Calm down and save the prediction, Flashes. I am. Besides, look at what underestimation has done for the Men's Basketball program. When have we EVER had a pre season prediction better than third in the East last six years? Even in 2002, when we finished 12th in the country, we were a pre season MAC pick for third. So put this in perspective.

The fact is Akron, UCF and Kent are pretty close in the East. A game or two either way is HUGE for any of these teams.

This is why we play the games.

Just a few FYIs: I've heard that WR Scott Gibson has left the team, Isaac Brown has been moved to SS, and Lance Gailliard is being given a shot at CB. Of course, the latter two moves aren't graven in stone.

The DL certainly should be better. In addition to the now-known commodity of Bazuin, we return much more experience than last season, when CMU replaced all four starters. Moreover, Ball State's old DC moved on when DeBord did, and that's no bad thing.

I personally see no fewer than five wins for CMU this season, and the seven you predicted are certainly possible. :)

FlashFan Wrote:Calm down and save the prediction, Flashes. I am. Besides, look at what underestimation has done for the Men's Basketball program. When have we EVER had a pre season prediction better than third in the East last six years? Even in 2002, when we finished 12th in the country, we were a pre season MAC pick for third. So put this in perspective.

The fact is Akron, UCF and Kent are pretty close in the East. A game or two either way is HUGE for any of these teams.

This is why we play the games.

Good for us we get Kent and Akron at home :)

FlashFan Wrote:Calm down and save the prediction, Flashes. I am. Besides, look at what underestimation has done for the Men's Basketball program. When have we EVER had a pre season prediction better than third in the East last six years? Even in 2002, when we finished 12th in the country, we were a pre season MAC pick for third. So put this in perspective.

The fact is Akron, UCF and Kent are pretty close in the East. A game or two either way is HUGE for any of these teams.

This is why we play the games.

Anyone who ever picks Kent to lose is basketball (or baseball, for that matter) is a d@mned fool!

Kent's been the winningest BB program in the MAC the last five years.

Uh, six, actually. All 20 win seasons.
But who's counting? :D

The Knight Time Wrote:UCF- 3-8????

Come on..... :rolleyes:

UCF looks like 5-3 in the MAC.The talent has been there and O'Leary
will get it to produce.

UCF One correction- Jon Rivera is no longer on the team, he will be graduating this summer. Our 2nd/3rd string qb is Jerry Connell (in O'Leary's dog house right now).
FYI- George Godsey (ex-GT QB) is now on board as a consultant for the QB staff.
Our O-line (although young) will be improved due to new Strength and Conditioning Coach (from GT) and Coach Gilbert being a welcomed addition. 3 wins would be really disappointing, 5-6 wins seem about right-IMO.

Nick,
I always enjoy your work...even if I disagree. I think the West is a toss up with BG, NIU and UT. Obviously, NIU has the advantage of hosting BG and UT.

The East looks like a toss up as well with Miami & Marshall. My darkhorse is Akron. IF that Zips D gets in gear, I like the Zips to surprise both M & M at the Rubber Bowl. The ZIps usually play lights out at the RB.

Good, solid review. Keep up the good work!

GO FALCONS!!! GO MAC!!!!

Oddball Wrote:

DrTorch Wrote:I'm surprised to see Charles Sharon left off the All-Vandelay squad for BG.

I think you give home field advantage too much credit...but BG struggles w/ WMU too often too.

I don't think the West will be as orderly as you predict.

Me too. Sharon is BG's best, imo, in a very good group of WRs. He should top the list for them.

Man, I hate saying anything good about the poopy pumpkin crowd,

Oh Oddball, that was so sweet!

Damn, always the bridesmaid, never the bride in the West. Hopefully this is the year NIU gets over the hump!