05-25-2016, 06:12 PM
Western
The best Directional Michigan MAC Team looks to be Western (sorry Central), as PJ Fleck will start enjoying the fruits of a roster comprised almost entirely by his own relatively highly-rated recruiting classes. The Broncos have continually signed the best classes in the MAC during Fleck’s tenure, and the talent advantage they have should pay dividends yet again – mostly on the back of what should be a powerful and balanced offense. They return All-MAC candidates at quarterback and receiver in Zach Terrell and Corey Davis, and boast a strong running back tandem in Jamauri Bogan and Jarvion Franklin; most of a stable offensive line returns, though the best lineman (LT Willie Beavers) graduated. Western’s defense has worryingly plateaued at mediocre as its offense has improved year-over-year under Fleck – perhaps a bevy of returning starters will see an experience bump. Last year, Western faced Michigan State and Ohio State in non-conference play, and get Northwestern and Illinois this year, which is a considerable upgrade. With an upset or two, WMU could quickly stake a claim as one of the frontrunners for a spot as the Group of 5’s New Year’s Six representative.
The best Directional Michigan MAC Team looks to be Western (sorry Central), as PJ Fleck will start enjoying the fruits of a roster comprised almost entirely by his own relatively highly-rated recruiting classes. The Broncos have continually signed the best classes in the MAC during Fleck’s tenure, and the talent advantage they have should pay dividends yet again – mostly on the back of what should be a powerful and balanced offense. They return All-MAC candidates at quarterback and receiver in Zach Terrell and Corey Davis, and boast a strong running back tandem in Jamauri Bogan and Jarvion Franklin; most of a stable offensive line returns, though the best lineman (LT Willie Beavers) graduated. Western’s defense has worryingly plateaued at mediocre as its offense has improved year-over-year under Fleck – perhaps a bevy of returning starters will see an experience bump. Last year, Western faced Michigan State and Ohio State in non-conference play, and get Northwestern and Illinois this year, which is a considerable upgrade. With an upset or two, WMU could quickly stake a claim as one of the frontrunners for a spot as the Group of 5’s New Year’s Six representative.