The question has been asked who do you think will win the MAC east. Now let's see who everyone thinks will win the West. I think it is more up in the air than the east, and anyone but EMU and maybe CMU has a reasonable shot. I think CMU and Ball St. will play spoilers in a 4 team race though.
If WMU figures out the QB controversy before the Michigan game I think we can return to the position where we were 2 years ago with the division locked up before losing as 35 point favorites at smelly shorts to the chips, and watching our shot at a ranking go away. <img border="0" alt="[Drinky]" title="" src="graemlins/drinky.gif" />

If Toledo gels early, they could walk through the West. They're loaded at RB and have the MAC's best O line. QB and D line will need to step up early, though. Otherwise, like a couple of years ago, they could be the strongest team at the end of the season, but watching a team they beat easily going to the MACC.

My guess is that Toledo, WMU, BG and NIU will be beating the hell out of each other, with BSU playing their usual spoiler role.

Toledo will be better than most think, and they will still have a shot going into their last 3 games - @ WMU, @ NIU, and then home against BG.

That being said, I really like NIU's chances if Thomas Hammock stays healthy at RB and their QB does not make mistakes - he doesn't have to be great as long as he doesn't make a lot of mistakes. NIU returns 9 starters on defense and have both Toledo and BG at home.

BG will be good, but has to play @ NIU and @ UT. Final standings for these 3 will be:

NIU 6-2 MAC - wins tiebreaker by beating BG
BG 6-2 MAC
UT 5-3 MAC - tough schedule with the crossover games

Now I am sure this post will start the debate!

NIU has a real good feeling about this next year - unfortunately, we still don't have EVERYTHING coming together all at once - having our QB set is the only thing we are currently missing - I know, I know, you need a QB. But we will be two deep on D with talent and experience, including possibly the best LB corps in the MAC and certainly the best overall secondary.

UT can't lose Taylor and both TBs and expect to hit on all cylinders, but I do expect them to be a good team and a factor in the West. I'm not sure BG will be as great as many think, simply because they appear to have taken a big hit on D, and that undoubtedly was a big factor in their run last year. WMU may play spoiler, but IMO won't be a top West team. CMU is still not quite there, and EMU.....well, I'll leave 'em alone! BSU is too inconsistent, IMO, to finish at the top. <img border="0" alt="[Cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/cheers.gif" />

RB is not an issue at UT. As crazy as it sounds, look for Toledo's offense to actually be more productive with Taylor gone.

Oddball is right. Bratton did not play last year because of injury. This kid is big and will knock down some would-be tacklers. Trinity Dawson has some good moves and can catch the ball out of the backfield.

Then their's Quinton Broussard. If he lives up to the hype right away, he will be seeing playing time this fall. In Texas, he reminds people of Barry Sanders. Stutz has told Broussard that he will be given an opportunity this year if he produces in practices.

On another note, WR Perry Ivery will be a name you will hear alot in the future. Depending on circumstances he may redshirt this fall, but this kid can play.

Question for UT fans: who do you expect to start at QB? I haven't seen this addressed, and it could be a major sticking point, even with the OL and -- possibly -- RBs set. Become too one-dimensional, and life could get difficult (believe me: even a slightly better passing game last season, and CMU may have gone 6-5).

My prediction? Well, for today...

1) BGSU - if the Falcons field a decent defense, they'll be hard to stop.

2) NIU - find a QB, and everyone else may be chasing the Huskies.

3) CMU - call this a homer pick, I won't be offended.

4) Ball State - agree with whoever mentioned inconsistency and the Cards. Probably enough talent to challenge for the West crown, but BSU underachieves again.

5) WMU - Could have a tough "D", if the secondary shows up. Offense is full of ?s, starting with: who plays QB & will the OL be improved...?

6) Toledo - Sorry, UT fans, but your team will have to convince me it can reload after losing so much offensive talent and your whole starting DL. Also: you'll have to address that penalty problem.

7) EMU - too young, among other problems.

Quick note: after the top two spots, I really believe any team, except maybe EMU, could finish 3rd-6th. I had a hard time rating those positions, and I see some fine lines.

<small>[ June 05, 2002, 05:06 PM: Message edited by: CMichFan ]</small>

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by CMichFan:
Question for UT fans: who do you expect to start at QB?</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I think it will be Jones. He is #1 on the depth chart going into 2 a days. It is pretty much down to him and redshirt frosh Bruce Gradkowski.

In the Spring, Jones looked more consistent.

Here's why I think BG could win the West. On offense, they should be even stronger than last year. 1-Harris (QB) gained tremendous experience last year and by season's end was outstanding. After BG's win against Northwestern where Harris ran and threw for over 600 yards, he was named National Offensive Player of the Week by ESPN Magazine. 2-The running game should be stronger because of the larger and more talented stable of running backs including returning backs, red shirt freshmen, and 2 incoming freshmen (Stover finished 2nd for Ohio's Mr. Football). Now, on defense, it's true that several players graduated. However, opponents should beware. Coach Meyer, who does not speak lightly, says the defense will be "very fast". The secondary will be faster and deeper than last year. There are several young players, including red shirt freshmen like Jamal Bryant (probably at nose tackle) and a Jr. College player or two who will be stepping in. What should help is that these new players will be able to gain experience before some of the bigger conference games later in the season. The final game at Toledo should be a barn burner. So-I'm picking BG. A final note-I'm predicting that Marshall will lose a home conference game and may well not win in the East. Miami should pose a threat if they do not get banged up badly in their brutal early out of conference schedule and UCF is already hyped big time to play at Marshall.

Salsa:

Looks like CMU-BGSU this year could feature contrasting systems: a speed defense versus a power offense. Should be fun to watch!