ESPN.com - Marshall's perfect season raises standard in MAC

ESPN.com: College Football

Monday, July 10, 2000
Updated: July 12, 12:02 PM ET
Marshall's perfect season raises standard in MAC

By Joe Wojciechowski
ESPN.com

Last season, Marshall raised the bar for the Mid-American Conference.

No longer can teams settle for a nice season. Marshall's perfect 13-0 season and No. 10 final season ranking showed the MAC can be a player on the national scene. Will the MAC have a top-10 team again this season? Probably not, but there are some good teams.

Marshall has to replace QB Chad Pennington, but the Thundering Herd still has enough talent to defend its MAC title. Other teams such as Akron and Toledo are catching up, though, and it should be an entertaining season.

MAC East

Akron Zips
1999 record: 7-4
Coach: Lee Owens
Returning starters: 14 (8 offense, 6 defense)

Outlook: Words not usually heard outside Akron: "Gee, let's go to Akron." Words not usually heard inside Akron: "The Zips could win the MAC Championship." Well, at least the latter is finally being said. Akron could make a run at the East title thanks to a slew of returning starters, including QB Butchie Washington. Washington, a fifth-year senior, is a mobile quarterback who has assumed more of the leadership role this spring. He has the talent and receivers to make things happen. Lavel Bailey and Jake Schifino form a nice running back tandem, and sophomore RB Brandon Payne is a speedster who keeps defenses respecting the run. The line loses three starters but gets a nice boost from Temple transfer tackle Konrad Dean.

Season Openers
Team	Date	Opponent
Akron	9/2	at Va. Tech
Ball State	9/2	at Florida
Bowl.Green	9/2	at Michigan
Buffalo	9/2	at Syracuse
C. Michigan	9/2	at Purdue
E. Michigan	9/2	Connecticut
Kent	9/2	at Pittsburgh
Marshall	8/31	SEMO St.
Miami	9/2	at Vanderbilt
N. Illinois	8/31	at Northwestern
Ohio	8/31	at Iowa State
Toledo	9/2	at Penn State
W. Michigan	8/31	at Wisconsin

Defensively, the Zips struggle on the line to create a push, but make up for it at linebacker, where Lou Mackey, Marquis Hayes and Ryan Myers give Akron three good starters. Dwight Smith is back at cornerback to lead a secondary that received a boost from Rich Reilly's move from cornerback to free safety. Reilly's move clears the way for Jesse Smith to start at the other cornerback slot strengthening the secondary.

Question mark: Will the defensive line be good enough? The Zips have struggled in the past, allowing nearly 200 yards rushing a game last season. There hasn't been a head-turner this spring on the line and if the Zips want to contend, they'll need to upgrade this unit in the fall.

Keep an eye on: WR Lavel Bailey. Bailey runs a 4.3, 40-yard dash and benches 300 pounds. In non-football talk, he's fast and strong. That's a pretty good combo for a receiver. Remember the phrase "Washington to Bailey" because you'll hear it all the time this fall.

Bowling Green Falcons
1999 record: 5-6
Coach: Gary Blackney
Returning starters: 14 (5 offense, 9 defense)

Outlook: Five new Bowling Green assistant coaches hope to turn the Falcons' fortunes around, but it won't be easy. The offense can rely on RBs Joe Alls and Godfrey Lewis, a pair of speedsters who combined for more than 1,000 yards and 10 TDs last season. Quarterback Andy Sahm is solid and has a nice target in junior WR Kurt Gerling. But Bowling Green was hit hard at receiver when Robert Redd transferred to Louisville and backup Matt Bunsey left the program. Aaron Alexander suffered an ankle injury this spring and missed most of the workouts leaving Andre Pinchem, a converted DB, as one of the main targets. The line features Rob Fehrman, who has NFL talent, but must find replacements for three starters.

Defensively, the Falcons have depth and experience. The line returns three starters as well as D.J. Durkin, who missed most of last season with injuries. The linebackers are solid and will receive a boost with incoming freshman Marlon Anderson. The secondary has a pair of talented safeties in Chad Long and Carl Rose, but the cornerbacks remain a huge concern. Redshirt freshman CB Michael Malone played well this spring, but this is an area that will bother the Falcons all year.

Question mark: Will the Falcons be able to cover anyone? Bowling Green hopes incoming freshman Justin Jackson can help solve this problem area.

Keep an eye on: LT Rob Fehrman. Fehrman, a 6-7, 300-pound blocking machine, will have NFL scouts watching his every move.

Buffalo Bulls
1999 record: 0-11
Coach: Craig Cirbus
Returning starters: 10 (4 offense, 6 defense)

Outlook: It's never easy joining Division I-A and Buffalo figured that out the hard way last year. It's not going to be any easier, but this spring they had simple goals of improving and they did. Junior QB Joe Freedy started every game last season, had a nice spring and is now considered a strong point of the team. Junior Derrick Gordon is experienced, but Bam McDonald is the better back. They are deep at receiver, but the line is a major concern as four of the five starters graduated. They did everything but hold open auditions this spring, but are still working on this area heading into the fall.

Defensively, the line is in such good shape, they were moving people over to the offense. Marcus Cole, Bob Dzvonick and Steve Fleming form the best group on the team. The linebackers are stronger and should be more of a force this season. The secondary, though, could be in trouble considering their best player, FS Craig Rohlfs, missed spring drills due to shoulder surgery.

Question mark: Will the experience help? The Bulls are talking tougher having been through this D-I thing last year. They have a new attitude, but unless they have more size and speed, not much will change.

Keep an eye on: RB Bam McDonald. The sophomore is an injury magnet, but when healthy, he's exciting to watch.

Kent Golden Flashes
1999 record: 2-9
Coach: Dean Pees
Returning starters: 15 (7 offense, 8 defense)

Outlook: Things are looking up for Kent. The Golden Flashes return four starters on the offensive line and feature some talented players at skill positions. Running back Chante Murphy has big-play potential, but is inconsistent. Zach Williams will take over at QB and is a classic drop-back passer. He has a strong arm and good receivers, highlighted by Jurron Kelly.

Defensively, Kent needs to rebuild its secondary and it's up to underclassman like Abdur Kahn, Justin Baughman and Reggie Crook to fill the void. The front seven will be more aggressive and athletic. Rashan Hall leads a solid linebacker group and the line will rotate several players in effort to keep them fresh and strong.

Question mark: Will the secondary make the plays? With that much youth and inexperience, the Golden Flashes will need a big learning curve.

Keep an eye on: RB Chante Murphy. Murphy has the speed and power to make things happen, he just doesn't always do it. If he gets everything together, he could help the Golden Flashes to a winning record.

Marshall Thundering Herd
1999 record: 13-0
Coach: Bob Pruett
Returning starters: 11 (5 offense, 6 defense)

Outlook: Rebuild? Hardly. Reload is more like it. Marshall has won three straight MAC titles and Pruett isn't about to concede a fourth despite the fact he lost 11 starters. Byron Leftwich gets the unenviable task of replacing Heisman Trophy finalist Chad Pennington. Leftwich started the spring slowly, but played better as the workouts progressed and is the starter heading into the fall. The receivers will help make the transition easier as the Thundering Herd has four players -- highlighted by Nate Poole -- with big-play ability. Junior college All-American Ernest Pitts is the starting running back, but Preutt won't hesitate to plug in Brandon Carey or Chanston Rogers. The line is a bit of a mess, but RG Jimmy Cabellos is a stud and Pruett will have this group in order before the season starts.

Defensively, Marshall is aggressive and can afford to be with one of the best secondaries in the conference. Cornerbacks Danny Derricott and Maurice Hines are all-american candidates and as good as any tandem in the country. The line is very good with pass rusher supreme Paul Toviessi leading the way. The linebackers are solid with Max Yates back in the middle.

Question mark: How will Leftwich handle the pressure of replacing Pennington? The 6-5, 224-pound sophomore has the tools to run Marshall's precision attack, but should he stumble a bit, will he remain confident? More importantly, will Pruett remain confident in him?

Keep an eye on: CBs Danny Derricott and Maurice Hines. The pair is like nothing MAC receivers are used to seeing. Derricott is a gambler, but will make more big plays than he gives up. Hines is simply the best pure cover guy in the MAC and one of the best anywhere.

Miami RedHawks
1999 record: 7-4
Coach: Terry Hoeppner
Returning starters: 10 (4 offense, 6 defense)

Outlook: No more Travis Prentice means no more run-oriented offense. Quarterback Mike Bath will run a smaller version of the West Coast offense for Miami. Bath's not flashy, but he's steady, smart and gets the job done. He'll hook up with WR Sly Johnson, who looks fine after reconstructive knee surgery, and a receiver corps that showed marked improvement this spring. Junior Steve Little takes over at tailback for Prentice, but the bigger concern is the line, where the coaches are trying to install a quicker, athletic style that hasn't quite taken yet.

Defensively, the line is talented highlighted by DT Andy Aracri, who had nine sacks last season, and DEs Joe Lyman and Bob Petrovic. Add in Phil Smith, who adds speed to the unit, and this is the strength of this team. The linebackers need some work as only Mike Montgomery is player with starting experience. They will need a big year from MLB Nick Monk. The secondary receives a boost with Brian Godsey's return at cornerback, but still has some questions heading into the fall.

Question mark: Can anyone replace Prentice? No, but Little isn't a bad option. He has talent and with the RedHawks passing the ball more, Little could have more running room.

Keep an eye on: DT Andy Aracri. Aracri went from walk-on to an all-conference caliber player. He led the MAC in tackle for loss last season and with the linebacker situation murky, he'll need to make plays at the line.

Ohio Bobcats
1999 record: 5-6
Coach: Jim Grobe
Returning starters: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense)

Outlook: Every spring, Ohio has the same goal -- work on the passing game. This spring was no exception as Grobe added more pass plays for sophomore Dontrell Jackson to work on. So far, Jackson seems OK, but there aren't a lot of options are receiver. Sophomore Joe Mohler is solid, but not exactly a home run threat. For all the work, don't be surprised to see the Bobcats run like they always do come fall. Running back Raynald Ray is a talented runner and the best player on the team. He works well with Jackson, who's also a dangerous runner, on the option. The line is strong with guards Nick Glowacki and Zach Holt giving Ohio an athletic pair up the middle.

Defensively, the secondary is where the Bobcats excel. Brothers Donnie and Bob White are solid cornerbacks and Duffer Duffy and Joe Sellers are an athletic pair of safeties. The line is in decent shape with DE Art Adams and NT Damion Washington. Linebackers Tom Weilbacher and Matt Spitler are hard hitters and provide the intensity the smaller Bobcats need.

Question mark: Will the Bobcats throw the ball? They say the right things, but bottom line is they need to make things happen with the passing game. If not, the one-dimensional offense will be in trouble.

Keep an eye on: RB Raynald Ray. Ray has speed, moves he hasn't even used yet and is a threat to catch the ball. With the offense geared toward the run, Ray will have a big season.

MAC West

Ball State Cardinals
1999 record: 0-11
Coach: Bill Lynch
Returning starters: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense)

Outlook: There's reason for excitement at Ball State this season: Buffalo is on the schedule. Other than that, well, the Cardinals will take happiness in the small things. Ball State has gone 1-21 the past two seasons and while Lynch has made adjustments over the past few seasons, there results haven't been there. The offense features a big line that returns four starters. But this wasn't an explosive unit last season and will have to be better if the Cards are to escape the cellar. Sophomore RB Nick Dunbar has excited coaches with his "hit them before they hit you" running style and if the line is remotely better, will be a solid option. Brian Cohn is back at QB and had a solid second half of the season and a nice spring. With Cohn entrenched at starter, last year's backup Clay Walters moved to receiver to spark a receiver group that was less than impressive.

Defensively, Ball State relies on the front seven to make plays, but that hasn't happened. Sunungura Rusununguko moved from tight end to defensive line and should provide a big presence. The downside is he is injury prone, so whether he lasts the whole season is a concern. But the Cardinals return the rest of the line in addition to Rusununguko and Lynch is hoping the experience will make them better. The linebackers are small, but the secondary is decent, especially safeties Jade Winchell and Pete Smith.

Question mark: Will the offensive line get the job done? Four starters return and with their size, they should be able to push people around. If Ball State wants to win a game or two, this is where they have to do it.

Keep an eye on: QB Brian Cohn. The third-year starter had a great second half last season, completed 62 percent of his passes for over 750 yards and five TDs. If he can do that for a whole season, the Cardinals will be a better team.

Central Michigan Chippewas
1999 record: 4-7
Coach: Mike DeBord
Returning starters: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense)

Outlook: DeBord, the former Michigan offensive coordinator, will bring a Big Ten feel to Central Michigan. It's been a business-like spring as the Chippewas struggled to impress their new coach. One area that stands out is offensive line, where four starters return. That's good news for RB Vince Webber, who will replace the steady Eric Flowers. Webber had a good spring and FB D.J. McClure impressed DeBord with a great spring. Third-year starter Pete Shepherd is back at QB and brings a strong arm and smarts to the offense that relies on good decisions from that position. Wide receiver Jammarl O'Neal has great speed, soft hands and gives the Chippewas a downfield threat to take the pressure off the running game.

Defensively, Central Michigan wants to attack more, but hasn't quite adjusted to the defensive changes. The defensive line is getting better, but still needs some work. Ralph Sewell and Darren Lewis return at linebacker. Sewell is a solid player, but the Chippewas will need better production from the linebackers this season. The secondary features four-year starter Brian Leigeb at safety. Leigeb is the best player on the defense and the leading tackler for three straight seasons. That's great for him, but not a good thing for Central Michigan. Everyone knows he's good, but he shouldn't have to make all the tackles.

Question mark: Will the defensive line be able to attack? The front four is small, with the biggest player at 255 pounds. They'll need to use their quickness to make plays and keep the secondary from having to clean up their mess.

Keep an eye on: RB Vince Webber. Webber was hurt last season, but averaged over six yards a carry in 1998. He caught DeBord's attention this spring and will catch the MAC's attention this fall.

Eastern Michigan Eagles
1999 record: 4-7
Coach: Jeff Woodruff
Returning starters: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense)

Outlook: Things will change as Woodruff takes over at Eastern Michigan. The defense will switch to a 4-3. The offense will run more. But don't expect the offense to abandon the pass since Walter Church is the best QB in the MAC. Church, who was recruited by several Big Ten schools and Notre Dame, is a talented player and will challenge Charlie Batch's records. He has talented receivers, but they are inexperienced. Church will also give the running game some room as teams have to respect the pass. Eric Powell led the Eagles last season and the line returns four starters. Woodruff, the running backs coach at Arizona, will make sure this group improves.

Defensively, Eastern Michigan moves to a 4-3 from the blitzing 5-0 defense they ran last season. The Eagles will use athleticism instead of blitzing this season. Jeremaine Kyles and Nik Buckmeier are good enough to make plays on the line and Kenny Philpott and Scott Russell are solid linebackers. The secondary loses three starters, but gets Clifton Robinson back after the former linebacker missed last year with an ankle injury.

Question mark: How will the defense adjust to the 4-3? There are some athletes on the front seven, but are they strong enough to force the action? The secondary is inexperienced, so the front seven must make plays.

Keep an eye on: QB Walter Church. Woodruff likes to run, but he's not blind. Church is a gifted QB who can make things happen. He's good enough to keep the pressure off the running game and should be the focus of the offense.

Northern Illinois Huskies
1999 record: 5-6
Coach: Joe Novak
Returning starters: 17 (8 offense, 9 defense)

Outlook: It's not flashy, that's for sure. Northern Illinois is a throwback when the idea was to just knock the other guys off the ball and gain a few yards. After that, get up, dust off and do it again. And as effective as it was last season, it should be a better attack this year since the entire line returns -- including 6-7, 325-pound tackle Ryan Diem, a monster with strength and speed. A question mark on offense will be at tailback where sophomore Thomas Hammock takes over for William Andrews (academic dismissal). Chris Finlen is a solid QB, but needs to be a bit more consistent. He has fine receivers in Darrell Hill and Justin McCareins.

Defensively, this is a physical unit that will just beat on teams. The line features three starters returning, including NT Darian Tate. The strength of the defense is its linebackers, which are called on to make most of the tackles. Kevin Selover and Cameron Saulsby are good at stopping the run and have the speed to make plays downfield as well. The secondary is tough with SS Jermaine Hampton and CB Benji Peacock.

Question mark: Will Finlen improve his consistency? He's a solid QB, but needs to make plays to keep the running game effective.

Keep an eye on: WR Justin McCareins. McCareins is coming off a 57-reception, 10-touchdown season and he's underrated in the MAC.

Toledo Rockets
1999 record: 6-5
Coach: Gary Pinkel
Returning starters: 18 (10 offense, 8 defense)

Outlook: The funny thing about Toledo is they are so experienced, yet the whole season practically hinges on one player's lack of it. While QB Tavares Bolden has started seven games, he's still a work in progress. When on, he's exciting, athletic and makes plays that shouldn't be made as evidenced by his 350-yard passing performance against Marshall last year. But there are times he tries to do too much and ends up hurting the Rockets. If Pinkel can reel him in and turn him into a consistent player, there is no stopping Toledo. Chester Taylor is one of the toughest and most talented backs in the MAC. He rushed for nearly 1,200 yards despite playing most of the season on two sprained ankles. All the starting receivers return and the line, led by tackle Tim Harding, is the best in the conference.

Defensively, Toledo uses speed to make plays. The line is deep and DeJuan Goulde is a nightmare for opposing offenses. Linebacker Kevin Rollins is always targeted as the man to stop, but someone no one ever does. The secondary is inexperienced, which means coaches are hoping Andy Boyd returns at full strength after missing the spring after having surgery on both shoulders.

Question mark: How will Bolden play? He can run, pass and score, but he can also make bad reads, throw picks and stall the offense. How he matures will go a long way in determining how far the Rockets fly.

Keep an eye on: RB Chester Taylor. Anyone who's ever had a sprained ankle knows how tough it can be to move. Well, Taylor sprained both ankles last fall and still rushed for more than 1,100 yards. This spring, he's healthy and should have a monster year.

Western Michigan Broncos
1999 record: 7-5
Coach: Gary Darnell
Returning starters: 14 (8 offense, 6 defense)

Outlook: The days of the sure thing are gone. Broncos QB Tim Lester was a master at running the Western Michigan offense, which spreads out the defense and attacks the open areas. Jeff Welsh gets the nod at QB, but juco transfer Ryan Harris is making the decision difficult for Darnell. Whoever get the start at QB will have a group of talented receivers, led by Steve Neal, the school's all-time leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns. Robert Sanford is a solid running back who forces defenses to respect the run. The biggest concern (outside of QB) could be the line, where the Broncos replace three starters.

Defensively, the front seven was an area of concern, but there were some good signs coming out of the spring. Defensive end Chris Browning has been tough and Mario Evans continues to show why he's one of the best linebackers in the conference with a fantastic spring. The secondary is solid, highlighted by speedy CB Rashad McDade.

Question mark: Who will be the starting QB? Both Welsh and Harris had good springs, so this is a battle that will continue in the fall.

Keep an eye on: LB Mario Evans. He moved from weak to strong linebacker last season and became the Broncos leading tackler. He'll be a force for opposing offenses to focus on again this season.

Joe Wojciechowski is the college football editor at ESPN.com