Ball State
Last Year
How do you follow up a 12-2 season in which the Cardinals reached #12 in the BCS standings and were talked of a BCS buster? Certainly not 2-10 (2-6 MAC) and 5th in the West. Only three starters returned on offense and none of them were all-time leading passer Nate Davis. Injuries to superstar Running Back MiQuale Lewis certainly didn't help either, despite the efforts of backups Cory Sykes and Eric Williams. The run defense actually improved, but the pass defense faltered and they failed to stop anyone. Stan Parrish's first season was a hard lesson, but this is a young team which started a number of freshmen, including at QB. They should be better in the long run though.
Offense
Kelly Page (52.7% comp, 1019 yds, 7 TDs, 9 INTs) started the first seven games before being knocked out with a broken finger. Tanner Justice (48.6% comp, 594 yds, 2 TDs, % INTs) stood in and actually helped them to their two wins. Justice is gone, so redshirt freshman Aaron Mershman will step in if Page gets injured or struggles. The passing attack should continue to grow though. Lewis (181-871-5) was granted a fifth year of eligibility, so his presence will give Ball State a fighting chance in most games. He rushed for 1736 yards in '08, and is capable of similar numbers in 2010. One key for the team is to keep him fresh, and it shouldn't be a problem after Sykes (90-559-3) and Williams (64-362-4) performed well in his absence. Expect all three to see the football. Paving the way will be an offensive line with all five starters returning. They allowed 30 sacks last season, but were decent making holes for the backs. LG Michael Switzer has started every game since arriving in Muncie, while C Kreg Hunter has started for a year and a half. Cameron Lowry returns at LT after a tough freshman season, as do RG Dan Manick and RT Austin Holtz. There is some good depth and this will be a solid line in '10. Briggs Orsbon (51-461-1) slipped in his sophomore season, partially due to the struggles at QB, and needs to revert to his freshman form (68-813-5). Senior Daniel Ifft (20-269-2) started six games and takes on a full-time role this season. Junior Torieal Gibson (25-337-3) started three. Nearly everyone who caught a pass last season returns; this should be a solid group in 2010. TE Zane Fakes (10-117-1) returns and will be backed up by redshirt freshman Jacob Green. With some steady Quarterback play, this unit could spring some surprises in the coming season.
Defense
A tale of two units – the run defense was solid last season, particularly in MAC play, but the pass defense was picked apart by almost everyone, allowing 26 TDs against 14 INTs. Seven starters return, but few of them are guaranteed to start again this season. One lock to start is End Robert Eddins (55 tkls, 6.5 tfls, 7 sacks), who was 1st Team All-MAC and provided almost half the Cardinals' sack total. The other End will be junior Andrew Puthoff (6 tkls, 3.5 tfl), who also had two starts at TE. This athleticism will be of great benefit in creating a decent pass rush. At Tackle, Rene Perry (26 tkls, 2.5 tfls) returns but needs to get more a push inside. Junior Adam Morris (12 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 2.5 sacks) will join him in the middle. WLB Davyd Jones (100 tkls, 7.5 tfls, .5 sack, 2 PBUs) was 3rd Team All-MAC and will continue to make plays this season. MLB Travis Freeman (93 tkls, 2 tfls, 1 INT) makes a lot of tackle, but needs to make more plays close to the line of scrimmage. Sophomore Tony Martin (28 tkls, 1.5 tfls) steps in on the Strongside after 4 starts last year. Depth is decent and should be the strong point of the defense. Three starters return in the secondary, but only SS Sean Baker (61 tkls, 3.5 tfls, 3 PBUs, 4 INTs), who looks like a playmaker, and CB Charlie Todd (80 tkls, 2 tfls, 3 PBUs, 1 INT) will start this year. The new FS will be junior Kyle Hoke (8 tkls) and sophomore Jason Pinkston (25 tkls, 1 tfl, 3INTs) will start at Corner after 2 starts last season. Last year's starter Koreen Burch (43 tkls, 1 tfl, 9 PBUs) and some other experienced veterans provide depth. A better pass rush should help out the secondary.
Special Teams
Kicker Ian McGarvey (14/16 PATs, 18/21 FGs – 48 long) has been rock solid for the last three years and will be a reliable weapon in his senior season. Punter Scott Kovanda (40.0 gross, 35.9 net) and should be even better in 2010. Williams (23.9 ypr) and Todd (11.7, 1 TD) were good returning kicks and punts respectively. Kick coverage was good and punt coverage was superb. This unit will be reliable again this year.
Next Season
After last season's disaster, the only way can be up for the Cardinals. A lot of players had to learn on the job last season and should be better for the experience this year. If Page (or Mershman) can make a few plays, the running game and an improved defense should help them to a few more wins. The OOC schedule is unbalanced, with two FCS teams – Southeast Missouri State and Liberty (who are pretty good) at home – and trips to Purdue and Iowa. They have tough trips to Kent State and Buffalo, but are at home to struggling Akron, all from the East. They also must travel to CMU and Toledo. They could potentially hit six wins, but two FCS opponents will deprive them of a bowl game. Regardless of record, solid improvement is expected.
Central Michigan
Last Year
Behind the passing and running of superstar Dan LeFevour, the Chippewas have been the dominant team in the MAC the last four year, winning three title games. Last season was their best, finishing 12-2 (8-0 MAC), beating Ohio in the title game and willing a shootout with Troy in the GMAC bowl, finishing #23 in the BCS. LeFevour threw for 3438 yards and 28 TDs and ran for 713 yards and 15 TDs to top off a superb season. Receivers Antonio Brown (110-1198-9) and Bryan Anderson (64-784-7) also rounded out fine careers, and the defense, particularly against the run, was solid. Unfortunately, great coaching success in the MAC usually leads to better jobs elsewhere, and Butch Jones moved on to Cincinnati. Dan Enos, a respected assistant at Michigan State among others, was brought in to keep the ship afloat. There is plenty of talent in reserve, but it will be interesting to see how the team manages without its already legendary QB.
Offense
You have to feel for sophomore Ryan Radliff (47.6% comp, 115 yds, 2 INTs), he's the man charged with replacing LeFevour. He has a great arm, but showed little in reserve duty last season. He showed some good mobility (6-48-1) though. Redshirt freshman AJ Westendrop or junior Derek Rifenbury will back him up. There is little experience here. Last year's leading RB Bryan Schroeder has left the team, leaving Carl Volny (82-390-3) and Paris Cotton (58-220-1) to share the carries. Volny has looked good when given an increased workload, but it remains to be seen whether he can maintain it over a season. The offensive line will make it a lot easier with four starters returning. C Colin Miller was 2nd Team All-MAC and is joined by Tackle Rocky Weaver on the right, LT Jake Olson and LG Jeff Maddux. The new RG will be sophomore Darren Keyton, who started 3 games at Center last year. Depth is pretty solid. Kito Poblah (53-681-4) is the only returning starter at receiver, and he was something of a forgotten man last season. That won't be the case this year he'll be the main target. Sophomore Cody Wilson (25-226-2) and former Corner Taylor Bradley, who redshirted last year, will fill the other two spots. TE David Blackburn only caught 12 passes for 113 yards and 2 TDs last season, but look for him to have an expanded role with less experienced receivers. The offense won't be as good as last season, but if Radliff can perform, they should still score points behind an experienced line.
Defense
CMU will be tough to run on again this season with both Tackles returning in Sean Murnane (49 tkls, 3.5 tfls, 3.5 sacks, 5 PBUs, 1 INT), who was 3rd Team All-MAC, and John Williams (29 tkls, 3 tfls, 2.5 sacks, 1 PBU). The new Ends will be sophomore Darryll Stinson, who missed last season due to injury, and Caesar Rodriguez (14 tkls, .5 sack). Both looked good in the spring, but need to maintain it over the season. There's good talent in reserve, but experience at End is limited. Two Linebackers return from last year, and both are exceptional. MLB Nick Bellore (132 tkls, 10 tfls, 3 sacks, 3 PBUs, 2 INTs) was 1st Team All-MAC and leads the way. WLB Matt Berning (108 tkls, 5.5 tfls, 3 sacks, 7 PBUs) was 3rd Team All-MAC. Junior Armond Staten (14 tkls) will step into the Strongside, but is relatively untested. The reserves have seen some playing time, but if of the stars went down, there would be a serious dropoff. FS Dannie Bolden (51 tkls, .5 tfls, 2 PBUs, 2 INTs) started last season, but loses his spot to senior Bobby Seay (60 tkls, 2 PBUs), who only started two games, but played in all 14. Sophomore Jahleel Addae (26 tkls, .5 sack) steps in at SS. The corners will be senior Vince Agnew (35 tkls, 5 PBUs), who started two, and sophomore Lorenzo White Jr (2 tkls), who played in nine games. The regular rotation in the secondary last season should benefit them, but there probably will be some slippage.
Special Teams
Kicker Andrew Aguila, a valuable weapon last season, has graduated so the job falls to redshirt freshman Richie Hogan. He has big shoes to fill. Punter Brett Hartmann (38.4 gross, 34.6 net) returns. He has excellent placement and should be even more important this season. Brown was outstanding as a returner and will be sorely missed. Addae will probably take over both roles this season. Both coverage units did a good job.
Next Season
It's highly unlikely that the Chippewas will match last year's record, and it's unlikely that they're expected to. However, a certain degree of success has become the norm and Enos will be expected to have the team ready to contend for the MAC title and a bowl game. Their OOC schedule starts with a trip to FCS Hampton, but also includes tough trips to Northwestern, Virginia Tech and Navy. From the East they've a trip to Temple, but get Miami and Bowling Green in Mount Pleasant. In their own division they have trips to Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois and Toledo. If they can win their home game to Western Michigan, it could mean a title shot, but 6 or 7 wins is a possibility. It's all down to Radliff.
Eastern Michigan
Last Year
The Eagles haven't had a winning season '95 and this is a notoriously difficult spot to win. Ex-Michigan defensive co-ordinator Ron English is the latest in a long line brought in to try and turn things around. His first season didn't get off to a good start, going 0-12. The offense struggled to get going and went through three QBs, none of whom had much success. The defense was even worse, ranking last in the FBS in rush defense and allowing a ridiculous 39 rushing TDs. They were ranked 1st in pass defense, but that was as much because no-one needed to pass against them. The team has some good talent, but lacks quality depth. English has his work cut out for him.
Offense
Sophomore Alex Gillett (49.6% comp, 763 yds, 3 TDs, 7 INTs) started the last three games and struggled as a passer, but showed some skills as a runner (95-484-2). He'll start this season, with redshirt freshman Devontae Payne backing him up. Gillett had a solid camp, and should be improved this season. He'll have RB Dwayne Priest (175-633-7) to help him out. He's not a breakaway runner, but he's tough and quick. Speedy junior Dominique Sherrer (17-34-0) will back him up. Three members of last season's offensive line return and should improve this season. Center Eric Davis will be flanked by LG Andrew Sorgatz and RG Dan DeMaster. The LT will be Bridger Buche who started at RT in '08, and the RT will be senior Brian Moore, who started twice at guard and played in 10 games. There's some okay depth too. The Eagles started a number of receivers last season and most of them return. This year's group will be sophomores Kinsman Thomas (15-275-3), Nick Olds (11-129-0) and junior Trey Hunter (12-82-1). Tyrone Burke (16-253-1) will provide depth. TE Ben Thayer (29-261-2) is possibly the best receiver on the team and should increase his catches this season as a reliable safety valve. Priest may catch more than 9 passes this season as Gillett gets more comfortable. This should be a better offense this season.
Defense
There are some decent players on this unit, but there aren't enough. Three defensive line starters return from last year's group that couldn't stop the run. Ends Brad Ohrman (19 tkls, 3.5 tfls) and Javon Reese (27 tkls, 8 tfls, 1 sack) need to put more pressure on the Quarterback although, Reese is okay against the run. Tackle Brandon Slater (31 tkls, 3 tfls, .5 sack) needs to get more push inside, as does senior Tyler Palsrok (12 tkls, .5). Senior DT Ryan Leonard (27 tkls, 6.5 tfls, 1 sack) and sophomore DE Devon Davis (23 tkls, 2 tfls, 1.5 sacks, 1 INT) provide okay depth. The Linebackers could be good this season. MLB Marcus English (41 tkls, 2 PBUs, 1 INT) was lost for the season after six games, but returns this season. Seniors WLB Nate Paopao (1 tkl) and SLB Neal Howey (27 tkls, 1 tfl, 1 sack), who started 3 last year, step in this season. There's some experienced reserve strength. Two starters return from last year's top ranked secondary, but FS Martavius Caldwell (105 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 2 sacks, 1 INT) lost his job to Louisville transfer Latarrius Thomas. Caldwell will provide solid backup though. The SS will be senior Ryan Downard (14 tkls, 1 INT) who started 3 games but was knocked out for the season. CB Arrington Hicks (32 tkls, 2 PBUs) needs to pick it up a notch this season. The other Corner will be junior Marcell Rose (20 tkls, 1 PBU, 1 INT), who started three games and played in 10. There's some experienced depth, but talent is a question. The defense should be better though.
Special Teams
Both of last season's specialists need to be replaced, but neither was outstanding. Freshmen Kicker Kody Fulkerson and Punter Jay Karutz will be charged with replacing them. Junior RB Corey Welch will return both kicks and punts this season. The coverage units allowed 3 TDs (1 KR, 2 PR), but neither were terrible. This unit is a major issue this season.
Next Season
EMU aren't contending for a MAC title or a bowl game anytime soon. They lost three close games and could turn those close losses into wins this season. The OOC schedule is tough with trips to Ohio State, Vanderbilt and Virginia, but the Eagles get Army at home. Their best opportunities for wins, against Miami and Ball State, are away, and improving on last year's winless season could be tough. Two wins would be a decent improvement. They should be more competitive though.
Northern Illinois
Last Year
The Huskies have a good program here, with just one season of less than six wins in the 21st century (2007). Last year was no different, with a 7-6 (5-3 MAC) record and a spot in the International Bowl, which they lost to USF. As ever, NI lived by the run, coming 19th in the FBS, and played tough defense, coming 30th in total yardage. Coach Jerry Kill has had a successful first two seasons, and should have the team contending regularly.
Offense
Chandler Harnish (64.1% comp, 1670 yds, 11 TDs, 6 INTs) has all the makings of a fine QB – he's smart, athletic and accurate – but he has issues staying healthy, missing four games last season. He passed on surgery to repair his knee during the offseason because he didn't want to miss any time in camp, so how this affects him remains to be seen. His primary reserve is junior DeMarcus Grady (58.1% comp, 280 yds, 3 TDs, 2 INTs), who is more of a runner (59-330-1). He should see some time regardless. Having Chad Spann (179-1038-19) running the football will benefit whoever plays QB. He'll see even more carries this season after being a TD machine last year. His backup will be either JUCO Jasmin Hopkins or senior Ricky Crider (10-37-0). Kyle Skarb will lead the way at Fullback. Three starters return on the offensive line – LT Trevor Olson, who was 3rd Team All-MAC, RG Joe Pawlak and RT Adam Kiel, but he may lose his job to junior Keith Otis. Sophomore Logan Pegram moves in at LG with junior Scott Wedige joining him at Center. The have some solid reserve strength too. Landon Cox (45-535-4) returns at receiver after a solid season in 2009. If Harnish can stay healthy, he could explode this season. He'll be joined by junior Nathan Palmer (5-70-1) and Martel Moore (16-189-0). There is some depth. Tight End will be a battle between Jason Schepler (1-4-1) and Jack Marks (1-5-0), but the position was used mostly as a blocker last season. Spann (10-122-1) and Skarb (11-189-1) are both capable of catching passes too.
Defense
The defense returns most of last year's starting unit and is the biggest hope for NIU contending for the MAC title this season. The big talking point of the season was star DE Jake Coffman (39 tkls, 5 tfls, 8.5 sacks, 5 PBUs, 1 INT) leaving the team. However, even bigger news was his change of heart. He will be back to reclaim his End spot, and is a good pass rusher. Sean Progar (30 tkls, 2 tfls, 6 sacks, 1 PBU) returns at the other End after a fine freshman season. The middle will be manned by Mike Krause, who missed all of last season but is tough inside. He'll be joined by returnee DJ Pirkle (21 tkls, 5.5 tfls, 2 sacks, 1 PBU). Depth is very good. Only one OLB returns, as Pat Schiller tore his ACL before spring camp. SLB Alex Kube (60 tkls, 6 tfls) will have to lead the way. The new MLB will be sophomore Devon Butler (15 tkls, 2 tfls) and the WLB will be either sophomore Tyrone Clark (14 tkls, .5 tfl, 2 sacks, 1 PBU) or junior Jordan Delegal (29 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 4 sacks, 2 PBUs). There will be experienced depth, but this unit is a major question mark going into the season. All four starters return in the secondary, but two are battling for their spots. Chris Smith (70 tkls, 4 PBUs) is a lock at one corner, but Patrick George (46 tkls, 1 tfl, 5 PBUs, 2 INTs) must hold off senior Kiaree Daniels (28 tkls, 1 tfl, 3 PBUs, 1 INT). SS Tracy Wilson (93 tkls, 2 tfls, 3 PBUs) led the team in tackles and returns, but Mike Sobol (53 tkls, .5 tfl, 1 PBU) may lose out to sophomore Tommy Davis (8 tkls). There is good depth here and they could improve on last season's unit. If the Linebackers hold up, the defense should be strong again in 2010.
Special Teams
Reliable Kicker Mike Salerno has graduated, so freshman Mathew Sims will battle senior Michael Cklamovski to replace him. Punter Josh Wilber (40.5 gross, 33.7 net) returns after splitting the punting job last season. He should improve now that he has the job to himself. Crider (21.4 avg) and Hopkins will return kicks, while Davis (8.0) will return punts. Kick coverage was decent, but the punt coverage unit allowed 2 TDs and needs to improve. Better punting should help.
Next Season
The Huskies' season hinges on a few injuries. Can Harnish's knee hold up? Can the Linebackers succeed without Schiller? There is enough talent on both sides of the ball to challenge for the MAC title. Their opening kick (all OOC) is tough – a trip to Iowa State, home to FCS North Dakota, then trips to Illinois and Minnesota. They get Akron away and Buffalo and Temple at home from the East. In their division a trip to Western Michigan will be a challenge, but away games at Ball State and Eastern Michigan should be winnable. So, the conference games only contain one tough away game and everyone else comes to DeKalb. If thing's go their way, 9 wins and a MAC West title is very possible. At worst, a bowl game and 6 wins.
Toledo
Last Year
The Rockets have had a "Jekyl and Hyde" persona the last few seasons with an explosive offensive and sieve-like defense. Last season was no different, and the 5-7 (3-5 MAC) record in Tim Beckman's first season was an accurate reflection of the team's performance. The team moved the ball with ease on everyone except Ohio State, and scored at least 20 points on everyone else. The defense, on the other hand, couldn't stop anyone and only held two teams to under 30 points (lowest was 19). This team isn't far from competing, they were one of the top MAC squads in the first half of the decade, but the defense has to make a few stops. If they can manage that, Tim Beckman will have a long and productive stay here.
Offense
QB Aaron Opelt was a steadying influence on the Rockets' offense the last 4 years, making it run with its usual efficiency. Unfortunately he's moved on, so the job falls to Austin Dantin (66.4% comp, 962 yds, 4 TDs, 4 INTs), who was solid backing up Opelt, but was inconsistent on camp. He got the job regardless, and will be backed up by redshirt freshman Terrence Owens. RB Morgan Williams (74-444-2) returns to the starting role this season. He ran for 1010 yards in '08. He's a tough, fast runner who can carry the load, but won't be asked to with the Rockets' depth in the backfield. Speedy but slight Adonis Thomas (27-151-0) will be his primary reserve. Four starters return on the offensive line that only allowed 18 sacks last season and should guarantee continuity in the running game. LT Mike VanDerMeulen has started since his (redshirt) freshman season. C Kevin Kowalski is also a multi-year starter, as is RT John Morookian. RG Nate Cole started last season, but must hold off redshirt freshman Zac Kerin, who's looked good in the offseason. The new starter will be junior Phillipkeith Manley who plays regularly in a reserve role. The Toledo line is always a strength and there's no reason to doubt this one will be. Losing receiver Stephen Williams to graduation is tough, but the Rockets return Eric Page (82-1159-7), who's not only the team's best receiver, but probably the conference's. Starting alongside him this season will be junior Kenny Stafford (14-222-2) and sophomore Julian Bellinger (1-2-0). There is talent to burn in reserve, including top recruit James Green. TE Danny Noble (26-257-1) has good hands and is capable of having a big season. His blocking is questionable though he isn't asked to much. Junior Jerome Jones (1-21-0) backs him up. If Dantin plays as well as he did last season, and cuts down on the rookie mistakes, this offense will be explosive again this year.
Defense
The defense may have allowed nearly 38 points per game, but there is talent here. Alex Johnson (22 tkls, 3 sacks) returns at one End spot, and is a solid pass rusher. Sophomore TJ Fatinikun (20 tkls, 1 tfl, 2 sacks) steps in at the other side. Expect last year's starter Douglas Westbrook to play regularly too. The Tackles are new – junior Johnie Roberts, who redshirted last year after transferring from the JUCO ranks; and junior Malcolm Riley (13 tkls, 3 tfls), who started in two and played in all 12. Depth isn't great. This unit should be better than last year's, but still isn't great. The Rockets only use two LBs but one of them, Archie Donald (116 tkls, 2.5 tfls, .5 sacks, 4 PBUs) is an All-MAC talent (3rd Team last year), but there is a big dropoff after him. Sophomore Dan Molls (43 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 1 INT) joins him this season after looking solid in a reserve role last year. There is some experience in reserve, but if Donald goes down, this unit could be in trouble. The Rockets need to replace three starters in their five man secondary, but last year's starter at the "Star" (LB/DB) position, Barry Church, will be the toughest the replace. Sophomore Isaiah Ballard (23 tkls, 2 PBUs) will be the man on the spot. He certainly has the physical skills to succeed. Byron Best (20 tkls, 1 tfl) returns at Corner after a tough freshman season. He'll be joined by senior Desmond Marrow (1 tkl) who tore his ACL in the first game and missed the season. Jermaine Robinson (58 tkls, 3 tfls, 3 sacks, 3 PBUs) did okay at FS last season as a freshman and moves to SS this year. The new FS will be junior Mark Singer (16 tkls, 1 PBU, 1 INT), who had two starts last season. Toledo brought in some JUCOs to improve the depth, but the secondary will probably struggle again this season.
Special Teams
A new Kicker is needed with the graduation of the reliable Alex Steigerwald, and junior Ryan Casano gets first shot. He definitely has the leg for the job. Punter Bill Claus (37.4 gross, 28.7 net, 5 blocked!) returns but needs to drastically improve. Page is a big play waiting to happen as both a KR (25.4) and PR (10.8), but it's unlikely he'll keep both jobs all season. Williams will help with KR job. Works needs to be done on both coverage units. Outside of the return game, this could be a problem unit in 2010.
Next Season
There is an injection of youth at key positions in the Rockets this season that could mean they'll struggle. If Dantin's offseason inconsistency carries over into the season, the offense may have to rely heavily on the running game (no bad thing). The defense is the major concern. Toledo doesn't ask for much – if they could hold teams to around 24 points they should have enough on offense to win. Special Teams looks to be problematic this year too. The OOC schedule is tough, with home games against Arizona and Wyoming, and trips to Purdue and Boise State. They travel to tough Ohio from the East, but get easier Bowling Green and Kent State at home. In their own division, they travel to Eastern Michigan and Northern Illinois, but get everyone else at home. If the offense plays to its usual level, they should match last season's record, but they need the defense and/or special teams to step it up to win more and contend for a bowl game or title.
Western Michigan
Last Year
Last season was a disappointment for the Broncos after talk of bowl games in the preseason. Hiller threw for 3249 yards and 23 TDs to round out a solid career, but there was little running game outside of Brandon West and the defense struggled to stop anyone, finishing 101st in total defense and holding only two teams (EMU and Hofstra) to under 22 points. Cubit has now has two losing seasons in the last three after a bright start to his career. They've lost some key players – Hiller, West, 2nd Team MAC LB Austin Pritchard – but they did bring in ex-Hofstra Head Coach to light a fire under the defense.
Offense
With the steady Hiller gone, WMU hands the keys of the offense to Alex Carder (7-5-27-0-0). He lacks Hiller's experience, but he has a rocket arm, is athletic and a fiery leader who seems to have won over his team-mates. Redshirt freshman Tyler Van Tubbergen backs him up. The running game may struggle even more this season, with no proven Back to replace West (214-1164-10). Aaron Winchester (46-148-1) will start the season, with redshirt freshman Brian Fields backing him up. Four starters from last season's offensive line return, but not all of them may start in 2010. LT Anthony Parker was 1st Team All-MAC last season and is a lock to start. LG Phillip Swanson was 1st Team the year before. Center Nick Mitchell and RG Nick Clemens have been regular starters. The new RT is Michigan transfer sophomore Dann O'Neill. They've good size and depth in reserve (hence the battle for positions), and is potentially better next season. The receiver position is loaded. Robert Arnheim (59-701-3), Jordan White (53-681-4) and Juan Nunez (32-435-6) will make Carder's transition a lot easier. Chleb Ravenell (48-513-0) and Ansel Ponder (39-308-3) provide experienced reserve strength. West (27-217-1) was often used as a receiver, but it remains to be seen whether the new guys can catch consistently. They may not need to.
Defense
Five starters return from last season, but some may not keep their jobs. Cohen is changing the defense to a 4-2-5 which will suit their lack of size. Weston Peiffer (1 tkl, 1 sack) will start at one Tackle spot, with JUCO John Rice at the other. Neither have much experience, but Rice has looked great in camp. Sophomore Paul Hazel (12 tkls, 3 sacks) will start at one End, with Freddie Bishop (30 tkls, 1.5 sacks), who was injured during the spring, or TJ Lynch (7 tkls, .5 sack) at the other. The reserves have little playing experience, so there is a question mark hanging over this unit. The two LBs will be returning starter Deauntay Legrier (44 tkls, 6.5 tfls, .5 sack, 1 PBU) and Wisconsin transfer Dex Jones. Last year's starter, Mitch Zajac (51 tkls, 4.5 tfls, 1 PBU, 1 INT) provides solid depth. The secondary brings three starters back but needs to improve this season. Jamail Berry (58 tkls, 1 tfl, 2 PBUs, 5 INTs) will be there "Rover" – the fifth DB – with both safeties also returning. SS Mario Armstrong (62 tkls, .5 tfl, 4 PBUs) needs to make more plays on the ball, as does FS Doug Wiggins (47 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 1 PBU). The Corners will be new with sophomore Damond Smith (26 tkls, 3 PBUs, 2 INTs) taking one spot and a number of players in the running for the other spot. Deshon Lawrence (29 tkls, 3 PBUs, 1 INT) started three games and has the most experience, but there is plenty of talent among the reserves. This group should improve, but needs some degree of pass rush to help out.
Special Teams
Kicker John Potter (36/38 PATs, 10/15 FGs – 40 long) returns, but he was inconsistent. He's a good kickoff man, so he has the leg to improve his range too. Punter Ben Armer only had a gross of 39.0 (33.6) net, but has excellent placement. Ponder will most likely be the primary KR with West gone and White (8.5) will return punts again this season. Kick coverage was superb, but despite having a Punter with great placement, the coverage was very poor. Some improvement would be welcome, but the unit is solid as it is.
Next Season
Like most programs, there are a few "ifs and buts" regarding predictions for the season. On offense, Carder and a plethora of good receivers will move the ball through the air, but is there a RB who can keep defenses from teeing off. The whole defense should be better, probably later in the season, but the D-Line won't scare anyone. Also, aside from Berry and Legrier, who will make plays for them? Two guys can't carry a defense. The OOC schedule isn't easy, but isn't a world-beater either. A trip to Michigan State, then home against Nicholls State and Idaho before an away trip to Notre Dame. They get Akron (away), Kent State and Bowling Green (away) from the East which is favorable, and their in-division away games are Ball State (good) and CMU (not so good). They have the look of a bowl team, and getting Northern Illinois at home is a big plus in the division race, but they have to answer at least some of those question marks.
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