Rush is surrounded by a deep group of receivers, and the ground attack should improve with a full year from running back Devon Spalding. Central Michigan is aiming even higher in Bonamego’s second year, and the return of quarterback Cooper Rush should keep the Chippewas within striking distance of the top three.
Under first-year coach John Bonamego, the Chippewas tied for the MAC West title at 6-2 in league play last season. Northern Illinois, Toledo and Western Michigan are considered the top three teams, but Central Michigan shouldn’t be overlooked. The league’s top four teams reside in that division this year.
The balance of power in the MAC is clearly slanted to the West Division for 2016. Central Michigan…a Sleeper in the MAC West? Related: Grading College Football's New Coach Hires for 2016Ĥ. However, the Bobcats host Bowling Green and Akron and won’t have to play Northern Illinois or Western Michigan from the West Division in crossover play. Ohio isn’t without its share of personnel concerns, as a quarterback must emerge, and the secondary needs to find three new starters. The Bobcats haven’t had a losing record since 2008 and are a steady winner under coach Frank Solich. With uncertainty at Akron and Bowling Green, Athlon’s pick to win the East is Ohio. However, the Zips return only six starters and must replace five starters on the offensive line. Akron has made progress under coach Terry Bowden and is coming off the best season in program history. Jinks should keep a similar offensive style in place, but he’s never been a head coach or coordinator at the FBS level. Bowling Green has won the last three East Division titles, but the Falcons have a new coach (Mike Jinks) and lose standout quarterback Matt Johnson and receivers Roger Lewis and Gehrig Dieter. The MAC’s East Division was one of the toughest leagues to sort out in Athlon’s prediction meetings for the magazine. Is there a Clear Favorite in the East Division? Another tight race at the top of the division should be expected, but Western Michigan’s favorable home slate should help this program earn its first trip to the MAC title game since 2000.ģ. A deep backfield and standout line leads the way on offense, while the addition of graduate transfers Earl Moore (DT) and Jeremi Powell (LB) add talent to a defense that returns only four starters. While Matt Campbell was a rising star at Toledo, new coach Jason Candle will keep the Rockets in contention for the MAC title. Fleck, and this program has been trending up over the last two seasons. Additionally, Western Michigan has recruited well under coach P.J. Quarterback Zach Terrell is the MAC’s top signal-caller, and receiver Corey Davis should be an All-American pick in 2016. Western Michigan also returns eight starters from a dynamic offense. Why Western Michigan? The Broncos host both the Rockets and Huskies this season – a critical scheduling note after all three teams tied at 6-2 at the top of the league in 2015. It’s a close call at the top, but Western Michigan and Toledo are Athlon’s pick to take the top spots in the West. While Northern Illinois has owned the MAC West over the last six seasons, Athlon is picking against the Huskies in 2016. Related: Athlon's College Football 1-128 Team Rankings for 2016Ģ. The schedule also features a road game at Western Michigan, and the home date against Toledo was moved to U.S. The Huskies lose three All-MAC performers on defense, and two first-team all-conference linemen depart on offense. However, there are obstacles for Carey’s team to overcome. Additionally, new coordinators Kevin Kane (defense) and Mike Uremovich (offense) should provide a spark on both sides of the ball. With Hare back under center, the Huskies should own one of the MAC’s top offenses once again. Injuries were largely to blame for last year’s losses, including a season-ending ailment to starting quarterback Drew Hare in early November. While last season’s six losses were the most since 2009, there’s no reason to panic in DeKalb. And under coach Rod Carey, Northern Illinois has lost only three conference games since 2013. The Huskies have claimed six straight trips to the MAC title game and earned three conference titles in that span. It’s a simple word, but it’s the best way to describe Northern Illinois’ run in the MAC West over the last six years. Will Northern Illinois Win its Seventh West Division Title in a Row?ĭominant. Five Key Questions That Will Shape the MAC in 2016ġ.