The Red Zone Report | 2008 MAC Preview Part I: Can Chippewas three-peat in crowded conference?

NCAA Football

2008 MAC Preview Part I: Can Chippewas three-peat in crowded conference?

By Eddie Griffin ⋅ May 22, 2008 ⋅ Subscribe to The Red Zone Report

Can LeFevour and the Chippewas break away from the pack in 2008? For the last two seasons, Central Michigan has been the class of the MAC, as the Chippewas have gone 14-2 in conference play and won back to back MAC championships.

Butch Jones‘ Chippewas are armed for a three-peat, thanks to one of the most explosive offenses in the nation.

Last season, the Chippewa offense averaged 34.8 points and 447 yards per game, led by junior-to-be Dan LeFevour, who threw for 3,652 yards and ran for 1,122, and accounted for 47 touchdowns total (27 passing, 19 rushing, 1 receiving).

CMU might be the team to beat, but there are many teams who have a chance to take the 2008 MAC title, which should make for an exciting season.

Conference Favorites

Last season, Miami of Ohio edged out Bowling Green in the East for the MAC title game berth. Who’ll emerge as the beast of the East this year?

It looks like it could come down to those two again, as they both return eight offensive starters and nine defensive starters.

This could finally be Buffalo’s year, after a season in 2007 that showed how much promise the program has.

Turner Gill’s Bulls went 5-7 (5-3 MAC) last year, and thankfully for the Bulls’ present and future, he wasn’t lured away by Nebraska, his alma mater. The Bulls are primed for a title run, with all but one starter back on offense and eight of 11 returning on defense. They’re definitely going to miss Trevor Scott (10 sacks), linebackers Larry Hutchinson (88 tackles, 19 for loss, 5.5 sacks) and Kareem Byrom (86 tackles, 5 for loss), but they aren’t short of experience in any area, and should have one of the best secondaries in the MAC.

In the West, Central Michigan should claim the crown yet again, though it will come down to a defense that had issues stopping teams last year.

But, Western Michigan has all 11 defensive starters back and eight more back on offense, and they could very well knock CMU off of their perch.

Ball State should definitely be a factor in the West as well. Their offense will put a lot of points, as star QB Nate Davis has two top-notch targets in Dante Love and Darius Hill, and a lot of key players return on defense led by linebacker Bryant Haines, defensive end Brandon Crawford (60 tackles, 17 for loss, 8 sacks), and a trio of Trey Lewis, B.J. Hill, and Alex Knipp, who combined for 14 interceptions last season.

Darkhorses

Temple could also make some noise in the East. The Owls return all but one starter, and should have the best defense in the MAC. The question is: can they get it done on offense? QB Adam DiMichele and RB Jason Harper are the keys to answering that question.

Toledo has had consecutive 5-7 seasons, but they could get back to winning ways in 2008. QB Aaron Opelt had a solid sophomore season (1,756 yards, 12 TD, 7 INT), and should have a big 2008, with leading receivers Nick Moore and Stephen Williams returning. Jalen Parmele is off to the NFL, but DaJuane Collins (639 yards, 7 TD) could really break out. The defense struggled last season, but eight starters are back, and that could translate into improvement - and a title run.

East

1. Bowling Green: With junior QB Tyler Sheehan and a deep backfield leading a potent offense, and nine starters back on defense, I give the Falcons the edge in the East. However, an offensive line with three new starters cant falter, and the defense must see some improvement. That blowout bowl loss to Tulsa (63-7) no doubt left a bitter pill, so expect the Falcons to come out with a fire in 2008.

2. Miami (OH): The key to their title charge is offense and the kicking game (only 18 of 30 on field goals last season). If QB Daniel Raudabaugh can be efficient, and the running game can produce consistently, the Redhawks could end up in the title game yet again. The defense was pretty decent last year, and should be even better this year.

3. Buffalo: No longer is it crazy to think this program can win. QB Drew Willy and RB James Starks will lead a productive offense, while the defense should thrive.

4. Temple: The Owls return all 11 starters from a defense that was tops in the MAC last year. If an offense that has potential improves, a team that, like Buffalo, has long been a doormat, could be a winner.

5. Kent State: The Golden Flashes return many starters on both sides of the ball, including RB Eugene Jarvis, who ran for 1,669 yards in 2007.

6. Akron: There are some pieces on offense, but the defense takes a big hit, and losing star receiver Jabari Arthur hurts as well.

7. Ohio: The Bobcats lose QB Brad Bower and RB Kalvin McRae, but the defense could be pretty good. If QB Theo Scott, who took over starting duties from Bower late last season, can shine in a full-time role, Ohio’s hopes for a big year are a lot better.

West

1. Central Michigan: That offense will win them a lot of games, but the defense doesn’t need to lose any if they want to stay here.

2. Ball State: Their offense is a notch below CMU’s, but the defense could propel them to the top.

3. Western Michigan: There’s a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball. Will it equal a championship run?

4. Toledo: The Rockets could sneak up to make a run, but a lot of it hinges on defensive improvement.

5. Eastern Michigan: There are quite a few holes to fill, but the Eagles could pull some upsets, with a talented QB in Andy Schmitt and a defense led by linebacker Daniel Holtzclaw and free safety Ryan Downard.

6. Northern Illinois: New coach Jerry Kill will have a lot of returnees to work with, including likely first-day draft pick Larry English and an experienced QB in Dan Nicholson, along with Justin Anderson, who ran for 1,245 yards and eight touchdowns in 2007. But how smooth will the transition be?

Part II of the preview will come tomorrow, with an all-conference team, key recruits, and 2008’s key games.

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