Two-A-Days: The MAC

East

1. Ohio--2011 saw the Bobcats notch school records in points, total yards, and passing yards thanks to a no-huddle system. Six starters return from that unit, including junior quarterback Tyler Tettleton who amassed just shy of 4,000 yards last season (3,302 passing, 658 rushing, 38 total TDs), so expect the offense to continue its torrential pace from a year ago. The MAC’s 2^nd ranked scoring defense is returning seven starters, including free safety Gerald Moore who racked up 84 tackles including 4 for a loss in 2011. Even the Bobcat’s special teams returns a stellar player, in kicker Matt Weller who ranked 2^nd in the nation in field goals made and was named MAC Special Teams Player of the Year. Final Prediction: (10-2, 7-1, GoDaddy.com Bowl)

2. Bowling Green--The Falcons’ defense should be the calling card for 2012, led by senior defensive tackle Chris Jones who had a monster 2011, picking up 8.5 sacks, 14 tackles for a loss, and forced three fumbles. Jones looks to match that output alongside 8 other returning starters including senior Dwayne Woods who had 111 tackles last season. Offensively, the Falcons will rely on junior quarterback Matt Schulz (3,024 yards, 18 TDs) to make up for the loss of the entire starting receiving corps. The leading receiving returner, Shaun Joplin, only had 21 catches last season and must step up if the Falcons are to challenge Ohio. Final Prediction: (7-5, 6-2, no bowl)

3. Miami (Ohio)--With a passing attack that ranked 14^th in the nation last season returning many key components, the Redhawks will again take to the air in 2012. QB Zac Dysert (3,513 yards, 23 TDs) has his two leading receivers returning as well, most notably Nick Harwell who hauled in 97 receptions for 1,425 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2011. Balance will be key, however, as the Redhawks ranked dead last in rushing last season, averaging an anemic 73.8 yards per game. On the other side of the ball, the Redhawks return six starters from a decent defense including DE Jason Semmes, who tallied 4.5 sacks in 2011, and CB Dayonne Nunley who had 3 picks. Final Prediction (7-5, 6-2, no bowl)

4. Kent State--An atrocious offense (next to last nationally) was the core of the Golden Flashes problems in 2011 and its seven returning starters must take a step forward if the Golden Flashes want to make any noise in a competitive MAC East. The defense is in much better shape however, ranking 21^st nationally in total defense. Leading the seven returning starters is Roosevelt Nix who tallied 17 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks in 2011. The secondary is also ripe with veterans and should help the Golden Flashes stay in games, even with their less than stellar offense. Final Prediction (6-6, 5-3, no bowl)

5. Akron--The Zips ranked near the bottom in most categories on both sides of the ball in 2011 with their lone win coming against perennial FBS doormat VMI (and even that was only by 23 points). 2012 should be better for Akron, with the return of 6 starters on offense, including their leading passer, rusher, and receiver from a year ago. Defensively, the Zips must hope 8 new starters can gel quickly and stop the run, which was a glaring weakness in 2011 (108^th nationally). It will be a long year for the Zips yet again, but it shouldn’t be for too many more seasons. Final Prediction: (3-9, 2-6)

6. Buffalo--In 2011, Branden Oliver set school records in carries, rushing yards, and all-purpose yards, all while just a sophomore. In order for the Bulls to succeed in 2012, Oliver must again put up stellar numbers, especially with another new quarterback, the 3^rd in 3 years. On defense, the Bulls will hope that the 7 starters that return from 2011, can put together another decent year that can allow the offense some breathing room against a tough schedule both outside the conference and in.  Final Prediction: (2-10, 1-7)

7. UMass--Another new program to the ranks of the FBS, the Minutemen are looking to quickly achieve success. That success won’t come in 2012 however, with the Minutemen traveling to Michigan, Indiana, and Vanderbilt in addition to playing a tough conference slate. The star of the team is undoubtedly senior MLB Perry McIntyre who led the team in tackles (116), tackles for a loss (11.5), and sacks (6.5) in 2011. Alongside McIntyre will be seven other returning starters including senior FS Darren Thellen who had 5 interceptions in 2011 to go along with his 68 tackles. With only one wideout with more than one catch (Marken Michael has 3) the Minutemen will struggle to score enough points in the offense-first MAC. Final Prediction (0-12, 0-8, no bowl)

West

1. Western Michigan--The juggernaut of the MAC West, the Broncos are loaded on offense, with 3 year starting quarterback Alex Carder (3,873 yards, 31 TDs) leading a passing attack that ranked 8^th in the nation last year;  and with 6-8 RT Dann O’Neill anchoring the O-line, a ground game should also emerge for the Broncos. Defensively, the Broncos struggled in 2011, including giving up 66 points and 804 yards to conference foe Toledo. The 2012 unit is filled with returning starters and upperclassmen, so look for a marked improvement. Final Prediction (9-3, 8-0, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl)

2. Northern Illinois--2011 saw the Huskies pick up the MAC conference championship and another 11 win season, including a win in the GoDaddy.com bowl against Arkansas State. 2012 won’t be as easy however, as they must try to rebound from losing 8 starters from an offense that ranked 11^th in the country in total yards. The problem is compounded by a tougher schedule, including traveling to MAC West favorite Western Michigan. The Huskies do have the benefit of returning 2011 co-leaders in receptions in seniors Martel Moore and Perez Ashford who both hauled in 47. On defense, the Huskies need to improve to have a shot, despite returning 9 starters. Don’t be surprised however, if the Huskies return to the MAC title game yet again, or if they upset Kansas who visits Dekalb this season.  Final Prediction (9-3, 7-1, Little Caesars’s Bowl)

3. Toledo--Ranking in the top 10 in scoring and total offense in 2011, the Rockets were unquestionably an offensive powerhouse. Unfortunately for head coach Matt Campbell, only 4 starters return from that unit, and the team will be using a new running back, tight end, and three new members of the O-line. Quarterback is less of a question mark, with two proven players battling it out for the starting job. Junior Terrence Owens is the frontrunner after posting 2,022 yards and a sterling 18-3 touchdown to interception ratio last season. The Rockets’ defense is also facing the difficult task of replacing seven starters, but the unit is deep and is helped by key transfers including former Michigan safety Vladimir Emilien who has been moved to linebacker. The Rocket’s 2012 success will depend on how well the new starters gel and adjust to the higher level of competition in the MAC.  Final Prediction (6-6, 4-4, no bowl)

4. Ball State--The Cardinals are primed for a marked improvement from a year ago, as the bulk of the offensive line returns along with the starting quarterback and tailback from a year ago. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they play in the toughest division in the MAC and also must play the best teams from the MAC East, not to mention their non-conference slate that includes trips to Clemson, Indiana, and Army. The Cardinals will benefit from these contests, in 2013. The defense, which ranked at or near the bottom of the MAC in every category, will have to take massive steps for the team to make any noise. Senior Travis Freeman (134 tackles, four sacks) will lead the unit that will improve, but (yet again) how difficult will it be to improve on the abysmal numbers from 2011? Final Prediction (3-9, 3-5, no bowl)

5. Eastern Michigan--The 14^th ranked rush offense in the country returns in full for 2012, led by QB Aaron Gillet who racked up 736 yards in addition to Javonti Greene (667 yards) and senior Dominique Sherrer. The receiving corps is a question mark however, as two freshman are slated to start for the Eagles. On defense, the Eagles must replace both starting safeties, three members of the defensive line, and half the linebacking corps. Senior linebacker Justin Cudworth (83 tackles, 8.5 for a loss) leads the unit that must pull together if the team hopes to avoid a last place finish. Final Prediction: (3-9, 2-6, no bowl)

6. Central Michigan--The Chippewas have posted consecutive 3-win seasons after reaching incredible heights under the direction of former QB Dan LeFevour. Hope is not all lost however, as another stellar quarterback leads this year’s squad. Ryan Radcliffe racked up 3,286 yards and 25 touchdowns last season and with a receiving corps that remains intact, higher numbers could be in store for the senior. Seven starters return on the defensive side of the ball, but with a defense that ranked in the bottom fifth of FBS last year, those returnees must improve or it will be another long season in Mount Pleasant.  Final Prediction (3-9, 2-6, no bowl)



MAC Title Game: Ohio vs. Western Michigan. The Bobcats are the strongest team in the conference and after blowing a 20 point halftime lead in the 2011 title game, are more focused than ever before. This renewed focus, in addition to the best offense in the conference gives them the edge over the Broncos. Champion: Ohio 

Offensive Player of the Year: Tyler Tettleton, QB, Ohio
Defensive Player of the Year: Travis Freeman, LB, Ball State