 Prediction (2-10)

• Comparison of our original 6 voters (5/9/14) compared to the new poll with 17 people (5/25/14)
• Our original 6 voters the outcome was remarkably different than when we added an additional 11 posters that shared votes from the MAC board members (additional votes from 5/24 and 5/25).  After tabulating the results and without disclosing the difference in the two polls you will be surprised with the outcome (6/7/14).  Hope everyone enjoys the poll and  gets pumped to battle on the field in August.   So we started the backwards Countdown for the 2014 Preseason ranking with the East and now present the WEST.

Introducing MAC West # 4

  

4. Central Michigan (6-6) 2014 Prediction (6-6), Dan Enos 19–30 (.388) will look to direct the Chippewas back to post-season glory in his 5^th year.  After a successful bowl win in 2012 over Western Kentucky in the little Caesars Bowl (24-21) the goal in 2014 is to get back to a Bowl.  Central Michigan football holds the distinction of having the most Super Bowl players in Super Bowl XLV of any college football program in the nation. The Chippewas play in the 30,200 seat Keelly/Shorts Stadium.  Averaging just 341 yards of offense in 2013 the Central Michigan Chipewas still managed 6 victories.  Cooper Rush stepped in mid way last year as a freshman and now has experience at the quarterback position that may propel the Chipewas into a better record for 2014.  Saylor Lavallii ran for 807 yards, and now he’s back along with Maurice Shoemaker-Gilmore in the backfield.  The experience of the line with all five starters back should be another factor for improvement in 2014.   Titus Davis potentially could be a   breakout star after picking up 1,109 yards and averaging 18 yards per catch with eight scores, and he’s not the only key target returning.  On the defense side of the ball there is a list of key starters returning.  Leading tackler Justin Cherocci returns at MLB, unfortunately – LB Shamari Benton and S Avery Cunningham have moved on. Everyone else is back including three starters up front and most of the secondary.  PK Ron Coluzzi returns after hitting 12-of-17 field goals in 2014. 

W (4) 2014 Central Michigan Chippewas Football Schedule Predictions (6-6)
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Thursday Aug. 28	Chattanooga Mocs Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 6	at Purdue Boilermakers Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 13	Syracuse Orange Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 20	at Kansas Jayhawks Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 27	at Toledo Rockets Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	TBA	L
Saturday Oct. 4	Ohio Bobcats (HC) Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 11	at Northern Illinois Huskies Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL	TBA	L
Saturday Oct. 18	Ball State Cardinals Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 25	at Buffalo Bulls UB Stadium, Buffalo, NY	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 1	at Eastern Michigan Eagles Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 8	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Nov. 15	Miami (OH) RedHawks Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 22	Western Michigan Broncos Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 29	—	Open Date	—

MAC West Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014 # 5

MAC West Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014

Starting Monday May 26 – June 7 we will attempt to rank the teams in the Mid American Conference.  On June 7^th we will reveal the projected finish from top to bottom 1-13

RECAP West Countdown

5. Western Michigan (2-10)  2014 Prediction (5-7)
6. Eastern Michigan (1-11)   2014 Prediction (2-10) 

• Comparison of our original 6 voters (5/9/14) compared to the new poll with 17 people (5/25/14)
• Our original 6 voters the outcome was remarkably different than when we added an additional 11 posters that shared votes from the MAC board members (additional votes from 5/24 and 5/25).  After tabulating the results and without disclosing the difference in the two polls you will be surprised with the outcome (6/7/14).  Hope everyone enjoys the poll and  gets pumped to battle on the field in August.   So we started the backwards Countdown for the 2014 Preseason ranking with the East and now present the WEST.

Introducing MAC West # 5

  5.  Western Michigan (2-10) W (5) 2014 Prediction (5-7), P.J. Fleck  1-11 (.083) will step into the spotlight in just his 2^nd year as he leads the Bronco’s to improve on last year’s season.  With anticipation and eagerness the future of WMU football is looking brighter.  The  Broncos however must get far more yardage from their ground game and have more success on third downs.    Zach Terrell needs to have a big year in 2014 especially with four starters returning up front and with three of the top four receivers returning – led by Corey Davis.  The running back position may be an area of concern, losing the top five most productive rushers it is imperative that a new crop of players must bring their A game each time they step on the field.  With just one of the top four tacklers returning – FS Justin Currie.  He will need to get help from CB Donald Celiscar and it will put added pressure on new faces to have an impact immediately.  The defensive interior  lost Travonte Boles and Cory Sueing, but Mikhail Dubose and Jarrell McKinney are back on the ends.  P J Schroeder returns and is looking to kick it into a higher gear and must improve on last year’s average punt of 40 yards.  There is a bright spot on special teams with Andrew Haldeman, he should be among the best kickers in the MAC after hitting 16-of-20 field goals in 2013.

WMU returns 12 starters from last year’s team and has a bumper crop of new recruits to help move the needle forward.  Ranked as the best recruiting class in the MAC and with 15  three stars, I am sure there will be some true freshman to take the field and help lead the Broncos in the right direction for the future.

W (5) 2014 Western Michigan Broncos Football Schedule  Predictions (5-7 )
Date		Opponent
Saturday Aug. 30	at Purdue Boilermakers Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 6	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Sept. 13	at Idaho Vandals Kibbie Dome, Moscow, ID	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 20	Murray State Racers Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 27	at Virginia Tech Hokies Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA	TBA	L
Saturday Oct. 4	Toledo Rockets Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI	TBA	L
Saturday Oct. 11	at Ball State Cardinals Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN	TBA	L
Saturday Oct. 18	at Bowling Green Falcons Doyt Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, OH	TBA	L
Saturday Oct. 25	Ohio Bobcats Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI	TBA	L
Saturday Nov. 1	at Miami (OH) RedHawks Yager Stadium, Oxford, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 8	—	Open Date	—	—
Saturday Nov. 15	Eastern Michigan Eagles Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 22	at Central Michigan Chippewas Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI	TBA	W
Friday Nov. 28	Northern Illinois Huskies Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI	Time TBA ESPNU/ESPN3	L

MAC West Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014 West # 6

MAC West Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014

Starting Monday May 26 – June 7 we will attempt to rank the teams in the Mid American Conference.  On June 7^th we will reveal the projected finish from top to bottom 1-13

• Comparison of our original 6 voters (5/9/14) compared to the new poll with 17 people (5/25/14)
• Our original 6 voters the outcome was remarkably different than when we added an additional 11 posters that shared votes from the MAC board members (additional votes from 5/24 and 5/25).  After tabulating the results and without disclosing the difference in the two polls you will be surprised with the outcome (6/7/14).  Hope everyone enjoys the poll and  gets pumped to battle on the field in August.   So we start the backwards Countdown for the 2014 Preseason ranking with the East.

Introducing MAC West # 6

  

6. Eastern Michigan (W-6) (1-11) 2014 Prediction (2-10) Chris Creighton takes over the Eagles as head coach in 2014 after a successful career at Drake University.  The Eagles play in the 30,200 seat Rynearson Stadium.  One of the first issues Chris Creighton will address will be Turnovers.  The Eagles turnover margin was among the nation’s worst, finishing 120th in the nation with a -1.0 margin. However there are positives that Crrighton has to move forward with.  Bronson Hill led the way with 1,101 yards and five scores, and he and four of the top five rushers are back behind a line that returns four starters. Tyler Benz is back at quarterback, and will have his pick of targets with the top seven receivers returning.  Tyreese Russell could be among the MAC’s best tight ends.   LB Ike Spearman also returns along with Gregg Ibe, unfortunately three of four starters from last year are gone from the secondary.  Special teams will look for improvement as P Austin Barnes needs to average better than his subpar 40 yard kicking game and Dylan Mulder must improve on his 6-of-11 field goal record from 2013.

W (6) 2014 Eastern Michigan Eagles Football Schedule  Predictions (2-10)
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Saturday Aug. 30	Morgan State Bears Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 6	at Florida Gators Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL	4:00 p.m. ET SEC Network	L
Saturday Sept. 13	at Old Dominion Monarchs Foreman Field, Norfolk, VA	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 20	at Michigan State Spartans Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 27	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Oct. 4	at Akron Zips InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field, Akron, OH	TBA	L
Saturday Oct. 11	Buffalo Bulls Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI	TBA	L
Saturday Oct. 18	at UMass Minutemen Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 25	Northern Illinois Huskies Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI	TBA	L
Saturday Nov. 1	Central Michigan Chippewas Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI	TBA	L
Saturday Nov. 8	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Nov. 15	at Western Michigan Broncos Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI	TBA	L
Saturday Nov. 22	at Ball State Cardinals Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN	TBA	L
Friday Nov. 28	Toledo Rockets Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI	Time TBA ESPNU/ESPN3	L

 

 

 

 

MAC EAST Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014 # 1

Starting Monday May 26 – June 7 we will attempt to rank the teams in the Mid American Conference.  On June 7^th we will reveal the projected finish from top to bottom 1-13

• Comparison of our original 6 voters (5/9/14) compared to the new poll with 17 people (5/25/14)
• Our original 6 voters the outcome was remarkably different than when we added an additional 11 posters that shared votes from the MAC board members (additional votes from 5/24 and 5/25).  After tabulating the results and without disclosing the difference in the two polls you will be surprised with the outcome (6/7/14).  Hope everyone enjoys the poll and  gets pumped to battle on the field in August.   So we start the backwards Countdown for the 2014 Preseason ranking with the East.

# 1 Bowling Green (7-6) E (1) 2014 Prediction (8-4)

# 2 Ohio U (7-6) 2014 E (2) 2014 Prediction (8-4)

# 3 Buffalo (8-5) 2014 E (3) 2014 Prediction (9-3)

# 4 Kent State (4-8)  E (4) 2014 Prediction (5-7)

# 5 Akron University (5-7)  E (5) 2014 Prediction (4-8)

# 6 Miami University (0-12)  E (6) 2014 Prediction (2-10)

# 7 Massachusetts (1-11)  E (7) 2014 Prediction (0-12)

Introducing # 1

    

MAC EAST Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014

# 1 Bowling Green (10-4) 2014 Prediction (8-4) Even though Dave Clawson has moved on with new head coach Dino Babers taking over the reins this first year, fans expectations will be high.   Bowling Green finished the 2013 season celebrating as they won their 11^th MAC Football Championship in a 47-27 victory over Northern Illinois.    The Falcons play their home games in the 24,000 seat Doyl Perry Stadium.   The only negative in 2013 was a 3 point loss to Pittsburg in the Little Caesars Bowl. The Falcons offense will be ready to start where they left off last season.  The first game of the year could be a critical OOC game and might set the stage for the year. Seven starters are on back including QB Matt Johnson and RB Travis Greene along with three underclassmen that should be in the rotation up front, redshirt freshmen Jacob Bennett, and Logan Diet at the tackle position along with TE Alex Bayer will be counted on heavily.
The defensive side lost tackles Ted Outllet and Jairus Campbell, but both starting outside linebackers – D.J. Lynch and Brian Sutton – return. The defense will need to replace 3 players in the secondary where BooBoo Gates and two other starters are gone. On special teams Punter Brian Schmiedebusch has also graduated but he will be replaced with punter/kicker Tyler Tate.

2014 Bowling Green Falcons Football Schedule Predictions (8-4)
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Friday Aug. 29	at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers H. Ind. – L.T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 6	VMI Keydets Doyt Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 13	Indiana Hoosiers Doyt Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, OH	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 20	at Wisconsin Badgers Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 27	at UMass Minutemen McGuirk Stadium, Amherst, MA	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 4	Buffalo Bulls (HC) Doyt Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 11	at Ohio Bobcats Peden Stadium, Athens, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 18	Western Michigan Broncos Doyt Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 25	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Nov. 1	—	Open Date	—
Tuesday Nov. 4	at Akron Zips InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field, Akron, OH	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2 or ESPNU	W
Wednesday Nov. 12	Kent State Golden Flashes Doyt Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, OH	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2 or ESPNU	W
Wednesday Nov. 19	at Toledo Rockets Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2 or ESPNU	W
Friday Nov. 28	Ball State Cardinals Doyt Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, OH	Time TBA ESPNU or ESPN3	L

MAC EAST Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014 # 2

MAC EAST Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014

Starting Monday May 26 – June 7 we will attempt to rank the teams in the Mid American Conference.  On June 7^th we will reveal the projected finish from top to bottom 1-13

• Comparison of our original 6 voters (5/9/14) compared to the new poll with 17 people (5/25/14)
• Our original 6 voters the outcome was remarkably different than when we added an additional 11 posters that shared votes from the MAC board members (additional votes from 5/24 and 5/25).  After tabulating the results and without disclosing the difference in the two polls you will be surprised with the outcome (6/7/14).  Hope everyone enjoys the poll and  gets pumped to battle on the field in August.   So we start the backwards Countdown for the 2014 Preseason ranking with the East.

# 2 Ohio U (7-6) 2014 E (2) Prediction (8-4)

# 3 Buffalo (8-5) 2014 E (3) Prediction (9-3)

# 4 Kent State (4-8)  E (4) Prediction (5-7)

# 5 Akron University (5-7)  E (5) 2014 Prediction (4-8)

# 6 Miami University (0-12)  E (6) 2014 Prediction (2-10)

# 7 Massachusetts (1-11)  E (7) 2014 Prediction (0-12)

Introducing # 2 

# 2 Ohio U (7-6) MAC, 2014 Prediction (8-4), Frank Solich will be heading into his 11^th season leading the Bobcats, 66–50 (.569).  Ohio U has called the 24,000 seat Peden Stadium home for the last 85 years and have accumulated an all time record of 532–535–48 (.499) in the last 120 years.

Looking to improve on last year’s record of 7-6 the Bobcats will need to improve their running game.  Last year they only averaged 134 yards per game.  The offense may have difficulty hitting the ground running this year with seven starters gone including quarterback Tyler Tettleton and running back Beau Blankenship.   The good news is center Lucas Powell and guard Mike Lucas are two of the team’s best run blockers, and will clear the way for the ground game.  With Donte Foster gone, Landon Smith and Chase Cochran will most likely be the top targets as receivers.  The most likely replacement for Tettleton at QB will be Derrius Vick, who potentially  receives the nod to lead the 2014 Bobcats.

The defense with eight starters expected back including the entire defensive front four will be strong on leadership and talent. The secondary takes a hit with corner Travis Carrie and safety Xavier Hughes moving on, but free safety Josh Kristoff will be one of the team’s top tacklers along with corner Devin Bass as one of the up and coming play makers. Special teams returns Punter Matt Green and kicker Josiah Yazdani.   Ohio U has 11 starters returning – 3 on offense, and 8 on defense.  The 7^th best recruiting class in the MAC for 2014 and the Bobcats will be looking for immediate help for the offensive in 2014.

E (2) 2014 Ohio Bobcats Football Schedule Predictions (8-4)
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Saturday Aug. 30	at Kent State Golden Flashes Dix Stadium, Kent, OH	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 6	at Kentucky Wildcats Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, KY	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 13	at Marshall Thundering Herd Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, WV	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 20	Idaho Vandals Peden Stadium, Athens, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 27	Eastern Illinois Panthers Peden Stadium, Athens, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 4	at Central Michigan Chippewas Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 11	Bowling Green Falcons Peden Stadium, Athens, OH	TBA	L
Saturday Oct. 18	Akron Zips Peden Stadium, Athens, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 25	at Western Michigan Broncos Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 1	—	Open Date	—
Wednesday Nov. 5	Buffalo Bulls Peden Stadium, Athens, OH	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2/ESPNU	W
Saturday Nov. 15	—	Open Date	—
Tuesday Nov. 18	Northern Illinois Huskies Peden Stadium, Athens, OH	8:00 p.m. ET ESPNU/ESPN3	L
Tuesday Nov. 25	at Miami (OH) RedHawks Yager Stadium, Oxford, OH	7:00 p.m. ET ESPN2/ESPN3	W

MAC EAST Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014 Introducing # 3

MAC EAST Preseason Backwards Countdown 2014

Starting Monday May 26 – June 7 we will attempt to rank the teams in the Mid American Conference.  On June 7^th we will reveal the projected finish from top to bottom 1-13

• Comparison of our original 6 voters (5/9/14) compared to the new poll with 17 people (5/25/14)
• Our original 6 voters the outcome was remarkably different than when we added an additional 11 posters that shared votes from the MAC board members (additional votes from 5/24 and 5/25).  After tabulating the results and without disclosing the difference in the two polls you will be surprised with the outcome (6/7/14).  Hope everyone enjoys the poll and  gets pumped to battle on the field in August.   So we start the backwards Countdown for the 2014 Preseason ranking with the East.

RECAP MAC East Ranking

# 3 Buffalo (8-5) 2014 E (3) Prediction (9-3)

# 4 Kent State (4-8)  E (4) Prediction (5-7)

# 5 Akron University (5-7)  E (5) 2014 Prediction (4-8)

# 6 Miami University (0-12)  E (6) 2014 Prediction (2-10)

# 7 Massachusetts (1-11)  E (7) 2014 Prediction (0-12)

Introducing # 3

    

# 3 Buffalo (8-5) 2014 Prediction (9-3),  Jeff Quinn will be entering his 5^th year as head coach, 17–32  (.347)  Buffalo plays in the 29,000 seat UB Stadium.  The Bulls started playing football in 1894 and have an all time record of 360–478–28 (.432).  The offense appears to be in good hands with quarterback Joe Licata back for his junior year – he may be one of the best in the MAC in 2014.   One of the team’s biggest strength should be an offensive line with all five starters returning.   Running back Anthone Taylor, will be exciting to watch and will need to fill the shoes of Branden Oliver.  Special Teams has both kickers returning and appears solid.

On the defensive side of the ball the bulls will need to replace one of the best linebackers in college football (Kahlil Mack).  Both ends, Colby Way and Beau Bachtelle are gone, as are three starters in the secondary.  The only returner at corner is Cortney Lester and with Buffalo  only returning a total of 10 starters in 2014, they will need to see some help from new players.    With a very promising crop of 2014 recruits the Bulls will need to see maturing very quickly from some of the new guys.  Buffalo is bringing in the 3rd best recruiting class in the MAC for 2014.  With a very favorable schedule Buffalo should improve on last year’s record.

E   2014 Buffalo Bulls Football Schedule Predictions (9-3)
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Saturday Aug. 30	Duquesne Dukes UB Stadium, Buffalo, NY	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 6	at Army Black Knights Michie Stadium, West Point, NY	12:00 p.m. ET CBSSN	W
Friday Sept. 12	Baylor Bears UB Stadium, Buffalo, NY	Time TBA ESPN	L
Saturday Sept. 20	Norfolk State Spartans UB Stadium, Buffalo, NY	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 27	Miami (OH) RedHawks UB Stadium, Buffalo, NY	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 4	at Bowling Green Falcons Doyt Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, OH	TBA	L
Saturday Oct. 11	at Eastern Michigan Eagles Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 18	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Oct. 25	Central Michigan Chippewas UB Stadium, Buffalo, NY	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 1	—	Open Date	—
Wednesday Nov. 5	at Ohio Bobcats Peden Stadium, Athens, OH	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2 or ESPNU	L
Tuesday Nov. 11	Akron Zips UB Stadium, Buffalo, NY	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2 or ESPNU	W
Wednesday Nov. 19	Kent State Golden Flashes UB Stadium, Buffalo, NY	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2 or ESPNU	W
Friday Nov. 28	at UMass Minutemen McGuirk Stadium, Amherst, MA	8:00 p.m. ET ESPNU or ESPN3	W