I know it's still early but I would like to see everyone's predictions for the coming season. I see us at 6-6 or 7-5 with losses to Boston College, Indiana, Marshall, Bowling Green and 1 or 2 losses to Ball State, Toledo and Northern Illinois. I feel like we are being underrated by the 'experts', but because of the last 5 years I can't blame them for their viewpoint. When you look at how much experience we have coming back and how close we were at the end of last year I think we have more reason to be optimistic this year than anytime in the last 6 years or so. <img border="0" alt="[Cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/cheers.gif" />

I see anywhere from 5-7 to 7-5. The non-conf. schedule is not intimidating, with BC probably the best of the bunch, and we get BGSU, WMU, BAll State, and Marshall at home. EMU and Akron on the road are no gimmies, but wins are certainly possible. Although we haven't beaten Toledo in a number of years, the Rockets stand to be a bit down this season after losing a load of talent, so we could steal one south of the (MI) border.

Offense: should be improved, with a strong running game, a deep and experienced OL, and more depth and experience at WR than we've had in a while. QB is the major issue, but even slight improvement at that position could mean the difference in close games (see NIU, WMI, BSU last season).

Defense: a bigger, deeper, and more experienced front seven should mean better run defense and more pressure on opposing QBs. The secondary returns emerging talent Ron Bartell at FS and depth supplied by Sr. Bryan Keim. CB is a "?", but DeBord has hinted about good things to come this fall. At least three guys have apparently impressed the coaches.

Special Teams: P is set, but the search for a reliable FG and placekicker continues. Kick-blocking could again be a real weapon, but our return and coverage units must be more consistent and HOLD ONTO THE DARN BALL!

<small>[ June 05, 2002, 11:04 PM: Message edited by: CMichFan ]</small>

4-8 to 6-6

just my prediction