Football comes back to this forum! (2023 CFB Preview thread)

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Coastal Carolina

The last preview segment for the Sun Belt: The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Last season: Things started out so beautifully for the Chanticleers last season; they got a 6-0 start, spent a couple of weeks ranked, and entered Rivalry Week at 9-1. But then their defense went to shit, and they lost their last 3. And they gave up 47 to James Madison, 45 to Troy in the Sun Belt title game, and then 53 against ECU in their bowl game. A total of 145 points given up over their final 3 games!
But 2023 is a new year, and Coastal is hoping that they can rebound.

Bad news: Sadly, they'll have to do it without coach Jamey Chadwell (who left for Liberty in the offseason). And new coach Tim Beck will have to figure out how to fix the defense... which won't be easy with only 4 starters from last year returning. There are also some questions on the O-line.

Good news: At least Tim Beck can lean on his offense; thank God that QB Grayson McCall returned to Conway for his final year! And his top 3 runners and top 3 receivers have all returned as well.

Key games:
9/2 @ UCLA (ESPN will televise this big opener in Pasadena, where CCU's new defense and UCLA's rebuilding offense will face off.)
10/10 @ Appalachian State (The last 2 games between Coastal and App. State has been great. If the Chanticleers can win at Boone, they'll be in the driver's seat to retain their Sun Belt East title.)
10/28 vs. Marshall (By this time, Marshall should be rolling. CCU might want to be careful here.)
11/25 vs. James Madison (Last year, Coastal lost to the Dukes by 40 points. 40 POINTS! The Chanticleers will be HUNGRY to smash the Dukes this year... and especially on Grayson McCall's last game in Conway.)

Bottom line: The 2023 season will be a mixture of the new guard (Tim Beck as the coach and a defense that needs fixing) and the glory of the past (Grayson McCall and his merry men). Some breaks in the schedule will help Coastal in their quest to return to the Sun Belt title game... but they'll fall short again if their defense remains crappy.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Sun Belt predictions

And here we go with my first round of predictions in 2023, as this is how I see the Sun Belt playing out:

East division:
1. Coastal Carolina
2. Georgia Southern
3. Appalachian State
4. James Madison
5. Marshall
6. Georgia State
7. Old Dominion

West division:
1. South Alabama (Conference champs)
2. Troy
3. Southern Miss
4. Louisiana
5. Arkansas State
6. Louisiana-Monroe
7. Texas State

Tomorrow, I begin my look at the new, slimmed-down Conference USA!

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Jacksonville State

The first preview segment for Conference USA: The Jacksonville State Gamecocks

History: Jacksonville State resides over in Jacksonville, Alabama. And they've always had a proud football program, winning a Division II national title in 1992 and making many playoff appearances in the FCS. Now with Rich Rodriquez leading the way, JSU is trying to make it in the major leagues of the FBS.

Good news: JSU has a lot of confidence in their maiden voyage, and that starts with an experienced offense and a good defensive backfield. The kicking game also returns everyone from last season.

Bad news: It's the same old thing when an FCS team moves up to the FBS; it'll take a little while for them to get quality depth. QB Zion Webb is trying to get a 7th year of eligibility... but if he doesn't, none of his backups have that much experience.

Key games:
8/26 vs. UTEP (The Gamecocks' inaugural game as a member of the FBS, and it's a conference game to boot. I might be tempted to watch.)
9/28 @ Sam Houston State (JSU visits their other friend from the FCS who is joining them in Conference USA.)
11/4 @ South Carolina (So JSU will be facing South Carolina in Year 1. Insert your favorite "cockfighting" joke here.)
11/18 vs. Louisiana Tech (The first Senior Day for Jacksonville State at the FBS level.)

Bottom line: See? It really is a new-look Conference USA, as they bring in 4 new programs... while some of their old powers say goodbye. For Jacksonville State, 2023 will be all about getting used to their new surroundings... but a lot could hang on the Zion Webb situation.
At the very least, JSU should fare better in Year 1 than Sam Houston State will.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Liberty

Preview segment: The Liberty Flames

Last season: It started off so wonderfully for Liberty in 2022; they started out 7-1, with their only loss being at Wake Forest (by only 1 point!). And after they won at Arkansas the Flames were 8-1, ranked in the AP Top 25, and starting to think about a potential "New Year's Six" bowl.
But then they dropped their last 4 games, including their bowl game against Toledo. And then, coach Hugh Freeze left to return to the SEC (at Auburn). Now what will happen to Liberty with a new coach and a new conference?

Good news: That new coach is proven winner Jamey Chadwell, and he's inheriting a veteran O-line and talented running backs (and don't underestimate the WR's, either). I've also heard that Chadwell won't be messing with the Flames defense, and that's good, because the schemes there are rock solid.

Bad news: The defense DOES need to find some new starters, especially on the D-line. And it wouldn't hurt to find a capable backup for QB Johnathon Bennett.

Key games:
9/9 vs. New Mexico State (This will be a double delight for Liberty; not only is this their first game in Conference USA, but it's also a chance to avenge an embarrassing 49-14 loss that the Aggies gave them last year.)
10/17 vs. Middle Tennessee (This begins a critical 3-game stretch for Liberty, as they'll host a dangerous Blue Raiders team...)
10/24 @ Western Kentucky (...before they visit the conference favorites in Bowling Green, Kentucky.)
11/4 vs. Louisiana Tech (And finally, the Flames will deal with the "Air Raid" attack of Louisiana Tech.)

Bottom line: To me, Jamey Chadwell going from Coastal Carolina to Liberty sounds like a lateral move. But Liberty is all the better for it, as they are set to win right away in their new home. An easy non-conference slate also works in their favor, so expect the Flames to at least make it to the C-USA title game.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

New Mexico State

Today's preview segment: The New Mexico State Aggies

Last season: It was Jerry Kill's 1st year in Las Cruces, and it started off normally for NMSU with a 0-4 start. But then, surprise! The Aggies got it together late in the season and made a bowl! And even better, they won it (24-19 over Bowling Green)!
So Jerry Kill and his Aggies have momentum as they reenter the rigors of conference play this year, joining Conference USA.

Good news: Diego Pavia was once a sawed-off little QB that nobody wanted. Now he is the leader of an Aggies offense that wants to keep getting better. Two proud running backs are also here to help.

Bad news: The O-line can stand to do a little better, but the big problems are on defense; only 3 starters from last year's unit are back, and transfers will have to step in (especially at linebacker).

Key games:
9/9 @ Liberty (After a likely 2-0 start, it'll be back to reality for NMSU; their first Conference USA game will be against a Liberty team that they creamed 49-14 last year. And I don't think Liberty liked that.)
9/16 @ New Mexico (Here we go again, another installment of the "Battle of the Rio Grande" rivalry! The Aggies won it last year 21-9.)
10/4 vs. Florida International (A winnable conference game for the Aggies.)
10/18 @ UTEP (Yay! For the first time since 1961, the "Battle of I-10" rivalry will be a conference game for both the Miners and the Aggies.)

Bottom line: Yep, Jerry Kill knows what he's doing over in Las Cruces. And with an experienced offense, New Mexico State is hoping to do some damage in their new conference. Trouble is, they're replacing a lot on defense and the 13-game slate they have won't help.
Unless the Aggies prevent their defense from collapsing, they'll be sitting home come bowl season.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

UTEP

Preview segment: The Texas El-Paso Miners

Last season: So close! The Miners were looking for their 2nd-straight bowl appearance, but fell 3 points short against UTSA in their season finale. And so UTEP finished 5-7, but wait! UTSA has left Conference USA?! Maybe the Miners can take advantage of this.

Good news: UTEP has experience all over the place. QB Gavin Hardison, DE Praise Amaewhule, and maybe the best O-line in the conference are all here in El Paso.

Bad news: Let's hope all of these starters can help UTEP get more points on the board (The offense scored only 24.4 PPG last year). There are questions as to how good the back-7 of UTEP's defense can be.

Key games:
9/9 @ Northwestern (The Wildcats are in quite the tailspin right now, so this game looks winnable for the Miners.)
10/18 vs. New Mexico State (See above post.)
11/4 vs. Western Kentucky (Showdown time in El Paso, as the Hilltoppers come to town! Hopefully by this time, the UTEP secondary will know what they're doing.)
11/25 vs. Liberty (The first-ever meeting between the Miners and the Flames... and it'll happen on UTEP's Senior Day.)

Bottom line: Despite falling short of a bowl game last year, hopes are still high for UTEP in 2023. I mean, they got all of this experience, they'll host Western Kentucky and Liberty, and people like UTSA and North Texas are no longer in C-USA. I'm expecting UTEP to find a bowl berth this year, and if their secondary gets better, maybe they can challenge for the C-USA title.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Florida International

Preview segment: The Florida International Golden Panthers

Last season: Well, it went better than some of us expected, as FIU got 4 wins in 2022. But they went winless in the month of November, killing whatever postseason chances they had. Maybe that'll be the goal for FIU this season.

Bad news: Spring ball was a disaster for the Golden Panthers, as RB Lexington Joseph suffered a season-ending injury and two top-notch members of their O-line transferred out. Oh, and LB Gaethan Bernadel (FIU's leading tackler from last year) is now at Stanford.

Good news: Thankfully though, the next 9 top tacklers from a year ago are still with FIU. Grayson James has settled the QB position, and veteran receivers will help immensely in FIU's quest to get more points.

Key games:
8/26 @ Louisiana Tech (FIU was able to beat La-Tech last year 42-34. If they do it again [this time in Ruston], it'll bode well for their rebuilding efforts this year.)
9/16 @ UConn (If FIU can stop UConn's running attack, they can win this one.)
10/4 @ New Mexico State (Due to a scheduling quirk, FIU has to go to New Mexico State for the 2nd year in a row. And this time, it'll be a conference game.)
11/25 vs. Western Kentucky (73-0. That's all FIU will need to get motivated for this year's game against the Hilltoppers.)

Bottom line: If the Golden Panthers can overcome that disastrous spring they had, they can make more forward progress this season. But for now, expect them to be near the bottom of Conference USA again in 2023.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Sam Houston

Preview segment: The Sam Houston State Bearkats

History: Sam Houston football has been around since 1912, and in recent years has been a power at the FCS level. They even got a national title in the spring of 2021. Maybe that is why the Bearkats are trying their luck in the FBS.

Good news: The defense should hold it's own this year with playmakers on the D-line. Sam Houston was able to nab 2 former starting quarterbacks (Grant Gunnell and Xavier Ward) to help the offense, and they'll have great wide-receivers to throw to.

Bad news: With Grant and Xavier coming in to challenge incumbent Keegan Shoemaker, the QB battle MAY devolve into a screaming mess. And as usual, it'll take some time for a former FCS school like Sam Houston to get quality depth.

Key games:
9/2 @ BYU (The Bearkats' grand debut as a FBS member, and oh dear! This might be a tough one.)
9/23 @ Houston (Did you know that it's only a 65 minute drive from Huntsville [where Sam Houston is] to Houston? Some fun times might be had in this in-state encounter.)
9/28 vs. Jacksonville State (This is where Sam Houston will FINALLY host a FBS game at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium. And it's against another FBS first-timer, so it should be a good one.)
10/25 vs. UTEP (An in-state battle in conference play. It NEVER gets old. And it'll be a battle of West Texas vs. East Texas.)
11/25 vs. Middle Tennessee (The first Senior Day for Sam Houston at the FBS level.)

Bottom line: The schedule that Sam Houston has for 2023 is interesting, and the team seems excited for the jump. I just don't think the product will match the excitement this year, as the Bearkats will have it rough for a while. We'll see what happens.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Western Kentucky

Preview segment: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Last season: For the most part, 2022 was another good year for Western Kentucky. They fielded another Top-10 offense and finished 9-5, which includes a bowl win over South Alabama. Now the Hilltoppers could run wild in the new-look Conference USA.

Bad news: Only 3 starters return on defense, and the front-7 over there is pretty mucky. Also, WKU has been an expect at forcing turnovers the last 2 years; there is NO WAY that they can have that kind of luck again.

Good news: However, the coaching staff isn't worrying about the lack of returning starters; over here, it's "plug-and-play". That goes double for the offense, where wide-receivers like Malachi Corley are here and the O-line is young but good. And QB Austin Reed left the transfer portal to rejoin WKU? Hooray!

Key games:
9/16 @ Ohio State (After a likely 2-0 start, the Hilltoppers must go to Columbus. And yes, it looks scary, but the Buckeye defense has eroded the last couple of years. Plus, OSU might be looking ahead to a trip to Notre Dame.)
9/28 vs. Middle Tennessee (WKU will start conference play against one of their biggest rivals this year. The Hilltoppers have won 7 of their last 8 meetings with the Blue Raiders.)
10/5 @ Louisiana Tech (Trouble is, WKU has to visit Louisiana Tech right afterwards.)
10/24 vs. Liberty (On paper, this looks like the "game of the year" for the new-look Conference USA.)

Bottom line: Sure, Western Kentucky has to shore up their defense. But this year they're the favorite to win C-USA, as there are just too many things going for them; QB Austin Reed is back, the 6 teams defecting from the conference, and they get Liberty and Middle Tennessee at home. Pencil the Hilltoppers in for the title game.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Louisiana Tech

Preview segment: The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Last season: Well, it went as expected as Louisiana Tech went 3-9. But at least things will be better in Sonny Cumble's 2nd year in Ruston.

Good news: The Bulldogs offense looks SCARY. La-Tech was able to scoop up former Boise State QB Hank Bachmeier, and he'll have a veteran O-line and big playmakers at his disposal.

Bad news: Despite getting 12 players from the transfer portal to help out, the defense is STILL a big question mark.

Key games:
9/2 @ SMU (A "Shootout alert" will be issued when this game takes place.)
10/5 vs. Western Kentucky (Here's another game that could turn into a shootout, and it'll be one that La-Tech has to win to compete for a conference title.)
10/10 @ Middle Tennessee (Sadly for the Bulldogs, they must go to Middle Tennessee 5 days later.)
11/4 @ Liberty (This will be the first time that La-Tech will face the Liberty Flames. Hopefully by this time, La-Tech's defense will have started to stop some people.)

Bottom line: Okay, I ragged on Louisiana Tech a little bit, but a lot of things are pointing to a proud upswing for the Bulldogs; that offense looks like it'll be a monster. All they have to do is start fixing their defense, and Western Kentucky and Liberty might wanna be careful in the C-USA race.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Middle Tennessee

The last preview segment for Conference USA: The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Last season: It was a streaky, but ultimately successful season for Middle Tennessee in 2022. They would upset Miami AT Miami, and finish the year by winning 5 of their last 6 games (including their bowl in Hawaii).

Good news: Much like La-Tech has a proud offense, MTSU has a scary defense (especially the front-7) that opponents can worry about. Frank Peasant is a quality running-back.

Bad news: The O-line is replacing a few people, but the biggest worry is at quarterback; Chase Cunningham is gone and 3 guys are fighting to replace him. That's not ideal... especially with a nightmare start (their first two games are at Alabama and Missouri) staring them in the face.

Key games:
9/28 @ Western Kentucky (By this time, the Blue Raiders SHOULD know who their new starting QB will be... and that's what they'll need to upset the Hilltoppers.)
10/10 vs. Louisiana Tech (Here, MTSU could catch La-Tech tuckered out after THEIR game against WKU.)
10/17 @ Liberty (Hmmm... The proud defense of the Blue Raiders, taking on Liberty.)
11/18 vs. UTEP (Senior Day in Murfreesboro, and Middle Tennessee can kill off UTEP's bowl chances here.)

Bottom line: This is a tough call. Middle Tennessee has the defense to keep them in games, but the offense needs to find more playmakers (especially at QB). If MTSU survives a tough September, they can be a factor in the conference race.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Conference USA predictions

Now here are my picks for Conference USA in 2023:

1. Western Kentucky (Conference champs)
2. Liberty
3. Louisiana Tech
4. Middle Tennessee
5. UTEP
6. New Mexico State
7. Florida International
8. Jacksonville State
9. Sam Houston State

And starting tomorrow, I will begin my look at the Mid-American Conference.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Buffalo

The first preview segment for the Mid-American Conference: The Buffalo Bulls

Last season: It was tough at first, as the Bulls started 0-3 with a loss to Holy Cross thrown in. But, hey! Holy Cross had a fine season, and so did the Bulls; they would rebound, make the Camellia Bowl, and win it 23-21 over Georgia Southern. Now let's see if Buffalo can resume chasing down the MAC title.

Good news: Buffalo might just have the best special teams unit in the whole MAC. They also have QB Cole Snyder, RB Ron Cook, and fine line play on both sides of the ball.

Bad news: Newcomers must be relied on to fill holes in places such as cornerback, wide-receiver, and safety.

Key games:
9/9 vs. Fordham (In-between games against Wisconsin and Liberty, the Bulls will host this FCS team. Let's hope that the Bulls are ready this time.)
10/14 vs. Bowling Green (The Falcons are starting to get their act together, so this should be a good division game.)
10/31 @ Toledo (The last 4 games Buffalo has this year are tough. First they'll go visit Toledo... who the Bulls actually defeated last season.)
11/7 vs. Ohio (Then Buffalo will host the defending MAC East champs, then go to Miami-Ohio...)
11/21 vs. Eastern Michigan (...and finally host a Eagles team that also wants a conference title.)

Bottom line: The conference schedule will not be easy, but Buffalo does have a lot of returning pieces from last year (great line play and a returning QB). If the Bulls find some good players to plug up the holes they have, they're gonna be a contender in the MAC East.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Eastern Michigan

Preview segment: The Eastern Michigan Eagles

Last season: Before the 2022 season began, there was people talking about if Eastern Michigan had gone as far as it could possibly go. Well you can toss those worries AWAY, baby, because last year was the true breakout year for Chris Creighton and crew! The Eagles would get their first bowl win since 1987, and have a 9-win season for the first time in forever. Momentum is now truly in EMU's corner.

Good news: The defense returns 7 starters, and RB Samson Evans is the perfect fit for EMU's hard-nosed rushing attack. The special teams unit is right up there with Buffalo's for the best in the conference.

Bad news: Once again, EMU must break in a new starting QB. And sure, Austin Smith is capable, but he still has 2 guys wanting his starting spot. The Eagles lost anchors on both the O-line (Sidy Sow) and D-line (Jose Ramirez) during the winter.

Key games:
9/9 @ Minnesota (For the 3rd year in a row, EMU's non-conference slate is pretty easy. Excluding this trip to Minneapolis, of course.)
9/30 @ Central Michigan (Eastern Michigan has to start MAC play this year visiting their most hated rivals?! Well, THIS is a fun way to start your run at a conference title.)
10/21 @ Northern Illinois (Another tough job for the Eagles: Visiting Northern Illinois... who may be completely unpredictable this year. And, oh yeah! A game with Western Michigan is right after this!)
11/8 @ Toledo (This may be the game that decides the entire MAC West division in 2023.)

Bottom line: As you probably have guessed, the home slate is pretty easy as well. So all Eastern Michigan has to do is find their new head man at QB, and they'll be a contender once again in the MAC West.
Sadly, I see them falling just short of Detroit in 2023. If only they didn't have to go to Toledo...

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Northern Illinois

Preview segment: The Northern Illinois Huskies

Last season: Talk about a f--king roller coaster. From 0-6 in 2020, to a MAC title in 2021, and now NIU goes 3-9 in 2022. All while losing 6 of those games by close margins. But then again, the Huskies DID have a raft of injuries to deal with.

Good news: At least Northern Illinois has a deep and experienced QB room now, and Rocky Lombardi is back for one more year. Line play on both sides of the ball should be strong.

Bad news: If WR Trayvon Rudolph doesn't return to form, the passing game won't have any big-play makers. And of course, injuries will be a worry in DeKalb unless the team proves otherwise.

Key games:
9/2 @ Boston College (Rest assured, Northern Illinois WILL be healthy for this season opener where they can upset the Eagles.)
9/30 @ Toledo (This game will end a tough September for NIU, as they visit the defending MAC champs. The Huskies and Rockets have split the last 8 meetings.)
10/14 vs. Ohio (A potential preview of the MAC title game, as NIU will host the reborn Bobcats.)
10/21 vs. Eastern Michigan (The bad news is, NIU must deal with the hard-nosed Eagles right afterwards. The good news is, NIU's schedule lightens up after this.)

Bottom line: Why can't coach Thomas Hammock get any CONSISTENCY?! I mean, his team has GOT to do better in close games and also do better in avoiding injuries. But NIU does have great line play and a QB room to envy over.
And that's why Northern Illinois is the wild-card of the MAC in 2023. The fans really wants the roller-coaster ride to end, but will it end in their favor?

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Miami-Ohio

Preview segment: The Miami of Ohio Redhawks

Last season: Kind of a mixed bag for Miami-Ohio in 2022. I mean, the coaching of Chuck Martin and a good defense helped the Redhawks find another bowl berth. But they would end up finishing 6-7, as injuries to Brett Gabbert would stop them from shooting for the MAC title.

2023 X-factor: The health of Brett Gabbert- Needless to say, Gabbert's health will be of the utmost importance for Miami-Ohio this season. When Brett is healthy, Miami-Ohio wins a lot more games. When he is not, the opposite happens. It's as simple as that.

Good news: Some new receivers should help out the passing game immensely, and the defensive line could be the best in the MAC once again.

Bad news: The offensive line is a little too young for some fans' taste, but the bigger worry is at the secondary; it has lost quite a few people thanks to injuries and the portal.

Key games:
9/16 @ Cincinnati (The early part of the schedule is pretty hard for the Redhawks, as they'll visit the Hurricanes [for a battle of Miami's] and the Bearcats. But on the positive side, Cincinnati is starting over from scratch, so maybe Miami-Ohio can get them this time.)
10/7 vs. Bowling Green (Be careful, Redhawks! Bowling Green is getting their act together now.)
10/21 vs. Toledo (The hardest part of the season for Miami-Ohio will be when they host a strong Toledo team...)
10/28 @ Ohio (...and then go to visit their most hated rivals a week later.)
11/15 vs. Buffalo (This MAC game could also be tricky.)

Bottom line: Much like Northern Illinois, Miami-Ohio is hoping for better luck in the health department so that they compete for the MAC title. If the Redhawks keep Brett Gabbert stays healthy this time around, the coaching staff should do the rest and get Miami-Ohio back to Detroit in 2023. The Ohio game looms large, however.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Kent State

Preview segment: The Kent State Golden Flashes

Last season: People were surprised that Sean Lewis stayed at Kent State after the 2021 season, but it WAS admirable that he was trying to make Kent more than a 1-year wonder. It just didn't work out in 2022, as Kent State went 5-7.
And now, those people got their wish; Sean Lewis is now with Deion Sanders at Colorado (as his new offensive coordinator), and Kent is now going through a complete rebuild as Kenni Burns is now in charge.

Good news: Kenni does have a good amount of respect in the coaching circle, and he brought over some talented running backs like Ky Thomas and Xavier Williams.

Bad news: Sean Lewis wasn't the only big name to leave Kent; the Flashes got completely boned in the transfer portal, most noticeably QB Collin Schlee going to UCLA. In all, Kent State now has NO starters from last year returning on offense. That's right, ZERO starters!

Key games:
9/23 @ Fresno State (The non-conference slate will not help out Kent State [again], as they must go to UCF and Arkansas before this game in Fresno.)
9/30 vs. Miami-Ohio (You know, Kent almost got the Redhawks last year in Oxford. Maybe they can beat them this time.)
11/1 @ Akron (This game looks winnable, as Kent looks to keep the "Wagon Wheel" away from Akron again.)
11/8 vs. Bowling Green (Last year, Kent defeated Bowling Green AT Bowling Green. By a score of 40-6.)

Bottom line: Wow. For a team with such low expectations in 2023, I said a lot about Kent State's situation. The poor Golden Flashes have truly lost a lot in one offseason, and I'd be surprised if they don't finish last in the MAC East this year.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Western Michigan

Preview segment: The Western Michigan Broncos

Last season: So Tim Lester was finally let go in Kalamazoo after six seasons. I knew that after the P.J. Fleck era, the Western Michigan staff was gonna give Tim a bit of slack. But after a 5-7 season that saw the offense become total shit, I guess they just ran out of patience. Now they have brought in Louisville offensive coordinator Lance Taylor to get WMU back on track.

Good news: So despite returning only 2 starters, the Broncos defense should still be good? Maybe that's because Lance convinced Lou Esposito to stick around as the coordinator over there; watch for CB Keni-H Lovely (yes, that is his name) to lead the way.

Bad news: However, the situation on offense is the total opposite; despite returning 7 starters, it may STILL be shitty. That's because there is no true playmaker in the WR group, RB Sean Tyler transferred to Minnesota, and we got 2 guys duking it out for the starting QB job.

Key games:
9/23 @ Toledo (In September, we'll see how tough WMU is right away. That's because they got road games at Syracuse, Iowa, and a loaded Toledo team.)
10/14 vs. Miami-Ohio (Oh! I almost forgot! The Broncos must also go to Mississippi State! And they'll be hosting the Redhawks right afterwards.)
10/28 @ Eastern Michigan (WMU has now lost 4 straight against the rival Eagles.)
11/7 vs. Central Michigan (At least Western Michigan killed the bowl chances of the rival Chippewas last year.)

Bottom line: New coach. New philosophy. New starting quarterbacks. That's a lot to take in for a "Group of Five" school like Western Michigan. The defense might help them win games (again), but expect the Broncos to be near the bottom of the MAC West in 2023.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Akron

Preview segment: The Akron Zips

Last season: Let's be honest here. Akron and coach Joe Moorhead had ZERO chance to succeed in 2022. And it showed as the Zips went 2-10.

Good news: QB DJ Irons is back for one more year, and also back is his top WR Alex Adams. The secondary is already looking better than it did last year.

Bad news: DJ Irons was injured during spring ball, and depth behind him is not great. The linebacker group is inexperienced.

Key games:
9/2 @ Temple (This season opener looks winnable for the Zips.
9/30 vs. Buffalo (Akron only lost to Buffalo by 1 point last year.)
10/7 vs. Northern Illinois (The Zips was able to beat Northern Illinois last year.)
11/1 vs. Kent State (Hey! Here's a perfect chance for Akron to snap a 4-game losing streak against hated Kent State.)

Bottom line: Progress may be slow at Akron, but everyone still sounds optimistic about Joe Moorhead and the time he'll have to fix the program. At the very least, they'll be better than Kent State this year in the MAC.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Bowling Green

Preview segment: The Bowling Green Falcons

Last season: Last year, I believed that Bowling Green would make a move in the wide-open MAC East division. It didn't look good at first after they lost to Eastern Kentucky, but they never gave up. And so, the Falcons ended up beating Toledo and making their bowl game in 7 years! Can they keep the climb-back going?

Bad news: Bowling Green was another school that got gutted by the transfer portal, and you can see it in the rebuilding O-line. We also have a battle at the QB position as Connor Bazelek and Daelen Menard are pushing incumbent Camden Orth.

Good news: But at least the QB battle (at the moment) is a healthy and happy one. The secondary has some good ball-hawks, and RB Terion Stewart is back after being away last year.

Key games:
9/2 @ Liberty (This will be part of a tough opening month which includes trips to Michigan and Georgia Tech.)
9/23 vs. Ohio (But in-between those road trips will be this important MAC opener, as the Bobcats come to visit.)
10/7 @ Miami-Ohio (The Falcons has a chance to shock the Redhawks once again.)
11/14 vs. Toledo (I almost forgot! That win over Toledo that I mentioned? It took place IN Toledo, and Bowling Green won it 42-35 in a thriller.)

Bottom line: The MAC East looks out of reach Bowling Green in 2023, as the Bobcats and Redhawks just looks too powerful to ignore. But another bowl berth is doable, which will only help the rebuilding plans of the Falcons. Here's hoping that QB fight of theirs ends peacefully.