DiMichele has more competition for the Eagles Job

Yesterday the I briefly talked about the Philadelphia Eagles signing former Temple quarterback Adam DiMichele, today the Eagles made another quarterback move, this time signing Michael Vick. While its obvious this makes DiMicheles road to the pro's more difficult how it effects him in the near term is not yet certain. Vick will not be available until later into the preseason so there may be time for DiMichele to make an impression for the eagles and any other teams out there.

Two MAC place kickers named on the Lou Groza Award watch list

Toledo Kicker Alex Steigerwald (per LGR) and Northern Illinois senior kicker Mike Salerno (per HuskieWire) have been named to the Lou Groza award watch list.

30 Games in 30 Days: #21 Northern Illinois at Central Michigan

NIU	@ CMU

When: November 27
Where: Mount Pleasant, Michigan

All Time Series: Northern Illinois 12-11

Last 10 Games:

Date	CMU	NIU
November 12, 2008	33	30
September 29, 2007	35	10
November 17, 2006	10	31
November 5, 2005	28	31
October 16, 2004	10	42
October 11, 2003	24	40
October 19, 2002	0	49
October 27, 2001	24	33
November 18, 2000	6	40
October 16, 1999	27	31

This is one of many key late season games for in the MAC West. Like the Ball State at Western Michigan match up which takes place only a few days prior, the outcome of this game will probably have implications for the top four teams (NIU, CMU, WMU, and Ball State) in the MAC West. Whoever did the scheduling for the MAC could not have done a better job setting up the end of the season on the Western side of the slate.

Northern Illinois will probably be vying for at at large bowl spot with Division rival Ball State and whoever is behind in the Western / Central Michigan race for the division. The Huskies have seven games that they should win before they square off with CMU, which should be enough for a Bowl bid, but given the MAC's performance last season it may take eight wins to guarantee one of the at-large spots.

Central Michigan is the favorite to win the division but they have Western Michigan nipping at their heels and a very punishing schedule. Six of Chips first nine games are on the road including divisional rival WMU, Defending MAC Champion Buffalo, and East Contender Bowling Green. Adding to their in conference slate of games the Chips have a difficult set of out of conference games with Arizona, Michigan State, and Boston College on the road. If the Chips should falter against Buffalo and/or Western Michigan they may very well be fighting, along with the Cardinals and Huskies, for an at large instead of the division.

Last season's game between these two teams was a classic. The Chippewas needed overtime to defeat Northern Illinois after the Huskies rolled off 24 unanswered points in the last 16 minutes of the game but Josh Gordy's interception of Chandler Harnish on the first overtime possession allowed Central Michigan to salvage the victory.

The loser of this game will find themselves missing out on either the division or the bowl picture, if the game is half as exciting as last years its a must see contest.

Its a heck of a road trip from DeKalb to Mount pleasant (seven hours) so any Husky fans wanting to make the trip are going to have to take the day off, pack up the car, and drive safely. If you cant make it to the game it has been picked up by ESPN360/ESPNU.

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#30 Temple at Navy

#29 Morgan State at Akron

#28 Miami at Kent

#27 Toledo at Ball State

#26 Army at Eastern Michigan

#25 Ohio at Buffalo

#24 Ball State at Western Michigan

#23 Eastern Michigan at Michigan

#22 Bowling Green at Miami

Former Temple QB DiMichele Signs Free Agent Contract with Eagles

Adam DiMichele, who started three years for the Temple Owls, has signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. DiMichele was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Eagles taking part in almost all spring practices before being released on June 11. Kevin Kolb's recent MCL sprain gives the Owl's fourth all time passer a second chance with the team.

"I can't put it into words. I was at home eating a sandwich with my family, and my phone rang. The Eagles wanted to bring me in as soon as possible. I have no details yet, but I'm not worried about it. It's just another opportunity for me. I'm excited, and my family is excited." -- Adam DiMichele

DiMichele has himself had a hard time staying healthy missing eleven complete games over his last two seasons and parts of others.With his limited playing time he still managed an impressive thirty touchdowns against only sixteen interceptions in the thirteen games he did play.

The Eagles host the New England Patriots on Thursday, August 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. Donovan McNabb will start and probably play into the second quarter. Following McNabb A.J. Feeley's will likely play the bulk of the game. DiMichele may get some playing time in the fourth quarter if Andy Reid holds true to form; In last years pre-season opener against Pittsburgh Andy Reid gave significant opportunity to all three of his quarterbacks.

Five MAC wideouts named on Biletnikoff watchlist

Five Mid American conference receivers were put on the 2009 Biletnikoff Award Watch List. The Fred Biletnikoff Award has been presented since 1994 to America's top college football receiver by the TQC Foundation, Inc. (The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, Inc.), an independent not-for-profit organization.

A national selection committee consisting of over 150 journalists, commentators, broadcasters, and former players selects the award winner. No member of the board of trustees of the foundation has a vote. Any college player who receives the football through the forward pass is eligible (wide receiver, running back, tight end) to be selected as the award winner, although every winner since 1994 has been a wide receiver.

Not since 1997 when then Marshall's Randy Moss won the award has a player form the MAC won this award. This years Nominees from the MAC are:

Antonio Brown, Central Michigan:



Last year the then sophomore came up just short of a thousand yards for the second straight year (950 in 2007, 998 in 2008) but in terms of overall yardage he was ranked fourth in the nation. Brown is also a proficient returner with leading the nation in punt return yardage (20.5 ypr) last year and taking one punt back for a touchdown, He also is an All MAC kick returner. He is so diverse as a player that he is just one of just two players in NCAA history to earn all-conference first-team honors at three positions in the same season

Naaman Roosevelt, Buffalo:


Roosevelt gained national attention for his walk off Hail Mary reception against Temple last year but his 1,402 years receiving was good for fourth in college football and his 13 touchdowns tied him for eighth in the FBS. Last year he set single-season school records for receptions (104), yards receiving (1,402) and receiving touchdowns (13) and came on strong late in the year with five of his seven 100+ yard games.

Taylor Price, Ohio:




Taylor Price enters his Senior following a 2008 campaign where he managed 694 receiving yards and five touchdown receptions, his most notable game was against MAC East rival Akron where he caught eight passed for one hundred yards and three touchdown to help the Bobcats walk away with a 49-42 decision. With the loss of Tight End Andrew Mooney, whoever wins the Bobcats starting quarterback job may have to rely more heavily on the wide outs this season, so there is room for Price to go over a thousand yards this year if that's the case.

Jacory Stone, Eastern Michigan:



The performance of Jacory Stone in 2008 gives hope to Eagles fans for 2009. His 943 receiving yards was in the top fifty nationally among all receivers (43) and more than double his sophomore numbers. His performance in the late season loss to Temple and win against Central Michigan, a combined 28 catches for 248 yards, were two of his best games. He will face both teams again and should not have too much trouble getting himself over a thousand yards for his senior campaign.

Stephen Williams, Toledo:


Best vid I could find, let me know if you have something better
Stephen Williams fell off a bit last year in total yardage (781) but his eight touchdowns, first on the team, were huge throughout the year. His best two efforts of the year came in losing games (114 yards two touchdowns against Fresno and 136 yards with two touchdowns against Akron). With the departure of Nick Moore Williams becomes the main weapon for Aaron Opelt and should break a thousand this year.

2009 Biletnikoff Award Watch List

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Kris Adams, UTEP
Seyi Ajirotutu, Fresno State
Brandon Banks, Kansas State
Doug Beaumont, Louisville
Arrelious Benn, Illinois
Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas
Antonio Brown, Central Michigan
DeAndre Brown, Southern Miss
Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Tyron Carrier, Houston
Eric Decker, Minnesota
Jacoby Ford, Clemson
Cortez Gent, Florida Atlantic
Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati
AJ Green, Georgia
Rashaun Greer, Colorado State
D'Andre Goodwin, Washington
T.Y. Hilton, Florida International
Shay Hodge, Ole Miss
Jerrel Jernigan, Troy
Damaris Johnson, Tulsa
Julio Jones, Alabama
Brandon LaFell, LSU
Detron Lewis, Texas Tech
Kerry Meier, Kansas
Dennis Pitta, BYU
Taylor Price, Ohio
Aldrick Robinson, SMU
Naaman Roosevelt, Buffalo
Greg Salas, Hawaii
Jordan Shipley, Texas
Jacory Stone, Eastern Michigan
Golden Tate, Notre Dame
Damian Williams, USC
Stephen Williams, Toledo
Ryan Wolfe, UNLV

30 Games in 30 Days: #23 Eastern Michigan at Michigan

EMU	@ Michigan

Where: Ann Arbor, MI
When: September 19th

All Time Series: Michigan 3-0

Date	EMU	Michigan
October 6, 2007	22	33
September 17, 2005	0	55
September 19, 1998	20	59

I went back on fourth on this one, this series has no real history, the game will likely not decide any MAC teams fortune, and I doubt it will be close but the 'in state' David and Goliath coupled with coaching connections makes it relevant. Maybe Michigan gets caught looking ahead to its conference opener against Indiana and EMU is able to play scrappy for awhile but in the end a big ten team, even a struggling one, has too much depth for most mid majors to hang around with, especially programs as downtrodden as Eastern Michigan.

Ron English Now	And Then

For Michigan this will be the second of three instate games this year. Mid American West contender Western Michigan opens their season in Ann Arbor, EMU makes the trip in week three, and the wolverines make the trip to Michigan State in week five. Its a shame that they could not swap Central Michigan for Delaware state.

Eastern Michigan comes in to Ann Arbor the week after travelling to Northwestern, and one week before the open conference play by hosting Temple. Last year Toledo shocked Michigan and a loss to a, then, low tier MAC team has really stung MU fans. Expect Michigan to not overlook any team from the MAC this year, unfortunately for the Eagles I don't see them beating Michigan unless they catch the wolverines looking past them.

Michigan football is a shadow of where it usually is and a stronger team like Western *might* be able to take advantage of this but the Eagles, who have occasionally played great games, would have to have to play as hard as they did last year against Central Michigan to even be in this one.

The last time these teams met the Eagles kept the game close until well into the third quarter when an Andy Schmitt touchdown run made the score 16-14 in favor of the wolverines. The wolverines would roll off 17 third quarter points to shut the door, some of the highlights of that game including an amazing fake hand off by Schmitt which fooled Englishes defense, the camera, and the announcers:

Hopefully the Eagles can keep it close again but unless Michigan has a second terrible year I don't see Eastern Michigan holding on too long.

#30 Temple at Navy

#29 Morgan State at Akron

#28 Miami at Kent

#27 Toledo at Ball State

#26 Army at Eastern Michigan

#24 Ball State at Western Michigan

Hiller, Lewis represent the MAC for Walter Camp

Tim Hiller	MiQuale Lewis

Two Mid American Conference Seniors made the Walter Camp "watch List". The award which started in 1967 (and was won its first two years by O.J. Simpson) is awarded every year to the player seen as the 'player of the year' by a group of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-A head coaches and sports information directors under the auspices of the Walter Camp Football Foundation.

No school that is currently not in a BCS conference, outside of Notre Dame, has ever won this award so its going to be a major task for them to be taken seriously as contenders. Should Hiller eclipse his totals from last year or Lewis lead the league in rushing and touchdowns they may have a chance but short of the publicity that a BCS bowl run has its difficult to get the national attention for such awards.

Last year MiQuale Lewis rushed for 1,701 yards (3rd in the nation) and scored 22 touchdowns (Tied for first). He also caught more than 30 passes for three hundred yards making him one of the most potent threats in all of College football. This year he will have to make due with a new line and without Nate Daivs who left early for the NFL draft.

Tim Hiller set seven Western Michigan passing records in 2008 He ranked tenth in the nation in yardage (3725), 7th in touchdowns (36), and 24th in quarterback rating (143.81). Off the field he earned a 4.0 GPA as an undergraduate and is well on his way to his MBA. Hiller will have to go through the year wideouts Jamarko Simmons and Schneider Julien. He will also be missing Tight end Branden Ledbetter. But he does return most of his offense outside those positions.

2009 Walter Camp Player of the Year “Watch List”
Jahvid Best, RB, Junior, California
Arrelious Benn, WR, Junior, Illinois
Eric Berry, DB, Junior, Tennessee
Sam Bradford, QB, Junior, Oklahoma
LaGarrette Blount, RB, Senior, Oregon
Dez Bryant, WR, Junior, Oklahoma State
Daryll Clark, QB, Senior, Penn State
Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Junior, Georgia Tech
Mardy Gilyard, WR, Senior, Cincinnati
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Senior, Oklahoma
Max Hall, QB, Senior, Brigham Young
Tim Hiller, QB, Senior, Western Michigan
Jerry Hughes, DE, Senior, TCU
Kendell Hunter, RB, Junior, Oklahoma State
MiQuale Lewis, RB, Senior, Ball State
Taylor Mays, DB, Senior, USC
Colt McCoy, QB, Senior, Texas
Kellen Moore, QB, Sophomore, Boise State
Todd Reesing, QB, Senior, Kansas
Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Sophomore, Oregon State
Evan Royster, RB, Senior, Penn State
George Selvie, DE, Senior, South Florida
Jordan Shipley, WR, Senior, Texas
Rusty Smith, QB, Senior, Florida Atlantic
Jevan Snead, QB, Junior, Mississippi
Brandon Spikes, LB, Senior, Florida
C.J. Spiller, RB, Senior, Clemson
Golden Tate, WR, Junior, Notre Dame
Tim Tebow, QB, Senior, Florida
Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Senior, Missouri

MAC News 8/10/2009

Dog Days of Summer:

The rather nice mid-western summer has ended just in time for football camps so now, instead of pleasant days in the 70's MAC football players are running their drills in heat indexes of over one hundred degrees.

On Saturday three NIU huskies were treated and released for dehydration after practices ended, there seemed to be no serious threats to health but when temperatures start getting on ninety and the humidity is as high as it has been its best not to take chances.

Akron practiced Sunday in a heat index of 111 degrees, UA head coach J.D. Brookhart.said ""I think we started a little slow due to the heat, However, the team picked up the pace and we had another good practice."

Central Michigan

Central Michigan director of track and field/cross country Willie Randolph today announed the three coaches who will complete his 2009 staff.

Among them are former Olympian Dione Henley, University of Oklahoma coach John Ridgway, and graduate assistant Kristen Paulsen.

30 Games in 30 Days: #24 Ball State at Western Michigan

Ball State	@ WMU

When: November 24th

Where: Kalamazoo Michigan

Series: Western Michigan 19-16

Last 10 Meetings

Date	WMU	Ball State
November 25, 2008	22	45
October 20, 2007	23	27
October 21, 2006	41	27
October 8, 2005	57	60
September 25, 2004	14	41
November 8, 2003	28	20
November 2, 2002	7	17
November 24, 2001	31	35
November 4, 2000	42	3
October 23, 1999	28	0

For the second year in a row these two teams play in the last week of the regular season. Last years game clinched the Western Division and a perfect season for the Cardinals, this season this game may well again decide the Western Division. Western Michigan is seen as being one of the two teams to take the west because of the timing this game may rank up with the CMU / WMU contest for importance in the conference.

On the flip side while Ball State is not being picked to win the but this game could very well have Bowl implications for the Cardinals. The contest is the last of three against some of last years top teams in the west (NIU, Central Michigan, Western Michigan), for the MAC winning 8 games almost clinches an at large bowl bid. Should they falter at any point in the season (Temple, Toledo, Bowling Green) they are going to need one of this series to make that mark.

Last year Ball state had little trouble taking care of the Bronco's, forcing Tim Hiller into more interceptions than touchdown's (only happened to Hiller one time last year). They also forced Western Michigan into fifty yards of penalties and managed to stop seven out of thirteen first downs. Offensively Nate Davie moved the ball well and MiQuale Lewis racked up 120 yards on the ground and three touchdowns.

The Cards are fortunate that their two most difficult, and important, divisional games come a the end of the season. Any early jitters or hick ups that Kelly Page and the new offensive line have to work out should be well taken care of so the Bronco's could be in for as much a game as they had last year.

This is going to be a nationally televised games (ESPN2), unfortunately its a week night game and its something of a drive from Muncie to Kalamazoo so unless you're a real diehard chances are your going to be watching this one on TV.

#30 Temple at Navy

#29 Morgan State at Akron

#28 Miami at Kent

#27 Toledo at Ball State

#26 Army at Eastern Michigan

#25 Ohio at Buffalo

Barry Church named to Jim Thorpe Watch List

Toledo Senior Barry Church was the sole representative of the Mid American Conference to be named on the Jim Thorpe watch list for best defensive back in the nation.

The Jim Thorpe Award "watch list" is determined by analysis of the pre-season All-American teams listed in at least six pre-season college football annual magazines. Four points are awarded for first team, three points for second team, two points for third and one point for honorable mentions. This procedure determines approximately 30-40 players on the pre-season watch list. This list is not final and players who haveoutstanding seasons are added as the season progresses.

Church is a three time All-MAC defensive back with 256 career tackles and eight interceptions. A "Screening Committee" of Jim Thorpe Association members follows these players throughout the season, watching games and researching information sources to grade Thorpe Award candidates on the basis of performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The committee meets on the first Monday in November to narrow the field to 10 or 12 semi-finalists.

2009 Jim Thorpe Watch List

Javier Arenas, Alabama
Aaron Berry, Pittsburgh
Eric Berry, Tennessee
Ahmad Black, Florida
Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech
Kendric Burey, North Carolina
Crezdon Butler, Clemson
Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech
Chris Chandler, Clemson
Barry Church, Toledo
Kurt Coleman, Ohio State
Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State
Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
Van Eskridge, East Carolina
Dominique Franks, Oklahoma
Joe Haden, Florida
Duke Ihenacho, San Jose State
Reshad Jones, Georgia
Jordan Lake, Baylor
Myron Lewis, Vanderbilt
Trevard Lindley, Kentucky
Taylor Mays, USC
Amari Spievey, Iowa
Darrell Stuckey, Kansas
Earl Thomas, Texas
SydQuan Thompson, California
Walter Thurmond, Oregon
Alterraun Verner, UCLA
Stephan Virgil, Virginia Tech
Deunta Williams, North Carolina
Kyle Wilson, Boise State

30 Games in 30 Days: #25 Ohio at Buffalo

Ohio	@ Buffalo

When: November 10th

Where: Amherst, NY

All Time: Ohio 7-5

Date	Buffalo	Ohio
October 28, 2008	32	19
October 6, 2007	31	10
October 21, 2006	7	42
October 29, 2005	20	34
September 25, 2004	0	34
October 25, 2003	26	17
September 28, 2002	32	34
November 3, 2001	44	0
October 7, 2000	20	42
September 25, 1999	6	45
September 21, 1963	7	0
October 27, 1962	6	41

Last years victory in Athens Ohio, the first for UB in more than 40 years, kicked off Buffalo's run of East division victories leading to their first outright division since joining the MAC back in the late nineties. For Ohio the loss removed the possibility of bowl contention and highlighted an area that killed them all year, turnovers and missed opportunities. Four fumbles, several losses due to downs, an interception late in the first half, and missed extra point were the difference in a game where Ohio put up more yards than Buffalo including torching the Bulls through the air for almost three hundred yards and still lost by a pretty convincing score.

One reason this game makes the top 30 in the MAC is because of the paths crossed by its coaches. Turner Gill played and coached on Nebraska teams under Tom Osborn while Frank Solich was on staff so this game should have interested fans in Lincoln, Buffalo, and Athens. Both Coaches have won a MAC East title but of the two Gill is the only to add a conference championship to his resume.

Ohio enters this season with a slight quarterback controversy as Boo Jackson played well when Theo Scott was sidelined for the year early in the season.

Another reason this make the list is because by this point in the season the loser of this game will likely find themselves behind the eight ball in the eastern division:

Ohio should be more in the mix for the East division this year than last when losses to CMU, WMU, and Temple put them in a hole. For Ohio this years game is in the middle of their most difficult stretch along with the Bulls they face Ball State, Northern Illinois and Temple in consecutive weeks. The Bobcats are going to need to take one, maybe two games in this stretch to be bowl eligible and Buffalo is a team they know well.

Turner gill gets close to the hardest cross division draw in the season CMU at home and WMU on the road. Combine their west draw with an early trip to Philadelphia to play divisional rival Temple and the other five divisional games become critical for UB. Ohio is their last home game of the year before road trips to Miami and Kent, Buffalo will likely need this game if they are going to win the east.

This game will be nationally televised on ESPN2 so if you can't make the trip to Western New York just turn on your TV or find a decent sports bar.

#30 Temple at Navy

#29 Morgan State at Akron

#28 Miami at Kent

#27 Toledo at Ball State

#26 Army at Eastern Michigan

30 Games in 30 Days: #26 Army at Eastern Michigan

ARMY	@ EMU

The beginning of the Ron English era in Ypsilanti is marked by one of the more winnable games on their schedule. Army is, perhaps, the weakest team the Eagles face this year and they have to travel to Michigan. A home win against the Black Knights could be a great storyline for English to start his career.

Where: Ypsilanti, Michigan
When: September 5


All Time: Army 2-0

Date	EMU	Army
October 11, 2008	13	17
October 31, 1992	17	57

Last year Army did not complete a pass in two games. The first was when FCS New Hampshire soundly defeated the Black Knights in week two and the second was when they rolled off 341 rushing yards in a comeback victory over Eastern Michigan at west point.

As much as keeping Army under three hundred yards may have helped offensive miscues late in the game kept Eastern Michigan from recapturing the lead. Four drives averaging 7 yards per drive in the fourth quarter doomed any chances the Eagles had.

Ron English has been very upfront with his belief that the his squad, if more consistent, could be tough enough to win out games like the one last year against Army

"consistency-the truest measure of toughness!" -- Ron English

This game lands in the top 30 because its the official kickoff of the biggest rebuilding job college football has seen in years. Should Ron English, eventually, establish EMU as a power in the MAC it would eclipse both what Turner Gill did at Buffalo and what Brady Hoke did for Ball State.

On the other sideline another new coach Rich Ellerson has his own rebuilding project. Fortunately he is well versed with the option meaning Army is going away, for good, from their failed experiment at the west coast set. The service academies always have their own set of challenges when it comes to recruiting so righting the Army ship may take a few seasons.

This game which may not mean a whole lot on either the national land scape nor in the MAC but it should be close and a good kickoff to two new coaches.

#30: Temple at Navy
#29: Morgan State at Akron
#28: Miami at Kent
#27: Toledo at Ball State

Another Bronco nominated on an award watch list

Western Michigan football is having a great week. Beside camps finally getting under way a day does not go by when a Bronco is not put on a national award watch list. Tim Hiller for the Davey O'Brien, Brandon West for the Doak Walker, and now Ben Armer is one of nine, and the only MAC player, nominated for the Ray Guy award given every year to the nations best punter.

to be one of only two sophomores on this list speaks to the outstanding year the red shirt freshman put in. With an average of 40.6 yards per (including 11 punts of 50 or more yards) ranked him among the top 50 players in the nation. Equally impressive was his whistle to whistle participation while on the field the All-MAC Freshman (Rivals.com) recorded the second-most tackles by a kicker/punter in a season(5).

The Ray Guy Award winner is determined by a national selection committee of FWAA sports writers, college coaches, sports information directors, and past Ray Guy Award winners. Among the statistics used to identify the winner are total yardage punted, number of times a punt is downed or kicked out of bounds inside the opponents 20-yard line, net average, average returned yardage, and percentage of punts not returned. The winner must display team leadership, self-discipline, and have a positive impact on the team’s success.

2009 Ray Guy Award Watch List

Bryan Anger, California, Sophomore
Ben Armer, Western Michigan, Sophomore
Travis Baltz, Maryland, Junior
Matt Dodge, East Carolina, Senior
Ryan Donahue, Iowa, Junior
Derek Epperson, Baylor, Junior
Chas Henry, Florida, Junior
Zoltan Mesko, Michigan, Senior
Ross Thevenot, Tulane, Senior

30 Games in 30 Days: #27 Toledo at Ball State

Toledo	@ Ball State

Last year Ball State ran away with the MAC before being tripped up by turnovers in the championship game. The Cards finished nationally ranked, solid on both sides of the ball, and kept one of the top three running backs in the nation. Last year Toledo limped to a 3-9 season, failed on several occasions to close out winnable games and only looked good against Miami (OH) and EMU. The total record of the teams they beat was 8-28 and when these two teams hooked up in Toledo the Rockets did not manage to score one point. Both teams lost their coaches as Brady Hoke was tempted away by San Diego, and Toledo Tom was replaced to help breath life into a Toledo team that used to compete year in and year out.

Where: Muncie, Indiana
When: October 3rd

All Time: Ball State 17-16-1


Last 20 meetings:

Date	Ball State	Toledo
October 4, 2008	31	0
November 13, 2007	41	20
November 14, 2006	20	17
October 15, 2005	14	34
October 2, 2004	14	52
October 25, 2003	38	14
October 12, 2002	17	37
October 20, 2001	24	20
November 11, 2000	3	31
September 18, 1999	10	23
October 10, 1998	6	27
November 8, 1997	35	3
November 16, 1996	24	14
October 7, 1995	14	17
October 8, 1994	24	24
October 9, 1993	31	30
November 7, 1992	9	10
November 9, 1991	9	3
September 22, 1990	16	28
September 23, 1989	22	29

So let me get this straight, you go 12-2 finish nationally ranked, bring back arguably the #1 running back in the nation and you're picked by your conferences own media outlet to finish 5th? The Ball State bulletin board has to be absolutely pasted with media articles about how poorly they are going to do this year, how easy their schedule is, how without Davis and Hoke they are a lost cause, and so on.

The Cardinals have great players, a coach who has years of experience with the team, and a divisional home opener on the heels of a game against a very vulnerable Auburn team. Ball State entering this game with a 3-1 record is probable, 4-0 is realistic. Kelly Page and his OL will have had four weeks of game experience including against an SEC defense to warm up for divisional play.

Tim Beckman is coming back to the MAC five year's spent coaching at BCS level schools (Ohio State, Oklahoma). Like Ball state this game marks the opening of Division play for Tim Beckman so we will all know, and quickly, if the lofty expectations being floated aroud by some publications (e.g. 3rd by Scout, 4th by MAC Media) are realistic.

Toledo is not bereft of talent, on the contrary they have as much individual talent as most MAC teams but those individuals have never put it together in any way that seems to translate into winning seasons. Beckman can change that but not knowing the players in any substantial way is going to impede on his ability to take massive steps forward this year.

Why this game means more to Ball State:

Even though its early in the season there should be a fair share of pressure on Ball State. As the new head coach of a program Parrish does not get the breathing room most new coaches are given. He knows the personnel, recruiting connections, scheme's, and community. Coach Parrish also follows on the heels of a ranked 12-2 campaign on a team that's improved every year for some time. I don't think anyone expects Ball State to improve or repeat over last years edition but most fans think anything short of seven wins is unacceptable.

Their last three games are likely to be their most difficult of the season so if they want a shot at getting to a Bowl Game they need to have at least six wins by week nine.

Away games at Temple and Auburn mean they really only have one more game to spare (yes they may beat Temple and/or Auburn but losing either of them will not be earth shattering). If they lose to Toledo in the MAC opener they could go into mid October at 3-3 with a conference mark of 0-2. As good as they may be they are not good enough to out of that large a hole.

Why Toledo could shock:

While media outlets have the rockets doing some damage this year I think the expectations of fans are far lower. Toledo does not bare the burden of needing this game while fans would be ecstatic with a bowl appearance were Toledo to win five games, perhaps even four paired with one big upset like Temple or Colorado at home or Ball State on the road many would consider 2009 a success.

While Beckman does not know his players, his players all know each other. Toledo returns pretty much everybody so just about every starter will remember the 31 to nothing drubbing Ball state put on them last season. A chance to take it to the Cardinals while they are breaking in a new line and quarterback may be enough to bring out the best in a Toledo team that showed last year it *can* play with teams like Fresno State and CMU.



Its a bit over a three hour drive so with a noon kickoff fans who want to make the trip should get up before the sun, if have to drive more than an hour to get there its a sin not to tailgate for a while once there.


#30: Temple at Navy
#29: Morgan State at Akron
#28: Miami at Kent

Ron English dismisses DB Derrick Hunter

Derrick hunter's run in with the police forced Ron English, who is trying to turn around a long suffering Eastern Michigan football program, to dismiss him from the Eagles..

Hunter had been recruited as a wide receiver out of South Filed H.S. in Michigan before being moved to the defensive backfield. Hunter had missed the entire 2008 season with Injury after seeing light work in his sophomore year (49 Tackles, 1 int, 1 fumble recovery, 1 touchdown).

With two years and a new coach Hunter had opportunity to play a more prominent role. All of that ended when on August Second the police were called to his home on a report that a firearm discharged. Police are seeking charges against junior defensive back Derrick Hunter, 21, his 23 year old roommate.

Five MAC Halfbacks on the Doak Walker watch list

MiQuale Lewis	James Starks	Brandon West	Eugene Jarvis	DaJuane Collins

Five Mid American Conference running backs are on the list of 33, in the 19 years this award has been given no MAC player has ever won. While it will be a tall order for MiQuale Lewis and James Starks to match their level of play play from 2008 now that they missing their Davis and Willy not to mention significant portions of their offensive lines. Both finished in the top 20 for the nation last year and could be in the running when the season is over. Jarvis and West lost much of to injury and it will be interesting to see what he can do with 12 games....

Which MAC Running back has the best chance of winning the Doak Walker Award

because I missed DaJuane Collins I will have a runoff when this expires

The Doak Walker Award, named after the SMU legend, is presented ever year to the best college running back in the nation. The Doak Walker award is the only in college football that requires its recipient be in good academic standing and on target to graduate within a year of his current class.

Four Mid American Conference running backs are on the list of 33, in the 19 years this award has been given no MAC player has ever won. While it will be a tall order for MiQuale Lewis and James Starks to match their level of play play from 2008 now that they missing their Davis and Willy not to mention significant portions of their offensive lines. Both finished in the top 20 for the nation last year and could be in the running when the season is over. Jarvis and West lost much of to injury and it will be interesting to see what he can do with 12 games.

Last year MiQuale Lewis rushed for 1,701 yards (3rd in the nation) and scored 22 touchdowns (Tied for first). He also caught more than 30 passes for three hundred yards making him one of the most potent threats in all of College football.

James Starks put up monster numbers despite missing nearly three games last year (11 quarters). Before the loss to UConn he was among the best in the league in yards per game. His 1333 yards per game was 17th in the nation and his 16 touchdowns ranks him tied for 13th.

In his Junior year Brandon West cracked a thousand yards (1026) ranking him in 48th nationally. Like Starks West missed significant playing time last year sitting against CMU and playing seeing only limited carries against Ball State. This year with WMU losing some key wideout he may have quite a few more touches.

Eugene Jarvis missed three games last year and never really got back on track after leaving the Delaware game with a 'minor' injury that ended up putting him on the sideline for three games. Even with that he managed more than a thousand total years (801 on the ground, and 273 receiving) and ten total touchdown. If he can stay healthy this year he will almost certainly improve those numbers.

DaJuane Collins (sorry for missing him the first time around) also pent time on the sidelines and never seemed quite the same after the game against Fresno, still with two missed games and some injuries putting up 700 years rushing paired with five touchdowns was good enough to get him on the list. With an experienced and offensive line returning and new leadership over one thousand yards seems very realistic.

The recipient of the 2009 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on ESPN on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards on Thursday, December 10. The Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet will be held at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas, on Friday, February 19, 2010.

2009 Doak Walker Award Watch List

Armando Allen (Jr.), Notre Dame
André Anderson (Sr.), Tulane
Reggie Arnold (Sr.), Arkansas State
Baron Batch (Jr.), Texas Tech
Jahvid Best (Jr.), California, Berkeley
LeGarrette Blount (Sr.), Oregon
Chris Brown (Sr.), Oklahoma
Donald Buckram (Jr.), UTEP
John Clay (So.), Wisconsin
DaJuane Collins (Sr.), Toledo
Jeff Demps (So.), Florida
Noel Devine (Jr.), West Virginia
Andre Dixon (Sr.), Connecticut
Shaun Draughn (Jr.), North Carolina
Jonathan Dwyer (Jr.), Georgia Tech
Jamelle Eugene (Sr.), North Carolina State
Darren Evans (So.), Virginia Tech
Damion Fletcher (Sr.), Southern Mississippi
Toby Gerhart (Sr.), Stanford
Cyrus Gray (So.), Texas A&M
Nicolas (Nic) Grigsby (Jr.), Arizona
DuJuan Harris (Jr.), Troy
Roy Helu, Jr. (Jr.), Nebraska
Dan Herron (So.), Ohio State
Kendall Hunter (Jr.), Oklahoma State
Mark Ingram (So.), Alabama
Eugene Jarvis (Sr.), Kent State
MiQuale Lewis (Sr.), Ball State
Darius Marshall (Jr.), Marshall
Brandon Minor (Sr.), Michigan
DeMarco Murray (Jr.), Oklahoma
Daniel Porter (Sr.), Louisiana Tech
Jacquizz Rodgers (So.), Oregon State
Charles Scott (Sr.), LSU
Da’Rel Scott (Jr.), Maryland
Jake Sharp (Sr.), Kansas
Michael Smith (Sr.), Arkansas
C.J. Spiller (Sr.), Clemson
James Starks (Sr.), Buffalo
Curtis Steele (Sr.), Memphis
Phillip Tanner (Sr.), Middle Tennessee State
Vai Taua (Jr.), Nevada
Jordan Todman (So.), Connecticut
Joseph Turner (Sr.), TCU
Brandon West (Sr.), Western Michigan

Two MAC quarterbacks put on the O’Brien Award Watch List

Dan LeFevour	Tim Hiller

For the second time in as Many years Dan Lefevour is on the watch list for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback award, this year he has competition from fellow MAC West Quarterback Tim Hiller.

LeFevour enters the this season first among active FBS players in completions (853), attempts (1,307) and total offense (11,702), second in passing yards (9,467) and fourth in touchdown passes (74). His total offense career yardage ranks 14th in Bowl Subdivision history. He is also a three-time Academic All-MAC (communication major 3.57 gpa)

Tim Hiller set seven Western Michigan passing records in 2008 He ranked tenth in the nation in yardage (3725), 7th in touchdowns (36), and 24th in quarterback rating (143.81). Off the field he earned a 4.0 GPA as an undergraduate and is well on his way to his MBA. With all his free time he is very active in his community service and faith-based mission work.

The Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, is presented annually to the adjudged to be the best of all NCAA quarterbacks. Unlike the Johnny Unitas Award the Obrien Award is not restricted to only seniors so these players are recognized as the best quarterbacks among the 120 FBS football programs.

The selection committee will announce the award’s semifinalists Oct. 26, finalists Nov. 23 and winner Dec. 10.

Considering Schedule, Health, Exposure, and Ability which MAC QB has a better chance at winning?

2009 O’Brien Award Watch List
Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
Jarrett Brown, West Virginia
Daryll Clark, Penn State
Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
Aaron Corp, USC
Robert Griffin, Baylor
Matt Grothe, South Florida
Max Hall, BYU
Tim Hiller, Western Michigan
Jordan Jefferson, LSU
Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
Case Keenum, Houston
Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan
Jake Locker, Washington
Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
Jeremiah Masoli, Oregon
Colt McCoy, Texas
Kellen Moore, Boise State
Josh Nesbitt, Georgia Tech
Tony Pike, Cincinnati
Taylor Potts, Texas Tech
Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State
Todd Reesing, Kansas
Kevin Riley, California
Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State
Riley Skinner, Wake Forest
Rusty Smith, Florida Atlantic
Jevan Snead, Mississippi
Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
Tim Tebow, Florida
Adam Weber, Minnesota
Juice Williams, Illinois
Russell Wilson, North Carolina State