Previewing the MAC East Division

Ohio Bobcats:

The Bobcats only played three games in 2020 and then veteran Coach Frank Solich retired because of health reasons this summer. So, how will they react to a new coach? No one can predict those things. The offense is always good and run-oriented and the offensive line is solid as usual. They have two quarterbacks to choose from and both have winning qualities. The defense is formidable and has several upperclassmen on the roster. They should be ready for a division title run.

Players to Watch: QB, Kurtis Rourke, RB, De’Montre Tucker, WR, Isiah Cox, S, Jarren Hampton, LB, Jeremiah Wood, DT, Kai Caesar

Must Wins: Duquesne, at Akron, Central Michigan, Miami (Ohio), at Eastern Michigan, at Bowling Green

Toss-Up Games They Need to Win But Could Lose: Syracuse, at Buffalo, Kent State, Toledo

Probable Losses: at Louisville, at Northwestern

Predicted Finish: 1st Place in the MAC East Division Overall Record: 8-4

Buffalo Bulls:

Buffalo, much like Ohio, lost head coach Lance Leopold to Kansas in late April. That will cast an uncertainty for 2021. The offense is returning six starters but they are all experienced and talented. The defense was the best in the league in 2020 and 8 of them are back. This looks like a very solid team.

Players to Watch: QB, Kyle Vantrease, RB, Kevin Marks, DE, Taylor Riggins (first-team All-MAC), LB, James Patterson (first-team All-MAC), S, Tyrone Hill

Must Wins: Wagner, at Old Dominion, Western Michigan, at Akron, Bowling Green, Northern Illinois

Toss-Up Games They Need to Win But Could Lose: Coastal Carolina, at Kent State, Ohio, at Miami (Ohio)

Probable Losses: at Nebraska, at Ball State

Predicted Finish: 2nd Place in MAC East Division Overall Record: 8-4

Kent State Golden Flashes:

The program is on an upswing for the first time since the 70’s. They have a star quarterback and eight more starters back from a prolific offense that rolled up 49 points per game in 2020. If they can get the defense to improve and carry their weight the Golden Flashes could be a surprise. They will navigate through a brutal non-conference schedule and stay injury-free.

Players to Watch: QB, Dustin Crum (1,181 passing yards with 12 TDs in only 4 games), RB, Marquez Cooper, WR, Ja’Shaun Poke, DE, Zayin West

Must Wins: VMI, Bowling Green, Northern Illinois, at Akron

Toss-Up Games They Need to Win But Could Lose: at Western Michigan, Buffalo, at Central Michigan, Miami (Ohio)

Probable Losses: at Texas A&M, at Iowa, at Maryland, at Ohio

Predicted Finish: 3rd Place in the MAC East Division Overall Record: 5-7

Miami (Ohio) Redhawks:

Coach Chuck Martin has stabilized the program during his 7 years and they are coming off a 3-game season from 2020. They have a pair of talented quarterbacks, with experience at running back and receiver. There are 8 starters back on defense and it will feature some playmakers. They have a difficult 3-game stretch (at Ball State, at Ohio, Buffalo) and that will be a key to their season.

Players to Watch: QB, Brett Gabbert, RB, Jaylon Bester, WR, Jack Sorenson, DE, Kameron Butler, LB, Ryan McWood, S, Mike Brown

Must Wins: LIU Post (who?), Central Michigan, at Eastern Michigan, Akron, Bowling Green

Toss-Up Games They Need to Win But Could Lose: at Army, at Kent State, Buffalo

Probable Losses: at Cincinnati, at Minnesota, at Ball State, at Ohio

Predicted Finish: 4th Place in the MAC East Division Overall Record: 5-7

Bowling Green Falcons:

The Falcons had it going in the early 2000’s but that is ancient history. They were winless last year in only 5 games and had one of the worst offenses in major-college football. Only three starters return and maybe that is a good thing. They will get some help from a couple of transfers to try and improve. The defense sucked also and allowed 45 points per game. This is mess and patience is needed.

Players to Watch: RB, Terion Stewart, WR, Tyrone Broden, DE, Karl Brooks, LB, Darren Anders, S, Jordan Anderson

Must Wins: Murray State, Akron, Eastern Michigan

Toss-Up Games They Need to Win But Could Lose: South Alabama, at Northern Illinois

Probable Losses: at Tennessee, at Minnesota, at Kent State, at Buffalo, Toledo, at Miami (Ohio), Ohio

Predicted Finish: 5th Place in the MAC East Division Overall Record: 3-9

Akron Zips:

The good news is there are 16 returning starters from 2020. The bad news is that team was awful. There is some hope with the offensive line decent and a good running back. The defense is decent at linebacker and the secondary but very vulnerable upfront. Looks like another rebuilding year.

Players to Watch: RB, Ten Dollard, LB, Bubba Arsianian, LB, Brandon Bischof, CB, A.J. Watts

Must Wins: Bryant, at Bowling Green

Toss-Up Games They Need to Win But Could Lose: at Western Michigan, at Miami (Ohio), Kent State

Probable Losses: at Auburn, Temple, at Ohio State, Ohio, Buffalo, at Toledo, Ball State

Predicted Finish: 6th Place in the MAC East Division Overall Record: 1-11