Y! Sports - MAC spring preview: One in and one out means the league will have 13 teams again

Quote:A year ago, the MAC had 13 teams. Last week, it had 14. Today, it’s back to 13.

Massachusetts is making the move from the FCS ranks to the FBS, and the Minutemen’s addition would’ve given the MAC 14 teams. As such, the league had planned to play with two seven-team divisions this fall. But Temple announced Wednesday it was pulling out and heading to the Big East this fall. Once the school agreed to pay $6 million to the MAC, the league bid farewell.

Here’s a look at the MAC’s 13 teams as they prepare for spring practice:

Dated: Mar 8, 2012.

Northern Illinois
Spring practice opens: March 28
Spring game: April 21
Buzz: NIU relied heavily on its offense last season; that is going to have to change this season. Star QB Chandler Harnish is gone, as are four starting linemen, the starting tailback and a starting wide receiver. The new quarterback should be Jordan Lynch, who is a strong runner but a mystery as a passer. The defense routinely was shredded last season, but eight starters are back. Coaches are hoping the experience gained last season will be a boost this season. Still, linebacker is a big-time position of worry.



Research people, research!

Quote:Spring practice opens: March 20
Spring game: April 14
Buzz: The offense has its moments last season, but the defense generally was quite bad, especially against the pass. Buffalo is looking for a new starting quarterback, a new go-to receiver and a new left tackle. TB Branden Oliver is a good one, and he should become even more important to the offense. Defensively, the Bulls are losing key players at each level: a lineman, a linebacker and a strong safety. But the bulk of the starters are back, and if coaches can find some more pass rushers, this could be an OK unit.

Yea we return a guy who led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns (and did it while missing three games with a broke wrist..)

I think Buffalo will be NIU's toughest home conference game this season.

(04-05-2012 07:21 AM)Howl-n-Prowl Wrote:  I think Buffalo will be NIU's toughest home conference game this season.

I don't know were still rudderless behind center..

Zordich is still "the guy" but I'm not sold with the work he has done. Licata, a freshman, is #2 right now.

Receivers are shaping up nice, Oliver should be good, the o line should be better but I'm not sold on the defense yet.

(04-05-2012 08:18 AM)Bull_In_Exile Wrote:  

(04-05-2012 07:21 AM)Howl-n-Prowl Wrote:  I think Buffalo will be NIU's toughest home conference game this season.

I don't know were still rudderless behind center..

Zordich is still "the guy" but I'm not sold with the work he has done. Licata, a freshman, is #2 right now.

Receivers are shaping up nice, Oliver should be good, the o line should be better but I'm not sold on the defense yet.

If your RB is back, you'll be tough.

How is the returning starters situation on Defense?

(04-05-2012 08:19 AM)Howl-n-Prowl Wrote:  

(04-05-2012 08:18 AM)Bull_In_Exile Wrote:  

(04-05-2012 07:21 AM)Howl-n-Prowl Wrote:  I think Buffalo will be NIU's toughest home conference game this season.

I don't know were still rudderless behind center..

Zordich is still "the guy" but I'm not sold with the work he has done. Licata, a freshman, is #2 right now.

Receivers are shaping up nice, Oliver should be good, the o line should be better but I'm not sold on the defense yet.

If your RB is back, you'll be tough.

How is the returning starters situation on Defense?

UB is bringing back 16 starters this year we lost three on O and three on D.

D is pretty spread out one lineman, one linebacker, and one D-Back. Steven Means and Khalil Mack are the big returners but eveything is going to hinge on the D.

We have a new defensive coordinator in Tepper (Inge went to the Bills).

(04-05-2012 08:32 AM)Bull_In_Exile Wrote:  

(04-05-2012 08:19 AM)Howl-n-Prowl Wrote:  

(04-05-2012 08:18 AM)Bull_In_Exile Wrote:  

(04-05-2012 07:21 AM)Howl-n-Prowl Wrote:  I think Buffalo will be NIU's toughest home conference game this season.

I don't know were still rudderless behind center..

Zordich is still "the guy" but I'm not sold with the work he has done. Licata, a freshman, is #2 right now.

Receivers are shaping up nice, Oliver should be good, the o line should be better but I'm not sold on the defense yet.

If your RB is back, you'll be tough.

How is the returning starters situation on Defense?

UB is bringing back 16 starters this year we lost three on O and three on D.

D is pretty spread out one lineman, one linebacker, and one D-Back. Steven Means and Khalil Mack are the big returners but eveything is going to hinge on the D.

We have a new defensive coordinator in Tepper (Inge went to the Bills).

Okay. Yeah, I stand by what I said then, definitely think Buffalo will be the toughest test for the Huskies at home against a conference foe.

Your RB runs hard and plays bigger than he is listed. Your D was pretty hard-nosed as it was last year and probably should be improved. I think it'll be a tough game.