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D'ville's Full-Service CFB Preview Thread for 2020!

Dolgevillefootballfan

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Conference USA Predictions

So tomorrow, I'm gonna move to another part of the South in order to cover the Sun Belt conference. But first, here's how I see Conference USA panning out:

East division:
1. Western Kentucky
2. Marshall
3. Florida Atlantic
4. Charlotte
5. Florida International
6. Middle Tennessee
7. Old Dominion

West division:
1. UAB (Conference champs)
2. Southern Miss
3. Louisiana Tech
4. North Texas
5. Rice
6. UTSA
7. UTEP
 

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Georgia State

The first preview segment for the Sun Belt Conference: The Georgia State Panthers

Last season: Georgia State started out beautifully in 2019 as they stunned Tennessee IN Tennessee, and then went on a 6-2 start. But then the defense disintegrated and the Panthers lost 4 of their final 5 games. Still, it was another good effort by Shawn Elliot and his team.

Good news: Elliot has maybe his best offensive line ever at Georgia State, and the skill positions certainly look capable. 9 starters return on defense...

Bad news: ...but the secondary needs some serious work after it got burned over and over again last year. And the Panthers don't have a replacement lined up yet for departed QB Dan Ellington.

Key games:
9/19 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (It may be in Atlanta, but the Panthers will still have trouble facing a UL-Lafayette team that is dreaming of big things this season.)
10/3 vs. East Carolina (This is part of a non-conference slate that will include trips to Alabama and Charlotte.)
10/15 @ Arkansas State (The biggest conference win that Georgia State got last year was a 52-38 victory over the Red Wolves. Hopefully by this time, the Panthers will have their new QB going.)
11/28 vs. Georgia Southern (Uh oh! The Eagles have regained control over this rivalry, Panthers. You gotta take them out!)

Bottom line: In 2018, the Panthers were coming off a bowl appearance the previous season... and went 2-10. I don't think that's gonna happen this year, as the coaching staff is doing a good job building up this program. They'll be in the fight for the postseason in 2020, but they'll lose that fight if their defense doesn't improve and/or the QB spot craps out.
 

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Troy

Preview segment: The Troy Trojans

Last season: Well, that was quick. People expected the Troy Trojans to have a drop-off after coach Neil Brown left for West Virginia, and they did in 2019. But nobody expected Troy's defense to stink up the joint the way it did, and thanks to that they didn't even make a bowl. Now Chip Lindsey wants to prove that 2019 was just a fluke.

Good news: 8 starters are back on offense, including their entire group of WR's from a year ago. Linebacker Carlton Martial will continue to be a calming force on the defense.

Bad news: The secondary needs to get better at preventing big plays, and all-Sun Belt QB Kaleb Baker is gone. AND, there are 3 QB's fighting to replace him right now.

Key games:
9/19 vs. NC State (A pivotal game for Troy to get back into the good graces of Sun Belt fans.)
10/24 vs. Georgia State (Troy's defense costed them big-time in big conference games, including losing 52-33 to Georgia State...)
10/31 @ Arkansas State (...and losing 50-43 to the Red Wolves.)
11/28 @ Appalachian State (Troy has lost 4 of their last 5 meetings with the Mountaineers. Consequently, App. State is now the powerhouse team in this conference. Will Troy start to fix that in 2020?)

Bottom line: Was 2019 really just a fluke for Troy? Or is a sad harbinger of things to come? If Troy finds a capable QB in time, their offense will be fine. And the defense should improve... 'cause I don't think it can get any worse. A bowl trip should be attainable for Troy this year.
 

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Arkansas State

Preview segment: The Arkansas State Red Wolves

Last season: The Red Wolves now has 9 straight winning seasons under their belt, as they had a 8-win season in 2019 that included a bowl win. And considering what the team went through last year, you gotta give these guys a round of applause for it.

Bad news: Oh, great. Another Sun Belt team with problems on defense! For Arkansas State, it's having only 3 starters back from a defense that sucked last year thanks to the injury bug (and great D-lineman William Bradley-King is not one of them). Cornerback is also a worry, and we have 2 starting QB's on offense...

Good news: ...but hey! At least the Red Wolves can win with either of those guys! The O-line returns nearly intact, and the WR position should be great again.

Key games:
9/26 vs. Tulsa (Ark. State has trips to Memphis and Michigan in September, and will probably lose both of those games. So this one is looking like a big "swing-game" for the Red Wolves.)
10/15 vs. Georgia State (Hopefully this time, the Red Wolves defense will be ready for the Panthers offense.)
10/24 @ Appalachian State (Ark. State was able to dodge the Mountaineers last year, but this year they're not so lucky. This should be a fun offensive show nonetheless.)
11/5 @ Louisiana-Lafayette (These two schools are going at it for the 48th time, and OH MAN is Arkansas State in trouble! ...Although they could seize control of the Sun Belt West if they upset the Cajuns.)

Bottom line: The talent is still there for Arkansas State to make yet another bowl, but the margin for error will be slim unless they shore up their defense. If it struggles again, UL-Lafayette will easily push them aside in the Sun Belt West, so good luck!
 

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Louisiana-Monroe

Preview segment: The UL-Monroe Warhawks

Last season: Actually not too bad by UL-Monroe standards as they went 5-7 and were ONE STINKING POINT away from bowl eligibility.

Bad news: UGH. ANOTHER Sun Belt team that has problems with their defense; 2019's unit sucked and 8 starters from it are back (with questions at linebacker). QB Caleb Evans is gone, and his replacement may suffer if the O-line doesn't do well.

Good news: UL-Monroe has two dudes named Josh (one at RB, one at tight-end) that'll be a big help with the offense. And with all those starters returning on defense, MAYBE some improvements can be made.

Key games:
9/19 vs. Texas State (Hopefully, UL-Monroe will know who their new QB is as they start Sun Belt play.)
10/3 vs. Georgia Southern (After a nightmare trip to Athens, the Warhawks will deal with a MUCH easier opponent from the state of Georgia. Can their defense stop GSU's triple-option?)
10/10 @ Liberty (This game might determine if UL-Monroe gets a break-even record in non-conference play.)
10/31 vs. Appalachian State (In the middle of the season, UL-Monroe will have a brutal stretch of 6 road games over a 7-week span, with this being the only home game.)
11/28 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (A last-second field goal miss prevented the Warhawks from shocking the Cajuns... and getting a 6-6 record in 2019.)

Bottom line: With Caleb Evans gone and the defense needing a lot of work, UL-Monroe is dangerously close to being a team to ignore in 2020. Coach Matt Viator has done well in Monroe, Louisiana, but his skills will be tested this season.
 

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Appalachian State

Preview segment: The Appalachian State Mountaineers

Last season: Excluding my pick of Utah making the CFP, the craziest prediction I made last preseason was App. State finding it's way to a "New Year's Six" bowl. And guess what? App. State had one of it's best seasons ever in it's history, as they came SO DAMN CLOSE to making the big dance... before settling down to a 13-1 record and a #19 ranking in the final AP Poll.
Well, if the Mountaineers want to get to the big dance THIS year, the road is gonna be much harder than it was in 2019.

Bad news: UGH! MORE problems with a Sun Belt defense?! Yep. For App. State, it'll be replacing their top 2 safeties and 5 of their top 6 tacklers from 2019. Plus, App. State is on it's 3rd head coach in 3 years...

Good news: ...but at least the new guy (Shawn Clark) has injected even more energy into the program. And besides, the offense returns nearly everyone including QB Zac Thomas and his best wide-receivers. The O-line looks rock-solid, and at least the defense still has corner Shaun Jolly and LB D'Marco Jackson.

Key games:
9/11 @ Wake Forest (Here's another installment of this in-state series for us to enjoy! App. State hasn't beaten Wake since 2000.)
9/19 @ Wisconsin (Easily the hardest game App. State will have all year. Is the Mountaineer passing game talented enough to break Wisconsin's vaunted defense?)
10/7 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (8-0! App. State is 8-0 all time against the Cajuns.)
10/14 @ Georgia Southern (There they are! The one team that completely RUINED App. State's grand plans for the New Year's Six last year (by beating them 24-21)! App. State MUST get some payback here.)
10/24 vs. Arkansas State (Ooooo... I guess October will be a busy month for the Mountaineers. Thankfully, their schedule lightens up after this.)

Bottom line: Street and Smith magazine did a feature on App. State for their 2020 preview special. They even have App. State in their preseason Top 25! ...So I guess that even with another new coach, the Mountaineers are expected to have another fun season with all of those pieces coming back.
Winning the C-USA East again? Easy-peasy! But making the "New Year's Six"? ...Eh, maybe App. State should just focus on defending their Sun Belt title this year.
 

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Coastal Carolina

Preview segment: The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Last season: More slow progress for the Chanticleers as they had their 2nd-straight five-win season.

Good news: Hey! We have a Sun Belt defense that actually has some reliable units (trust the defensive line to continue it's improvement)! The O-line should be the strength of the offense, which is good news for CJ Marable and the running game.

Bad news: The secondary was pretty bad last year, so that unit needs some work. There's also still a talent gap between CCU and the rest of the Sun Belt.

Key games:
9/26 vs. Kansas (This one is exciting for two reasons: Coastal Carolina defeated Kansas last year, and this is the first time they're EVER hosting a "Power 5" school in a home game.)
10/3 vs. Arkansas State (But after that fun experience, it's down to business; CCU's conference opener is against a team they almost shocked last year in Jonesboro.)
10/24 vs. Georgia Southern (A statement game for CCU to see if they can make a bowl this year.)
11/14 @ Troy (See above game.)

Bottom line: The Chanticleers are returning a few good pieces, but it sadly looks like they'll fall short of their quest of bowl eligibility again in 2020. That is, of course, unless an upset occurs.
 

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South Alabama

Preview segment: The South Alabama Jaguars

Last season: A miserable 2-10.

Good news: Wide-receiver will be a ray of sunshine for the Jaguar offense. The secondary is solid, and so are the linebackers.

Bad news: Excluding the linebackers, South Alabama's D-line has holes to fill. Better QB play is vital for the Jaguar offense to get going, and the RB group is a giant jumbled mess.

Key games:
9/26 vs. UAB (Okay, so the Jaguars' first game against UAB didn't go so well last year. Hopefully this installment will go better.)
10/3 vs. Troy (And then the Jaguars must face another in-state opponent soon afterwards in this crucial Sun Belt opener.)
11/7 @ Coastal Carolina (4 of South Alabama's last 5 games are on the road, including this winnable game.)

Bottom line: Sorry, I can't generate too much excitement for these guys. Mild improvement MAY be possible for South Alabama in a lopsided Sun Belt West, but maybe you should just ignore these guys in 2020.
 

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Louisiana-Lafayette

Preview segment: The UL-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns

Last season: If you take out those 2 losses against App. State, 2019 was a extremely wonderful year for the Cajuns. Their first-ever 11 win season! Another win in a bowl game! And the best news of all came when Billy Napier decided to stay in Lafayette after allegedly being offered some jobs at "Power 5" schools. I guess he wants to finish the job he started.

Good news: Nearly everyone on offense is back, including QB Levi Lewis, RB Elijah Mitchell and a stout O-line. The front 7 on defense looks ready to cause even more havoc to opposing offenses...

Bad news: ...but the Cajuns lost their defensive coordinator to Baylor last winter. And the WR group may have familiar faces, but they'll be missing Ja'Marcus Bradley.

Key games:
9/26 vs. Georgia Southern (This could be the first major challenge Louisiana will have this season: A battle with the triple-option wielding Eagles.)
10/7 @ Appalachian State (In 2020, the Mountaineers will be the mental hurdle that the Cajuns has to clear to get into the "New Year's Six" conversation.)
11/5 vs. Arkansas State (If the Cajuns are gonna get a challenge in their division, it most likely will be the Red Wolves.)
11/21 @ Missouri (The last two games of the year will make or break Louisiana's big bowl chances. First, they'll have the ultimate "prove it" game against an SEC school.)
11/28 @ UL-Monroe (And then, they'll visit their oldest rivals... who almost shocked them in Lafayette last year.)

Bottom line: The Ragin' Cajuns look to be a shoo-in to win the West division again. But that probably means that Louisiana will (once again) meet App. State twice in one year. And that's the million-dollar question for Billy Napier and company: When they face the Mountaineers, can they finally stop them? It'll be very interesting to see if they can in 2020...
 

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Texas State

Preview segment: The Texas State Bobcats

Last season: So wait a minute. Wait a freaking minute! Now the Big 10 is threatening to not play any fall sports this year?! Dammit! If that's the case, where do I go from here with my previews?! And what about games like Ohio State vs. Oregon? Does the Big 10 remember that the death rate from COVID-19 is down 90%? And...
Wait, what? What about Texas State? Well, they went 3-9 last year, so pardon me if I'm thinking of other things.

Good news: The offense should be better, with the O-line having some big bodies.

Bad news: The passing game desperately needs an upgrade, and the defense only returns 4 starters.

Key games:
9/12 vs. UTSA (A good start is crucial for the Bobcats, and they'll have a chance to win this game.)
9/19 @ UL-Monroe (Their conference opener is also winnable.)
10/17 @ South Alabama (Another winnable contest.)
10/31 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (This begins a tough stretch for Texas State, as they'll deal with the top 4 Sun Belt teams in 4 consecutive weeks.)

Bottom line: Maybe with coach Jake Spavital calling the offensive plays, Texas State can start to see improvement. Other than that, you can ignore these guys in 2020.
 

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Georgia Southern

The last preview segment for the Sun Belt: The Georgia Southern Eagles

Last season: Georgia Southern was able to make a bowl game in 2019, and even gave Appalachian State their only loss that year. But it was a pretty hard road as they dealt with injuries and a LOT of close games. Maybe it would have been better had the offense been more dynamic.

Good news: GSU should be able to successfully stop the run once again, and they have their usual collection of RB's to run their triple-option. QB Shai Werts is in his 4th year as the starting QB...

Bad news: ...but everyone knows now that he's kinda limited. And his receivers aren't too experienced with catching passes. Defending against the pass may also be a problem.

2020 X-factor: The offensive line- The injury bug hit the O-line particularly hard in 2019. So if that unit gets better, maybe the passing game can get going a little bit.

Key games:
9/19 vs. Florida Atlantic (In this game, we'll see how the GSU offense handles a good "Group of Five" school.)
9/26 @ Louisiana-Lafayette (As I was saying, I wanna see how the GSU offense handles THIS challenge.)
10/14 vs. Appalachian State (The Eagles has stunned the Mountaineers 2 years in a row now.)
11/28 @ Georgia State (If the Eagles' offense struggles this year, they could be fighting for the postseason in this rivalry game.)

Bottom line: I know I talked a lot about Georgia Southern's offense in this preview, but it really will be the catalyst for GSU's 2020 campaign. They should be able to make the postseason once again, but anything bigger will depend on how many more points they're able to get this time around.
 

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Sun Belt Predictions

First, the predictions for the Sun Belt in 2020:

East division:
1. Appalachian State
2. Georgia Southern
3. Georgia State
4. Troy
5. Coastal Carolina

West division:
1. Louisiana-Lafayette (Conference champs)
2. Arkansas State
T-3. Louisiana-Monroe
T-3. South Alabama
5. Texas State

And now, I'm gonna take the weekend off. I really need to have a serious think about where my predictions go from here. I'll check back on Monday...
 

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Akron

The first preview segment for the Mid-American Conference: The Akron Zips

Last season: Speaking of moving forward, I'll bet Akron wants to move VERY far away from 2019 as soon as possible.

Good news: The secondary was actually pretty good last year, and most of it is back. QB Kato Nelson returns to lead the offense.

Bad news: 2019's offense was THE WORST in the whole country last year, and it may be again thanks to a dearth of talent at the skill positions. The D-line also has a lot of holes to fill.

Key games:
9/19 @ Clemson (Hooray! Akron's non-conference slate has 3 winnable games. Oh no! The one unwinnable game is at Clemson in the mismatch of the year.)
9/26 vs. Miami-Ohio (The closest that Akron got to a win last year was against Miami-Ohio [they only lost by 3].)
10/10 @ Kent State (The "Battle of the Wagon Wheel" is now dangerously close to being dominated by Kent State.)
11/14 vs. Bowling Green (Another winnable conference game for the Zips.)

Bottom line: Unless that Akron offense wakes up, we can ignore the Zips again in 2020. But at least they have a chance to get some wins this time.
 

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Bowling Green

Preview segment: The Bowling Green Falcons

Last season: A rough 3-9. But people DID say that this rebuild was gonna take a while.

Good news: The running game has the chance to be better, and linebacker Kholbe Coleman should help the defensive line do better at stopping the run.

Bad news: The secondary needs to take a BIG step forward, and the O-line is lacking experience.

2020 X-factor: QB Matt McDonald- We haven't seen too much of this guy, but he IS familiar with the schemes of coach Scott Loeffler. Hopefully Matt can provide a spark at the passing game.

Key games:
9/26 vs. Buffalo (Will this game be a welcome sight for Bowling Green after 2 fights against the Big 10, or their first real game? Either way, I'd love to see if the Falcons can stop Buffalo's offense.)
10/17 @ Toledo (Upsetting Toledo 20-7 was the undisputed highlight for the Falcons in 2019.)
11/4 vs. Kent State (If Bowling Green's offense has improved, then this game is winnable.)
11/14 @ Akron (See above game.)

Bottom line: Expect the rebuild to continue this year, as the defense HAS to get better for the Falcons to do anything good in 2020. Otherwise, we can ignore them again.
 

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Buffalo

Preview segment: The Buffalo Bulls

Last season: The good times continued to roll for little ol' Buffalo, as they shrugged off a 2-4 start to get a 8-win season and their 1st-ever bowl win. In fact, they ended up with the best winning percentage of the whole MAC last year... and maybe it'll happen again this year!

Good news: Last year's offense was the most prolific in school history, and 99 percent of it is coming back; QB Kyle Vantrease and RB Jaret Patterson will terrorize the MAC again, trust me. Most of the front seven of Buffalo's defense is also coming back.

Bad news: There's a lack of starters on the secondary, and someone other than WR Antonio Nunn has to help out with the passing game. Oh, and Buffalo also needs to replace some people on the O-line.

Key games:
9/5 @ Kansas State (An important clash for Buffalo to see if they're ready to make noise at the national level.)
10/17 vs. Kent State (The last time Buffalo faced Kent State, they coughed up a big lead and lost.)
11/10 vs. Miami-Ohio (Another big contest for Buffalo as they host last year's MAC champions.)
11/18 @ Ohio (Yep. For the 2nd year in a row, Buffalo will face the Redhawks and the Bobcats in consecutive weeks.)

Bottom line: Miami-Ohio and Ohio will be a challenge for the Bulls to get by, but if they fix their passing game and repair their O-line, then nothing can stop Buffalo from scoring their first-ever MAC title.
Wait. This is the first time that Buffalo will be a conference favorite. Are they gonna be able to handle it?
 

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Kent State

Preview segment: The Kent State Golden Flashes

Last season: It took a very long time for Kent State to get it's act together, but once they did 2019 turned out great. They ended the year on a 4-game winning streak, which included it's first postseason win ever, and now Kent is strangely thinking that they can go bowling again.

Good news: QB Dustin Crum became a success story in the 2nd half of the season, and he's back to lead an offense that can really move. The defense returns it's top 3 tacklers, and the O-line returns a few good pieces as well.

Bad news: Kent must find a new center (which is a key part of Sean Lewis' offense) during the summer, and they must REALLY fix up their rush defense.

Key games:
9/26 @ Alabama (This game will finish up what may be the toughest non-conference slate in the whole country for Kent.)
10/3 @ Northern Illinois (And after dealing with Nick Saban, taking on a rebuilding NIU team will be a sight for sore eyes for the Flashes.)
10/17 @ Buffalo (I mentioned the Kent/Buffalo game from last year already, and it was the launching pad for Kent to go on that great season-ending run.)
11/11 vs. Ohio (And like Buffalo, Kent State must deal with the Bobcats...)
11/17 @ Miami-Ohio (...and the Redhawks in consecutive weeks.)

Bottom line: You wanna talk about rarities? Kent State actually has EXPECTATIONS for a college football season for the first time in a while. I don't know if they'll be able to challenge for the MAC East, but if Kent sneaks it's way into another bowl game, coach Sean Lewis will possibly have a job at a "Power 5" school in 2021.
But just a word of warning: If the non-conference schedule remains as it is, Kent is gonna have a tougher time of it this year.
 

Tin Man

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I truly enjoy this thread, but, how are you dealing with the change in schedule announcements?

Ivy & Patriot leagues 86ing their Fall seasons. B1G and PAC going in-conference only. JUCOs switch to Spring 2021 schedule...
 

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Miami-Ohio

Preview segment: The Miami-Ohio Redhawks

Last season: In the weirdness of 2019 in the MAC, somebody had to emerge as the conference champs. And that somebody was Miami-Ohio, as Chuck Martin's patient rebuild in Oxford finally resulted in a MAC championship. And after a 8-6 record last year, a lot of things are telling me that the Redhawks could repeat as MAC champs.

Good news: A total of 16 starters from 2019 are back, including a solid defense and a powerful O-line. Brett Gabbert was a sensation as a freshmen QB, and he's ready to make more waves with some proud WR's.

Bad news: The lack of starters in the secondary may be a worry, but the biggest problem is at special teams; the Redhawks had THREE award winners on that unit last year, and now they must replace ALL of them.

Key games:
9/5 @ Pittsburgh (Oh, PLEASE keep this game on the schedule; this would be a great test for the Redhawks to see if they can make some news nationally.)
9/19 vs. Cincinnati (See above game.)
10/17 vs. Ohio (Another proud installment of the "Battle For the Bricks")
10/24 @ Central Michigan (Miami-Ohio clipped the Chippewas last December to win that MAC championship.)
11/10 @ Buffalo (Trust me: This game WILL decide who wins the MAC East this year.)

Bottom line: At first, I was like "Buffalo all the way!" while thinking about who's gonna win the MAC in 2020. But with all of this talent coming back and the coaching of Chuck Martin going for the Redhawks, now I'm thinking that Miami-Ohio can make a run at a repeat. That game with the Bulls on November 10th could decide if we'll get a repeat champion in the MAC in 2020.
 

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Ohio

Preview segment: The Ohio Bobcats

Last season: Thanks to a steady offense, Ohio was able to rally from a rough start and get another winning season. Frank Solich and the Bobcats are just continuing to roll in the MAC these days!

Good news: Only a few people from 2019's team have left, so Ohio should be a tough out again. 9 starters are back on defense, including a D-line that's edger for improvement. The running game should be good once again, and the WR's have the potential to grab big yardage.

Bad news: Trouble is, one of those "few players" that left Ohio in the winter was QB Nathan Rouke (over 10,000 yards and 111 TD's). Yep, Nathan is gone, and his replacement is not yet known. Oh, and the special teams may be an adventure early on too.

Key games:
9/12 @ Boston College (Like Buffalo [with Kansas State] and Miami-Ohio [with Pittsburgh], Ohio will treat this game as a chance to make some noise. Hopefully they'll know who their new QB is by this time.)
10/3 @ Toledo (Ohio was able to dodge the Rockets last year. They won't be so lucky this time around!)
10/17 @ Miami-Ohio (The Bobcats have dominated this rivalry game for a while...up until the last 2 years. If Ohio wants the MAC East this year, they'll have to resume beating up the Redhawks.)
11/11 @ Kent State (Another challenging part of Ohio's schedule will come when they have to visit an optimistic Kent team...)
11/18 vs. Buffalo (...before hosting Buffalo in another MAC East swing game.)

Bottom line: The era of Nathan Rouke is over in Athens, Ohio, so I don't like the Bobcats' chances in the MAC East this year. But thanks to having some good pieces left on offense and a defense willing to improve, Ohio should make the postseason again and pester Buffalo and Miami-Ohio up until the end.
 
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