The calm before the storm... (2024 CFB Preview thread)

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Texas football recruiting: Four-star QB Dia Bell, son of former NBA star Raja Bell, commits to Longhorns

Bell ranks as the No. 21 overall player in the 2026 recruiting cycle, according to 247Sports

www.cbssports.com

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Coastal Carolina

Preview segment: The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Last season: It was a streaky, but ultimately successful year for Coastal, as they got 8 wins and another bowl trophy. But now, coach Tim Beck has his work cut out for him in Year 2 of his tenure.

Bad news: QB Grayson McCall has left the building, folks (and we don't know his replacement yet). So has WR Sam Pinckney. And the defense lost their top 3 tacklers from a year ago.

Good news: The O-line has the talent to lift up the rebuilding CCU offense, and they have some strong dudes in the secondary.

Key games:
8/31 @ Jacksonville State (We'll know how good CCU's new offense is right away, as they'll visit a good Jacksonville State team.)
10/10 @ James Madison (All CCU had to do to make the Sun Belt title game last year was beat the Dukes... and they failed... miserably. In fact, JMU has now embarrassed the Chanticleers 2 straight years.)
11/7 vs. Appalachian State (Can CCU compete for the Sun Belt East crown again? Maybe, if they upset App. State again.)
11/16 @ Marshall (But after that, they must go visit Marshall 9 days later.)

Bottom line: I'll just come out and say it. With so many new pieces and no more Grayson McCall, I don't see the Chanticleers competing for the Sun Belt East title in 2024. But let's see if CCU can somehow make their 5th straight bowl game.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

James Madison

Preview segment: The James Madison Dukes

Last season: My, oh my! It turns out that James Madison is no fluke. In 2023, the Dukes would shock Virginia, have an 11-win season, host "College Gameday", and (most importantly) cause a lot of debate amongst the CFB press about the process of FCS-to-FBS transitions. And yes, they would make their 1st-ever bowl (ironically after being turned down twice).
Whew! That's a lot of press for a "Group of 5" school! So... what's next?

Bad news: Well, James Madison is missing a LOT of people from 2023's terrific squad. They include coach Curt Cignetti (now at Indiana), QB Jordon McCloud (now at Texas State), and 9 starters from their defense (some of them now also at Indiana). In all, only 7 starters from last year are still in Harrisonburg.

Good news: New head coach Bob Chesney (formally at Holy Cross) will have a "Power 4" transfer as his QB (Dylan Morris) and maybe the best O-line in the Sun Belt. Transfer RB George Pettaway should help wake up the JMU running game.

Key games:
9/21 @ North Carolina (Like I said earlier, the Dukes defeated Virginia last year. Could they possibly shock ANOTHER ACC team?)
10/10 vs. Coastal Carolina (For 2 straight years, James Madison has steamrolled the Chanticleers. Will CCU get revenge, or will JMU make it 3 straight?)
11/23 @ Appalachian State (That "College Gameday" visit in 2023 came when JMU hosted the Mountaineers. Sadly, though, App. State would beat the Dukes in OT on that day. Time for the Dukes to get revenge.)
11/30 vs. Marshall (If the App. State game doesn't decide the East division for JMU, maybe the Marshall game will.)

Bottom line: So like Coastal Carolina, James Madison will be going into 2024 with a LOT of new pieces and players. The Dukes have the offensive talent to keep the good times rolling, but do they have the depth? That's the million-dollar question. Regardless, I'm not counting them out for the East division title; they fooled us twice before.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Louisiana-Lafayette

Preview segment: The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns

Last season: A mostly-frustrating 6-7 record, as 5 of those 7 losses came by a TD or fewer (including their bowl game). Now the Cajuns are hoping to get back to title contention.

Good news: The Cajuns may have one of the best (if not the best) defenses in the Sun Belt; it returns 8 starters from a year ago. The O-line has the chance to repeat their success from 2023 with 4 starters coming back.

Bad news: Depth is a little suspect, but a bigger concern is the QB spot. You see, Zeon Chriss transferred to Houston, so we now have Chandler Fields and Ben Wooldridge duking it out for the starting job. Oh, and JU-CO transfer Samari Collier impressed in spring ball. Let's hope that the Cajuns settle this QB mess quickly.

Key games:
9/21 vs. Tulane (After a likely 2-0 start, the Cajuns will host a in-state rival that has taken their place as the 2nd-best team in the state of Louisiana. The fur should fly here.)
10/12 vs. Appalachian State (Two glamour programs in the Sun Belt going at it... That sounds awesome! Hopefully by this time, Louisiana will have a permanent starting QB nailed down.)
10/29 @ Texas State (This one should be all business; the Cajuns must take out the upstart Bobcats to win the West division in 2024.)
11/9 vs. Arkansas State (And to a lesser extent, the Cajuns need to do better against the Red Wolves, too.)
11/30 @ UL-Monroe (I don't care if the Warhawks stink in 2024; anytime you visit your most hated rival on the road, you NEED to bring your A-game.)

Bottom line: The more I look at the Cajuns for 2024, the more I like them. I mean, their problems look minor compared to some of the other teams in the Sun Belt. All they need to do is nail down a starting QB, do better in 1-possession games, and Louisiana might just win the Sun Belt in 2024. Otherwise, the heat will be turned up on coach Michael Desormeaux.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Louisiana-Monroe

Preview segment: The UL-Monroe Warhawks

Last season: A 10-game losing streak ruined a 2-0 start for the Warhawks. Now Terry Bowden is out and Bryant Vincent is in.

Good news: Two of the top 3 rushers from last year return, and DT Adin Huntington is a proud NFL Draft prospect.

Bad news: Sadly, UL-Monroe doesn't have much else to offer; their top 3 pass-catchers from a year ago are gone, their starting QB doesn't inspire confidence, and their defense ranked 126th last year.

Key games:
9/7 vs. UAB (This game could be big for the Warhawks; if UAB blows them out, it could be a VERY long season for them.)
10/5 vs. James Madison (UL-Monroe's 1st-ever meeting against the Dukes.)
10/12 vs. Southern Miss (This Sun Belt game looks winnable.)
11/30 vs. Louisiana (See my previous post.)

Bottom line: With Bryant Vincent at the helm, UL-Monroe is trying to establish themselves as a serious football program. Well, it's about time! ...But it sadly won't show this year, as you can ignore the Warhawks in 2024.

 

[QuestionSocratic]

Texas football recruiting: Four-star QB Dia Bell, son of former NBA star Raja Bell, commits to Longhorns

Bell ranks as the No. 21 overall player in the 2026 recruiting cycle, according to 247Sports

www.cbssports.com

What's the over/under on days to decommit.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Georgia State

Preview segment: The Georgia State Panthers

Last season: 2023 was a weird season for Georgia State. True, they finished with a winning season and won the Potato Bowl. But... I don't know, I was disappointed about the 5-game losing streak that ruined a 6-1 start for them.
But who cares about that right now? Georgia State is in QUITE a bit of turmoil right now. And you can blame the sudden resignation of coach Shawn Elliott; he bolted to be a part of the South Carolina staff... TWO DAYS into Georgia State's spring practices!

Bad news: Shawn wasn't the only guy who left Atlanta during the winter; the Panthers lost their top 3 receivers (and their top one is at Auburn now), their top rusher (who's now at Missouri), and QB Darrin Grainger. The secondary also looks a little bare.

Good news: Georgia State was lucky to land Atlanta guy Dell McGee as their new coach. And the transfer portal DID give them some new stars; RB CJ Beasley comes in from Coastal Carolina, and expect Zach Gibson to be their new starting QB.

Key games:
8/31 @ Georgia Tech (Oh, man. We're gonna have a battle of Atlanta-based teams, as Georgia Tech meets Georgia State for the first time ever.)
9/28 vs. Georgia Southern (The Panthers will meet the rival Eagles once again! Kinda strange that this game is STARTING the Panthers' Sun Belt slate, but oh well.)
11/9 @ James Madison (Georgia State's schedule is kinda weird when you think about it. Four straight home games, and then 4 straight road games? And the last game on this road trip may be the toughest one.)
11/30 vs. Coastal Carolina (Hopefully, the Panthers will have a happier Senior Day than the one they got last year.)

Bottom line: This is a really tough spot for a team to be in; having your head coach suddenly leave in the middle of spring practice and having to scramble to try to fix things up. Georgia State won't be COMPLETLY helpless in 2024, but I don't see these guys recovering fast enough to go bowling.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Old Dominion

Preview segment: The Old Dominion Monarchs

Last season: Shame about what happened in that Famous Toastry Bowl. But hey, at least Old Dominion had improved enough in 2023 to make that bowl appearance. And we got the emergence of 2 new stars in Norfolk!

Good news: Those 2 stars are QB Grant Wilson and LB Jason Henderson, and they're back at ODU for another go-around. There are some solid options at the WR position, too.

Bad news: Last year, ODU gave up a staggering 62 sacks. SIXTY-TWO SACKS! So obviously, the O-line has to get better (although there's no guarantee that will happen). The secondary is also a big unknown.

Key games:
9/14 vs. Virginia Tech (ODU will be up against it right away in 2024; they start at South Carolina, and later host their in-state rivals in Virginia Tech.)
10/12 @ Georgia State (The Monarchs defeated Georgia State 25-24 in their last game of the 2023 season to get bowl-eligible.)
10/19 vs. Texas State (Maybe ODU can catch the Bobcats napping here.)
11/16 vs. James Madison (I think this could be the year where the Monarchs get their 1st win over the Dukes; they came close last year.)

Bottom line: Can Old Dominion make their 3rd bowl game in 4 seasons? With Grant Wilson and Jason Henderson still on the team, they'll have a chance. But it won't happen unless some other guys step up and help out.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

South Alabama

Preview segment: The South Alabama Jaguars

Last season: After a great 2022 season, 2023 was a mixed bag for the Jaguars. Yes, they won their 1st-ever bowl game and defeated Oklahoma State. But sloppy play in the Sun Belt left them with a 7-6 record. And then, coach Kane Wommack left to be the new offensive coordinator with the Crimson Tide.
Now Major Applewhite is in for another shot at being a head coach.

Bad news: Thanks to the coaching change (and graduation/transfers), some top-level talent has left Mobile. Their new starting QB (Gio Lopez) is a freshmen, so a rebuilding O-line has to jell quickly.

Good news: Luckily, the depth on this team is very good, so I'm sure the Jaguars can find some new guys. Depth is especially good at the D-line, which has the chance to be nasty again.

Key games:
8/31 vs. North Texas (Actually, I've seen Gio Lopez a couple of times last year. Let's see how he does right away with his new coach and his new O-line.)
9/19 @ Appalachian State (This game is part of a tough 1st-half schedule, as trips to LSU and Arkansas State are also on the slate.)
10/15 vs. Troy (Fortunately, all of that should strengthen the Jaguars for their latest game against their in-state rivals in Troy.)
11/29 vs. Texas State (If all goes well, South Alabama will be fighting for the Sun Belt West title when this game takes place.)

Bottom line: After a disappointing 2023 season and Kane Wommack's departure, it really looks like South Alabama is gonna take a step back, doesn't it? Well, maybe that won't be the case. With the deep team that Major Applewhite will inherit, maybe all South Alabama has to do to challenge for the Sun Belt West again is fix some rudimental problems (limiting turnovers, etc.).

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Troy

Preview segment: The Troy Trojans

Last season: Another glorious year for the Troy Trojans football program! They would grab 11 wins and took home their 2nd-straight conference title. For a "Group of 5" school, they'll gladly take that any day of the week. But is Troy ready for the hangover that could happen in 2024?

Bad news: Much like James Madison, Troy is missing a LOT from last year. They've lost their head coach (who's now at Tulane), their top QB (Gunnar Watson), their top RB (Kimani Vaidal), and their top 2 pass rushers. In all, only 8 starters from last year's team are still with Troy.

Good news: There still are some good pieces to keep Troy in the Sun Belt mix; if Goose Crowder balls out, his WR's should help Troy have another potent passing attack. And the Trojans might have the best kicking game in the Sun Belt.

2024 X-factor: New head coach Gerad Parker- (This is the first head coaching job for the former Notre Dame offensive coordinator. But I'm not worried about that. I'm actually more worried about the potential change in philosophies; Troy has made it's money over the last 2 years with a strong defensive mind like Sumrall. How Gerad will lead the team in 2024 will be something to watch.)

Key games:
9/7 @ Memphis (Troy can stay on the short-list of "strong Group of Five contenders" if they upset Memphis here.)
10/3 vs. Texas State (Troy is probably like "Wait. We lose some guys, and now people think that TEXAS STATE is better than us?". This is the perfect chance for the Trojans to shut the Bobcats up.)
10/15 @ South Alabama (As stated in my previous post, Troy will be dealing with a battle-tested rival when they go see the Jaguars.)
11/23 @ Louisiana (The Cajuns almost stunned Troy last year, and the Trojans has to go to Lafayette this year.)

Bottom line: Troy is the "wild-card" of the Sun Belt for 2024. They've been on a record tear over the last 2 years, and they still have enough talent to contend for a 3rd straight Sun Belt title. But the personnel losses are QUITE big, and we don't know what will happen with Gerad Parker and his offensive gameplan. Still, I wouldn't put the West division past them.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Marshall

Preview segment: The Marshall Thundering Herd

Last season: It started out so well for Marshall; they started 4-1 with a win over Virginia Tech and a near-miss against NC State. But then the offense started to misfire on many, MANY occasions during conference play.
Cut to December 20th, when Marshall was heading home after a Frisco Bowl loss with a 6-7 record. Now let's see if the Herd can recover.

Good news: The defensive line should be good again, and coach Charles Huff has brought in a new offensive coordinator (Seth Doege) to get Marshall's numbers up.

Bad news: The learning curve with the new offense could take time, especially when you have FIVE QUARTERBACKS set to fight for the starting job come summer ball. Also, can the revamped O-line protect whoever will be the new leader?

Key games:
9/7 @ Virginia Tech (Wait. Marshall has to face the angry Hokies again? And Va-Tech has their shit together now? AND Marshall has to go to Ohio State 2 weeks later? OUCH!)
10/5 vs. Appalachian State (But maybe all of that will strengthen Marshall up for this big Sun Belt opener.)
10/12 @ Georgia Southern (Marshall did beat the Eagles last year.)
11/16 vs. Coastal Carolina (The Coastal game last year was just one place where the Marshall offense sucked. How much better will it be when the Herd face the Chanticleers again?)

Bottom line: 2024 will be a very important year for Charles Huff. Does he have the support of his bosses at the school? And if he doesn't, can the new offense change things? With the Sun Belt getting tougher every year, and FIVE QB's fighting to be the starter, I sadly don't see Marshall competing for the Sun Belt East crown this year.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Texas State

Preview segment: The Texas State Bobcats

Last season: Ever since Texas State joined the FBS in 2012, they've mostly been flopping and floundering around. But what's this? The Bobcats defeated Baylor in 2023? And made a bowl game? And they won it (over Rice)?! Finally the kids from San Marcos, Texas has their act together!
And this came in GJ Kinne's 1st year on the job? What's gonna happen in his 2nd year? A division title?!

Good news: That crazy dream could happen! You have Ismail Mahdi as your top RB, a revamped O-line, and a defense full of veterans and high-caliber transfers. Oh, and don't worry about the QB spot; James McCloud has come in from James Madison to run the ship.

Bad news: The Bobcats actually don't have too much to worry about, although the defense has to be better than 91st in the FBS if they wanna win the West division. Also, this is the first time Texas State actually has expectations for the season; will the pressure get to them?

Key games:
9/7 vs. UTSA (Texas State has a BIG chance here to make more waves in the state of Texas. I mean, UTSA won't have Frank Harris as their QB anymore.)
9/12 vs. Arizona State (Let's see if the Bobcats can swing for the fences and stun another "Power 4" opponent.)
10/3 @ Troy (Okay, on to serious business. Texas State has only beaten Troy once all-time, but they'll need to do it now if they want the West division title.)
10/12 vs. Arkansas State (77. That's the amount of points Texas State gave up last time they played the Red Wolves, and they need to fix that.)
10/29 vs. Louisiana (Same scenario as the Troy game, expect throw in the fact that Texas State has never beaten the Ragin' Cajuns.)

Bottom line: How times have changed. Since most of the Sun Belt West teams are reloading and they have a strong team, the time for Texas State to seize the West division title is NOW. And if the Bobcats exorcise their demons from years past (like Louisiana and Troy), they WILL seize this chance.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Appalachian State

Preview segment: The Appalachian State Mountaineers

Last season: After a tough 6-6 record with no bowl in 2022, it was good to see App. State recover in 2023. The Mountaineers would get 9 wins, make the Sun Belt title game, and upset Miami-Ohio in the Cure Bowl. Now let's see if App. State can grab their first Sun Belt title since 2019.

Bad news: Only 2 starters return to the secondary, and the O-line App. State has now is pretty young. Plus, RB Nate Noel has transferred out to Missouri.

Good news: However, I don't think App. State will miss Nate; Kanye Roberts is ready to be the feature back. Besides, they still have QB Joey Aguilar and top WR Kaedin Robinson on the offense. And the D-line returns nearly everyone from last year.

Key games:
9/7 @ Clemson (Clemson isn't the world-beater program they were in years past. Can the Mountaineers pull the stunner?)
9/28 vs. Liberty (If App. State can't beat Clemson, maybe they can enter the playoff discussion here. Liberty DID make the Fiesta Bowl last year, after all.)
11/7 @ Coastal Carolina (November will be a super-busy month for the Mountaineers. First they'll host Old Dominion [who beat them last year], then they'll go to Conway for the latest installment of this budding Sun Belt rivalry.)
11/23 vs. James Madison (The Dukes will be seeking revenge for App. State ruining their "College Gameday" visit from last year in OT. Happily for App. State, they'll get 16 days to prep for the challenge.)
11/30 @ Georgia Southern (And finally, it's the annual battle with their biggest rival in the Eagles.)

Bottom line: With some Sun Belt teams going through changes after the 2023 season, there's never been a better time for the Mountaineers to win their first title in 5 years. If the O-line and the secondary keeps it together, App. State will win big in 2024... and maybe shoot for the playoff if they slay either Clemson or Liberty.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Georgia Southern

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

Last season: So far, the hire of Clay Helton has been hit-or-miss for Georgia Southern. Yes, they made another bowl game, but they lost it to Ohio and finished the year 6-7. And GSU did NOT hire Helton to hover around the .500 mark; they want championships.

Good news: GSU has some great individual pieces this time; they retain their leading rusher (Jalen White). They have a deep group of WR's. And line play should be exceptional; the O-line returns everyone, and Marques Watson-Trent leads an awesome D-line.

Bad news: The QB room is VERY muddled; Dexter Williams II looks like the starter, but he has had major ACL injuries in the past. And none of the other QB's that GSU has generate excitement.

Key games:
8/31 vs. Boise State (An intriguing season opener for both the Broncos and the Eagles. Let's hope that WHOEVER is the starting QB for the Eagles can perform well here.)
10/12 vs. Marshall (The Eagles fell short against Marshall last year.)
10/19 vs. James Madison (GSU didn't stand a chance against James Madison last year. But with the Dukes fielding a drained team, maybe the Eagles can beat them this time.)
11/30 vs. Appalachian State (These rivals have split their last 6 meetings. So why does App. State have it together and Georgia Southern doesn't? Just why?)

Bottom line: The Eagles haven't won a conference title since their shocking Sun Belt win in 2014. But with a lot of good pieces and a guarantee of a better defense, maybe they'll compete this year! If Georgia Southern finds a happy answer at QB, App. State might wanna be careful.
But if the Eagles flop again, Clay Helton deserves to be on the hot seat, 'cause the boys of Statesboro are done with waiting.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Sun Belt predictions

Hopefully, I'll be back here tomorrow with the start of my previews for the MAC. Until then, though, here are my picks for the Sun Belt in 2024:

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

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

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Kent State

The first preview segment for the Mid-American Conference: The Kent State Golden Flashes

Last season: It went as expected, as the Flashes went 1-11 (with no wins over FBS teams).

Good news: Tommy Ulatowski is on his way to being the star of the Kent offense, as his knowledge should be a big help. The kicking game is stable, and Chrishon McCray leads a deep WR group.

Bad news: In terms of talent, Kent is still coming up short. Kent could feel that on the O-line and in the secondary in 2024.

Key games:
9/28 vs. Eastern Michigan (Kent State's "payday game" schedule is brutal; they have trips to Pittsburgh, Tennessee, and Penn State. So after that, hosting the Eagles will be a sight for sore eyes for Kent.)
10/12 vs. Ball State (Ball State could struggle again, so this is a perfect chance for Kent to snap their long MAC losing streak.)
11/6 vs. Ohio (This one won't be impossible to win; the Bobcats will be missing a LOT from their 2023 team.)
11/19 vs. Akron (Losing the "Wagon Wheel" to Akron always stings for Kent State. How they lost it last year had to REALLY sting.)

Bottom line: Considering that Kent State had ZERO chance to succeed last year, 2024 should be a breath of fresh air for them. Can they finish not last in the MAC East this year? Only if those 3 "payday games" don't destroy them... and if the offense starts to show a pulse.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Ball State

Preview segment: The Ball State Cardinals

Last season: A tough 4-8 campaign. Now coach Mike Neu is on a REALLY hot seat entering 2024.

Good news: The O-line returns 3 starters, and reports say that Ball State has found some good WR's to try to punch up the passing game. The secondary looks OK.

Bad news: The Cardinals defense was great in 2023, but only 1 starter from that unit returns (the D-line is basically all-new). The Cardinals lost their top 2 tight-ends to the portal, we don't know who the new lead running-back will be, and we have 5 QB's fighting for the starting job right now.

Key games:
9/21 @ Central Michigan (Ball State did beat the Chippewas last year.)
10/5 vs. Western Michigan (This MAC game is winnable if the Cardinals defense can stop the Broncos.)
10/26 vs. Northern Illinois (Ball State was able to beat Northern Illinois last year in Dekalb, and the Huskies will go to Muncie in 2024.)
11/23 vs. Bowling Green (Will the Cardinals be in range of a bowl when this Senior Day game takes place?)

Bottom line: Mike Neu is hoping for a more dynamic offense so that he can save his job in 2024. But the defense is completely drained, the non-conference slate is brutal again (Miami, James Madison, and Vanderbilt), and we don't know who will be the new QB or top RB. Sad to say, I think Ball State will finish last in the MAC West... and have a new head coach by January.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Bowling Green

Preview segment: The Bowling Green Falcons

Last season: Slowly and surely, it's getting better for the Falcons. Yes they lost another bowl game, but at least they left 2023 with their first winning record in 8 years. Now let's see if the Falcons can take the next step and challenge for the MAC title.

Good news: QB Connor Bazelak is back for one more year, and the Falcons defense looks VERY good. The O-line also looks good...

Bad news: ...and let's hope that it does it's job; Connor must stay healthy if BSU wants to compete. The wide-receiver room is a little barren, and special teams also needs an upgrade. Oh, and the non-conference slate is still hard; Penn State and Texas A&M replaces Liberty and Michigan.

Key games:
9/28 vs. Old Dominion (Well, at least THIS non-conference game is winnable for the Falcons.)
10/12 vs. Northern Illinois (A rare meeting between these two MAC teams. Bowling Green hasn't beaten NIU since the 2015 MAC title game.)
10/26 @ Toledo (The annual "Battle of I-75" contest, folks! And the last 2 meetings between the Rockets and the Falcons have been awesome.)
11/29 vs. Miami-Ohio (This game could decide the MAC East championship.)

Bottom line: Bowling Green's patience with coach Scot Loeffler is starting to pay off, as the Falcons are now thinking about a division title and a trip to Detroit in 2024. Defense won't be a problem, so let's hope Connor stays upright and find some new WR's to aid in the chase.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Ohio

Preview segment: The Ohio Bobcats

Last season: Ohio University started playing football in 1894, and the program hasn't had back-to-back 10-win seasons... until now! With the QB play of Kurtis Rourke and the coaching of Tim Albin, Ohio went 10-3 with another bowl win. This run in Athens is AMAZING!
...But are these guys ready for a crash landing?

Bad news: The Kurtis Rourke era in Athens is over (he transferred to Indiana). And here's who else left the Bobcats; their defensive coordinator (he's now at Memphis), their top-7 pass catchers, all but 1 guy from the defense, and nearly every starter on the O-line. Oh, and the new starting QB is not yet known.
Jeez! Is there ANYONE left?

Good news: Well, there is RB Ricky Hunt Jr., who starred in the Myrtle Beach Bowl last December. The secondary still looks good as well.

Key games:
9/7 vs. South Alabama (South Alabama suffered a talent drain of their own, so maybe Ohio can win this one.)
10/19 @ Miami-Ohio (OOOO! It's the 100th meeting in the "Battle For the Bricks" rivalry!)
11/13 vs. Eastern Michigan (This could be a "bowl elimination" game for both teams.)
11/20 @ Toledo (These in-state rivals don't meet often enough, in my opinion.)

Bottom line: Look. You can't deny the culture that Ohio has, and Tim Albin knows what he's doing. But with so many new players to coach up and a QB race that could get messy, I don't see the Bobcats competing for the MAC East this time. Maybe 6 wins is all they'll get in 2024.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Toledo

Preview segment: The Toledo Rockets

Last season: Another wonderful year by Toledo standards, as they went 11-3. Sadly for them, 2 of those 3 losses came in the MAC title game (against Miami-Ohio) and in their bowl (lost to Wyoming by 1). But people in Toledo shouldn't complain too much; they should be good again.

Bad news: Thing is, Toledo is another MAC team that is missing a few superstar players. DeQuan Finn has transferred out, and so has RB Perry Boone. Also gone are all of the starters on last year's O-line, and ballhawk safety Quinyon Mitchell.

Good news: Happily for Toledo, they still have a proud RB (Jacquez Stuart) and some All-MAC performers on the D-line. The WR room looks strong, and Toledo is set on special teams.

2024 X-factor: QB Tucker Gleason- (He was the starter in the Arizona Bowl last year for Toledo... and didn't do that well. Still, the Toledo coaches believer that he can be a productive full-time starter. Well, we'll just have to see.)

Key games:
9/21 @ Western Kentucky (A winnable game for the Rockets, but only if their new secondary are ready for the fight.)
10/5 vs. Miami-Ohio (Yes! It's the rubber match between the Redhawks and the Rockets! Toledo will get a week off to prep for this contest.)
10/19 @ Northern Illinois (NIU might be unpredictable now-a-days, but it doesn't change the fact that this is a rivalry game. And that the MAC West will pivot on this game. AND that Toledo only beat NIU last year by only 2 points.)
11/20 vs. Ohio (This could be a decision-maker game in both the East and West divisions this year.)

Bottom line: The lack of starters in the secondary and O-line is a concern, and you can't replace people like DeQuan Finn so easily. Still, Toledo is in better shape than some of their colleagues in the MAC. Expect them to be neck-and-neck with Northern Illinois in the West division... and maybe earn a return trip to Detroit.