| AccuScore Conference Previews - Mid-American Conference |
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There is more talent than you think in the MAC even though it is more known for producing coaches than NFL players. The league has traditionally been known as giant killers being capable of winning games against more highly regarded opponents, but it needs a few wins this year to uphold that legacy. Central Michigan is the current big dog of having won the title game the past two seasons, but history has shown that turnover occurs rapidly in this league. The Chippewas had just one winning season from 1995 to 2004, but have turned it around quickly and achieved success. Akron won the conference crown back in 2005 but won just 4 games last season. There is plenty of parity in the MAC, particularly in the Eastern Division where teams like Temple and Buffalo are rapidly improving and can't be counted out of the conference picture anymore. Contenders: Everybody Central Michigan is the clear favorite in the Western Division having won the league for the past two seasons. Quarterback Dan LeFevour leads a dominant offense. Issues on defense however could create problems down the road. Their closest competitor in the division will likely be Ball State which returns nine starters from an offense that averaged over 31 points per game a season ago. The Eastern Division may be a free-for-all. The two favorites are traditional powers Bowling Green and Miami of Ohio. The Falcons won eight games in 2007, and have reached a bowl game in 3 of the past 5 seasons. The Redhawks return 15 starters and host Vanderbilt out of the SEC in the season opener. Every school in the division however received at least two first-place votes in the preseason poll so competition should be stiff week in and week out. Teams on the Rise: Buffalo, Temple Turner Gill has Buffalo going in the right direction. The Bulls won five games last season after being one of the worst programs in Division 1, and is led by 1,000 yard running back James Starks. Temple has its own up-and-coming coach in Al Golden who was a candidate at UCLA in the offseason. The Owls went .500 in its first full season in conference and feature an experienced team on both sides of the ball. Bottom Feeders: Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois, Akron Eastern Michigan showed progress last year winning four games including a victory over the Chippewas, but moving up in the standings will be difficult with continued improvement by other teams in the league. Northern Illinois fell on hard times last year winning just two contests, but a new coach and 19 returning starters give hope for a successful season. Akron has had two straight losing years and struggle to score in what has become an offensive league. Trackback(0)
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WMU SLappy
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Jonathan Lee AccuScore Analyst
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Jonathan, Great assesment of the MAC what is your outlook on WMU. Tiller, Simmons, Fryar return. the Defense is gelling and has a lot of returning memebers |
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