Week 1 of 2019 College Football

Minnesota Golden Gophers beat the mighty South Dakota State Rackrabbits 28-21 out of FCS on Thursday night in a game that came down to three or so critical plays.

Rankings are from the AP Poll.

Friday
Tulsa at #18 Michigan State
#19 Wisconsin at South Florida
UMass at Rutgers
Purdue at Nevada

Saturday
Florida Atlantic at #5 Ohio State
South Alabama at #24 Nebraska
Howard at Maryland
Akron at Illinois
Indiana vs Ball State
Idaho at #15 Penn State
Northwestern at #25 Stanford
Middle Tennessee at #7 Michigan
Miami (OH) at #20 Iowa

The Big Ten should be a salty football race in 2019.

The Iowa Hawkeyes (9-4 in 2019) are picked any where from first to sixth in the Big Ten West for 2019.

The 21st season under Kirk Ferentz, dean of College Football coaches begins on Saturday, as the Iowa Hawkeyes host Miami-OH (6-6, 6-2 in the MAC in 2018) with a 6:40 PM kickoff on FS1 at Kinnick Stadium.

The Hawkeyes are a 22 point favorite, with an over/under is at 58 points at one point, this past week.

Iowa Hawkeyes 35
Miami-OH 13

The spreads and over/under appear right heading into the 2019 season at Kinnick Stadium.

Jay Norvell was a member of the 1985 Iowa Championship Football team, under fifth year offensive line coach Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes won a critical game at Purdue in 1985.

The Hawkeyes won a #1 vs. #2 showdown earlier in the season against Michigan. On the final play of the game, the Hawkeyes kicked a game winning field goal to win 12-10.

Jim Harbaugh enters his fifth season, as head coach at Michigan in 2019. Many have the Wolverines #1 in the Big Ten, and a possible College Football Playoff contender?

Jay Norvell is in his third season at Nevada, as head coach. Congratulations on his Week 1 win against Purdue, with a walk off game winning field goal, by a freshman placekicker.

The 2019 season should be a great season for the Iowa Hawkeyes win, lose and unlike the 1985, where a team could draw.

We don't see the Big Ten in the College Football Playoff in 2019. The Big Ten should be very salty week after week.

Welcome to the 2019 College Football season.

Iowa 45, Miami-OH 21, as Hawkeyes and Redhawks kickoff the 2016 season at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday

The Big Ten (Iowa) and the MAC (Miami-OH) both went back
to work as they kicked off the 2016 College Football season
in Kinnick Stadium, as the Hawkeyes win 45-21 over the Redhawks.

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- In its season opener, the Miami University football team impressed on offense, outgaining the 18th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes with 424 yards in a 45-21 loss Saturday afternoon at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa built an early lead, with 21 points in the first quarter over Miami-OH. Iowa was physical, as Redhawks coach Chuck Martin expected heading into the season opener.

Miami-OH (0-1) held possession for over 36 minutes and gained 25 first downs, but the Iowa (1-0) scored three touchdowns off of Miami turnovers and converted on all six red zone opportunities.

"It was a close game, should have been closer," said Miami-OH head coach Chuck Martin. "Without the dang turnovers, it's a really close game. We fought through more than we wanted to, but we did well."

Miami-OH sophomore quarterback Billy Bahl was strong in his 2016 debut, going 19-of-29 with 266 yards and a pair of touchdown passes to sophomore wide receiver James Gardner. Both Gardner and senior wide receiver Rokeem Williams pulled in six catches, with Williams racking up 113 yards. Five Miami rushers combined to post 158 yards on the ground, led by sophomore Maurice Thomas with 60 yards on nine carries.

"We ran the ball legitimately," said Martin. "Legitimate run plays. And passing, we moved the ball very efficiently, obviously except fumbling the ball three times. They know what they are doing and they did."

After Miami-OH punted on its opening possession, the Hawkeyes used a couple of major plays to power an 80-yard drive, culminating with a 1-yard touchdown run that put them up 7-0 with 9:07 remaining in the first quarter.

Iowa junior MLB Josey Jewell was disqualified in the first quarter after being flagged for targeting on a personal foul on the first change of possession of the game. It brought back an explosive punt return by senior Desmond King. Miami-OH coach Martin shared the Redhawks game planned to run offense away from both Iowa cornerback King in the passing game and Iowa senior DT Jaleel Johnson in the running game.

Iowa junior RB 25 Akrum Wadley lead the Iowa ground game with 121 yards,
including two of the Hawkeyes five rushing TDs to open the season. He also
had a critical fumble recovery in the 1st half to avoid a turnover in Iowa territory.

On its next outing, a fumble by Thomas quickly led to another Iowa touchdown run that extended its lead to 14-0 at the 7:14 mark. Bahl then found Williams for a 67-yard completion that put Miami-OH into the red zone, but the momentum was short-lived as Bahl fumbled as he was being sacked.

Iowa capitalized on a Miami-OH, with a 2 play drive, finished with a 43 yard
run by senior RB 29 LeShun Daniels, Jr. After the turnover, Iowa took advantage with
a nice flea flicker from senior QB C.J. Beathard to sophomore WR Jerminic Smith.

Once again, Iowa capitalized on the turnover with a 38-yard pass, followed by a 43-yard run that made the score, 21-0, with 5:41 left in the opening period.

"We're pleased to get the win," said Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. "They're hard to come by, so I am happy about that.  We also appreciate the great crowd, they were in it right from the get-go.  We enjoyed that."

Miami-OH finally got on the scoreboard with a nearly seven-minute, 12-play drive, finished off by a 3-yard touchdown by sophomore running back Alonzo Smith. The drive was highlighted by three clutch third down conversions for the Redhawk offense.

Following punts by both teams, Iowa once again reached the red zone with a 36-yard pass. On the following play, Iowa senior wide receiver Riley McCarron appeared to fumble the ball into the end zone for a touchback, but the call was reversed following an official review. The Hawkeyes took advantage of the second opportunity, scoring on a 5-yard run to go up 28-7 with 7:15 left in the half.

"The turnover take away margin was good and I liked the way the offense capitalized on the takeaways, that's a positive," said Ferentz. "Like any game, you have things you're not quite pleased with.  There are some things we have to work on.

The Redhawks embarked on a 9-play, 39-yard drive, but came up empty after freshman kicker Samuel Sloman missed a 53-yard field goal. The half came to a close with an Iowa punt and a Miami run play as time expired.

Iowa began the second half with another long scoring drive, capped off by a 12-yard touchdown pass on fourth down that extended its lead to 35-7 at the 11:37 mark.

Miami-OH sophomore QB 5 Billy Bahl didn't always enjoy the physical
nature of the Iowa Hawkeyes, with Iowa senior DT 67 Jaleel Johnson,
who Redhawks coach Chuck Martin indicated they game planned against.
Bahl threw 2 touchdown passes against Iowa, with 266 yards passing
and a 67 yard explosive gain. He was also sacked 3 times for minus 19 yards.

Miami-OH responded with its most impressive possession of the game, a 13-play, 75-yard sequence that took nearly seven minutes off the clock. A 3-yard run by Smith on fourth down kept the drive alive, leading to an outstanding 29-yard touchdown pass from Bahl to Gardner. The catch was the first scoring play of his career and made the score, 35-14, with 4:41 to play in the third quarter.

Gardner's terrific day continued into the fourth quarter as Bahl found him in the front of the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown, narrowing the deficit to 35-21 with 9:43 remaining in the game.

On Iowa's next possession, the Hawkeyes reached the Miami-OH 2-yard line, but the Redhawk defense was able to hold them to a 22-yard field goal, extending the score to 38-21 with 6:04 left to play.

Miami held the ball for three plays, before Bahl's second sack-fumble of the game gave Iowa the ball deep in Redhawk territory. The Hawkeyes proceeded to close out scoring for the day with a 5-yard run at the 3:08 mark. The Redhawks' final drive lasted six plays and over three minutes, but eventually stalled out at the Iowa 21-yard line.

"(It was an) overall awesome experience for our guys here in Iowa," said Martin. "It's just a great place to play and I'm very appreciative. I'd love to come back here."

Ten true freshmen played for Iowa today – LB Amani Jones, S Amani Hooker, CB Manny Rugamba, OLB Kristian Welch, PK Keith Duncan, WR Devonte Young, QB Nathan Stanley, RB Tokes Akinribade, TE Noah Fant, DT Cedrick Lattimore. Iowa lost 21 letter-winners from the 2015 Big Ten West division team that finished 12-2.

Iowa does return experience in 2016. Sophomores DE Matt Nelson and FS Brandon Snyder made their first career starts. Sophomore C James Daniels made his third career start today, his first at center.    

"Our run defense was not what it needs to be today. I want to give Miami credit, too," Ferentz said. "They're an improved football team based on the film we saw and they worked hard."

Miami-OH will open its home season on Saturday, Sept. 10 as it faces Eastern Illinois (0-1) at 2:30 p.m. at Yager Stadium. While the Iowa Hawkeyes, host Iowa State (0-1) for the Cy-Hawk Game, with a 6:30 p.m. kickoff at Kinnick Stadium.

GameDay Iowa: season opener vs. Miami-OH ... can the Hawkeyes win the Big Ten in 2016?

Cedar Rapids, IA -- Just down the road, the 2016 Iowa Football season will kickoff in Iowa City on Saturday, as the #18 Iowa Hawkeyes (12-2 in 2015) open against the Miami-OH Redhawks (3-9 in 2015) in historic Kinnick Stadium. It is the first meeting between each program, since the 2003 season.

In the 2002 season, the Iowa Hawkeyes went 8-0 for the first time in school history in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes followed up that successful season, with a home opener against the Redhawks.

Iowa is 3-0 in the series against Miami-OH, playing three
straight games from 2001-03, including a 21-3 win
against the Redhawks, lead by QB Ben Roethlisberger.

Last season, the Hawkeyes repeated with a 8-0 Big Ten regular season and upped the performance with a 12-0 regular season for the first time in program history. Again, the Hawkeyes follow up a very successful season, with a home opener against the Redhawks.

In the 2003 game, Miami-OH was lead by a strong senior QB named Ben Roethlisberger, who came up short in the college game in Iowa City. But, Roethlisberger has carried on a highly successful NFL career wearing the Black & Gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers, since 2004.

When J. Hayden Fry arrived in Iowa City in 1979 as head coach of Iowa, he mirrored the Hawkeyes' uniform around the successful Black & Gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 1981, Fry hired a young offensive line coach out of Pittsburgh, in Kirk Ferentz. Today, Kirk Ferentz will enter his 18th season, as head football coach at Iowa. The Hawkeyes are 127-87, with a 76-61 conference record, including two Big Ten titles and five Top 10 finishes in the polls, during those 17 seasons.

Iowa returns all-American senior CB 14 Desmond King in 2016. King is the
first Jim Thorpe to return for his senior season, in the history of the trophy.
One of the key reasons King returned in 2016, rather than head to the NFL
was the interest in obtaining his family's first college degree. 

The Hawkeyes are seeking their first Big Ten title, since 2004, under Ferentz. They will be lead by a strong arm, senior QB this season, whose mobility, brings back memories of a Roethlisberger. Iowa QB C.J. Beathard, who has lead Iowa to a 13-2 record, as the Hawkeyes starter, returns to lead the Hawkeyes offense in 2016.

In the 2015 Big Ten Championship Game, on 3rd and goal, MSU freshman RB
3 L.J. Scott crossed the goal line to lead the Spartans to a 16-13 win over Iowa.

The Hawkeyes fell short in a 16-13 loss to Michigan State, as the Spartans won on the final snaps of the Big Ten Championship Game. The Hawkeyes are the strong favorite to win the West Division of the Big Ten in 2016. Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State are the favorites in the East Division. Don't be surprised, if a rematch of 2015 happens again in Indianapolis, in one of the best title games in the conference, since the Big Ten Championship Game debuted in 2011.

Iowa senior QB 16 C.J. Beathard lead Iowa to 13 straight wins,
as a starter. The Hawekeys are coming off back to back losses
to Michigan State and Stanford to close  out the 2015 season.
He sheds the red jersey in practice today to lead the 2016
Hawkeyes into Kinnick in the season opener against Miami-OH,

At quarterback, Iowa is lead by Beathard, with 17 TD passes and six rushing TDs. In relief, sophomore Tyler Wiegers returns, though true freshman Nathan Stanley may be in the picture at quarterback, as both are listed in the two deep heading into season opener against Miami-OH. The Redhawks starter is sophomore Billy Bahl, who threw seven TD passes, but 13 interceptions, in his first season in the lineup.

Iowa senior RB 29 LeShun Daniels leads a three letter-winner
group at the position, after Jordan Canzeri graduated. The
question on Daniels has always been durability, but when
healthy, he ran for a 195 yards in the 40-35 win over Minnesota.

At running back, the Hawkeyes are lead by senior LeShun Daniels, who has played off and one over the past three seasons as a Hawkeyes. He has never made it through an entire season though, missing games, due to the injury. Two juniors also return in Akrum Wadley and Derrick Mitchell, who all played in the Big Ten Championship Game. One newcomer to keep an eye at RB is true freshman Toks Akinribade. Iowa looks to plug and play at RB again in 2016. Of course, fullback and the offensive line, always are important in Iowa's running game. Iowa welcomes two new fullbacks, as junior Drake Kulick and redshirt freshman Brady Ross have to fill the big hole. Sophomore Alonzo Smith returns as the Redhawks key RB in 2016.

Iowa senior WR 89 Matt VandeBerg was announced as the 
fourth game captain for the Hawkeyes heading into 2016.
VandeBerg signed as a greyshirt only to arrive early, make
and contribute as a true freshman, when he arrived at campus

At wide receiver, the Hawkeyes return Beathard's favorite target in senior Matt VandeBerg, who caught 65 passes and scored four touchdowns last season. The only other returning wide receivers that combined for 11 pass receptions are sophomore Jerminic Smith, who had two key starts as a true freshman last year, and senior Riley McCarron, who caught a key touchdown pass in the 31-17 win at Iowa State last year. Sophomore Jay Scheel has not been at full strength over his first two seasons on campus, but Scheel projects as a likely starter in Iowa's wide receiver unit. Junior Jonathan Parker, a converted running back in 2015, opens the season on the injured list. True freshman Devonte Young is likely to contribute in 2016. Sophomores Adrian Falconer and Ronald Nash likely will provide depth for Iowa. The Redhawks top WR is senior Rokeem Williams, who lead the unit with 33 catches in 2015.

Iowa senior TE 46 George Kittle lead Iowa receivers with 6 TDs
on 20 receptions in 2015. Kittle also made the cover of Sports
Illustrated in Iowa first perfect season at 12-0, in the regular season.
Iowa and Clemson were the only two undefeated teams in 2015,
during the regular season.

At tight end, the Hawkeyes are traditionally strong at the position, dating back to Ferentz' time with Fry in the 1980s. However, Iowa enters 2016 with depth concerns, as senior George Kittle and junior Peter Pekar return. Kittle and Pekar are both Hawkeye legacies, as two of nine Iowa players, who followed their fathers footsteps in wearing the Black & Gold. Junior Jon Wisnieski begins 2016 on the injured list. Redshirt freshmen Nate Vejvoda and Nate Wieting will be in the mix at TE. Iowa will likely play two true freshman at TE, with Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson. The Hawkeyes used double TEs in roughly 30 percent of the offensive plays in 2015. The Redhawks junior TE lead Miami-OH in TD receptions with five, on 21 receptions in 2015.

How good will Iowa be in 2016?

Iowa enters 2016 with one senior in the starting offensive line.
The Hawkeyes have more experience heading into 2016, with
senior LT 64 Cole Croston, one of the nine legacy players.

It generally starts in the offensive and defensive lines at Iowa. When Fry arrived, the Hawkeyes broke out in 1981, with Kirk Ferentz leading the O-Line and Dan McCarney leading the D-Line.

Former Iowa football player and assistant coach Dan McCarney
is today's honorary captain, as Iowa kicks off 2016 season against
Miami-OH. McCarney and Kirk Ferentz coached the
defensive and offensive lines, under Hayden Fry in the early
to mid-1980s at Iowa.

Today's honorary captain for today's season opener with Miami-OH, Iowa welcomes back former Iowa offensive guard, team captain, former GA and assistant defensive line coach, Dan McCarney to Iowa City. McCarney is a hometown boy, who is back for today's game to serve as Iowa's honorary captain.

Iowa sophomore 78 James Daniels will move to center in 2016,
while his senior brother, LeShun, returns to lead the Iowa RBs.

The Iowa offensive line may be one of the better in the Big Ten and nation, if chemistry falls into place. Iowa offensive coach Brian Ferentz wasn't ready to rank Iowa high, during August camp, but some, such as ESPN have given Iowa props heading into 2016. The most experienced returning starter is junior Sean Welsh, who is entering his third season, as a starter. Welsh will likely anchor the line at right guard. Senior left tackle Cole Croston emerged as a starter during the 2015 season, after another member went down. Croston showed great athleticism in the Big Ten Championship Game falling on a loose football after a Beathard was sacked by MSU's Shilque Calhoun. Junior Boone Myers moves inside to left guard in 2016, while junior right tackle Ike Boettger returns to the position, after an injury limited him to eight games. Iowa's new starting center will be sophomore James Daniels, brother of starting RB LeShun Daniels, who played in all 14 games as a true freshman in 2015. Daniels replaces third team all-American center Austin Blythe as anchor of the line. The Redhawks return ten offensive starters, including all but one starter in the offensive line, as head coach Chuck Martin enters his third season leading Miami-OH.

As Iowa opens the 2016 season, a true freshman will be the
starting new placekicker. Iowa will also have a new punter
and kickoff specialist in 2016 ...

Like the 2010 season, when Mike Meyer arrived, Iowa will open with a true freshman at placekicker. North Carolina former prep Keith Duncan will begin the 2016 season at placekicker, handling Iowa's field goals and extra points. Duncan beat out sophomores Miquel Recinos and Mick Ellis in August camp. Duncan is one the most highlighted placekickers in North Carolina high school history. Central Michigan graduate transfer Ron Coluzzi will handle kickoffs and punting for Iowa heading into 2016. Iowa returns junior long snapper Tyler Kluver. Coluzzi will be Iowa's new holder, after beating out redshirt freshman Colten Rastetter in August camp, after arriving in June in Iowa City. The Redhawks returns sophomore placekicker Nick Dowd, while sophomore Justin Martin is the new punter for 2016.

Iowa senior RS 14 Desmond King looks to be a spark on
returns again in 2016. King handled both kick and punt
returns in Iowa's successful 2015 season.

On defense and in special teams, Iowa returns senior all-American cornerback and return specialist Desmond King for the 2016 season. Iowa returns eight starters on the defensive side. While Iowa was vastly improved on defense in 2015, especially in turnover margin, the Hawkeyes hope to improve the run defense and scoring defense coming off a Big Ten West division title.

Iowa returns both starters at defensive tackle for 2016, with
junior 99 Nathan Bazata and senior 67 Jaleel Johnson.

It begins in taking away the run for Iowa. Only two seniors are in the defensive line rotation for Iowa. The Hawkeyes have experience in the defensive line and the top three returnees inside are all upperclassmen. Junior Nathan Bazata started all 14 games in 2015, with senior running make Jaleel Johnson and #1 reserve senior Faith Ekakitie. The one newcomer inside may be true freshman Cedrick Lattimore, who arrived this summer at 260 pounds, but is reported to be up to 285 pounds now, under Iowa strength and conditional Chris Doyle, one of the highest paid S&C coordinators in the business.

Miami-OH returns two of four starters in the defensive line in 2016. Senior DE J.T. Jones is back, along with junior DT Ikeem Allen.

Iowa returns starting sophomore DE 40 Parker Hesse, who
celebrated a huge pick 6 last year, in Iowa's 28-20 win
@ Nebraska. Hesse will be a key part on Iowa's edge and
in Iowa attempt to get back into the Big Ten Championship Game.

One are that Iowa needs to improve on the defensive line is a pass rush on the edge. Iowa lost two experience defensive ends in 2015, with Nate Meier and Drew Ott's departure. Ott was not given a fifth season, after both the Big Ten and NCAA turned down his appeals. Ott missed much of the 2015 season, due to injuries. Meier lead Iowa with seven sacks and nine quarterback hurries. Ott had five starters, when he went down in the Illinois game, with an ACL, after being injured much of the 2015 season. Iowa has only underclassmen on the edge. Sophomore Parker Hesse emerged in 2015, after Ott's injury. On the other side, redshirt freshman Anthony Nelson and sophomore Matt Nelson, no relation, will be the players replacing the one missing starter in the defensive line. True freshman Brady Reiff and sophomore Sam Brincks provide depth.

Iowa junior MLB Josey Jewell is the anchor of the Hawkeyes
defense. Jewell will serve as a captain, along with senior
C.J. Beathard, Matt VandeBerg and Desmond King.

One of the key elements of Iowa improvement from 7-6 in 2014 to a 12-0 regular season in 2015 was the play at linebacker. Iowa's linebacker coach has departed for Boston College (Jim Reid is now BC's new defensive coordinator). Iowa has elevated Seth Wallace into the LB coach role and he will have three experience linebackers to work with, along with a young crop of players. Junior middle linebacker Josey Jewell returns as Iowa's leading tackler in 2015. Iowa saw fifth year senior Cole Fisher emerge at WILL in 2015. He is replaced by junior Bo Bower, who was the former starter in 2014 at OLB. Junior Ben Neimann returns at his OLB position and will be backed by junior Kevin Ward, who has been a special teams player and reserve safety. Sophomores Jack Hockaday and Aaron Mends provide depth. Two true freshmen Amani Jones and Kristian Welsch, will play special team in 2016. Jones has elevated ahead of Mends at WILL.

Iowa junior OLB 44 Ben Neimann came to Iowa as a former
high school WR/S. He played as a true freshman on special
teams in 2014, the earned the OLB position in 2015.

Miami-OH return two of three starters at linebacker in 2016, though one may come off the bench. Coach Martin did mention the Redhawks do have some players out or dinged heading into the opner with Iowa.

Iowa returns senior CBs 14 Desmond King and 13 Greg Mabin
for the 2016 season. The secondary unit is the strongest
unit for the Hawkeyes in many peoples eyes ...

Iowa returns three of four starters in the secondary, and are excited about some of the new reserves that will assist with special teams and Iowa's nickle and dime packages, when Iowa pulls out the Raider package with the defensive line.

Iowa senior CB 13 Greg Mabin arrived as an athlete out of FL,
when he arrived. Over the past two seasons, he has developed
into a strong running mate with Desmond King in the Iowa secondary.

At cornerback for Iowa, the Hawkeyes return senior all-American and Jim Thorpe award winner Desmond King, along with running mate, senior Greg Mabin, who have worked together for two seasons, at the position. Sophomore Joshua Jackson is on the injury list, so redshirt freshman Michael Olejemudia and true freshman Manny Rugamba are likely going to be involved on special teams and in the secondary in 2016.

Miami-OH returns two more starters in the secondary for 2016. Junior CB Bret Birdsall and senior FS Buchi Okafor are back for the Redhawks.

Iowa's leading safety, is junior SS 19 Miles Taylor, who became
a starter in the secondary in 2015.

At safety for Iowa, the Hawkeyes see FS Jordan Lomax depart, but junior SS Miles Taylor returns for 2016, after becoming a full-time starter in 2015, after a year on special teams as a true freshman, along with OLB Niemann in 2014. The new starter at FS is sophomore Brandon Snyder, who played special teams last year. Senior Anthony Gair is listed as second string SS, but he can play either position and has two career starts. Sophomore Jake Grevase is also in the two deep at FS. A special team contributor in 2016 is expected to be true freshman Armani Hooker.

True freshman Armani Hooker is one of 10-12 newcomers that
are likely to play during the 2016 season for Iowa.

Iowa is really excited about the newcomer class of 2016. Kirk Ferentz has said up to 10-12 true freshmen may play in 2016. The 2010 Iowa Hawkeyes saw nine players play, including a true freshman at PK. Last year, only four true freshman played.

Iowa Kirk Ferentz begins his 18th season today, as the Hawkeyes
open with Miami-OH. The MAC opponent has been down
lately in College Football, but Chuck Martin has the honor
of coaching in the cradle of college coaches.

Thoughts on the Season Opening Game against Miami-OH:

The Hawkeyes should win the season opener. We always know, on any given Saturday. The 2009 Iowa Hawkeyes struggled vs. the University of Northern Iowa. In 2007, Iowa faced a very good Northern Illinois team and pulled out a 18-17 win in Soldier Field. The Hawkeyes lost the season opener against NIU, a fellow MAC program to Miami, at Kinnick Stadium in 2013. Iowa has won two straight season openers, each against FCS programs. Miami-OH is 1-12 in road openers and has lost eight straight by an average of 32 points.

• Iowa Hawkeyes 40
• Miami-OH Redhawks 13

In 2015, Iowa defeated Northwestern by the same score. The Hawkeyes are a new team in 2016. Miami-OH is a new team, in coach Chuck Martin's third season. He wants to play the game, like Iowa, with a physical in the line of scrimmage. Iowa has more experience and the better track record and should prevail to kickoff the 2016 season ...

Gameday Saturday: the bulk of College Football kicks off the 2016 season!

MSU senior WR 88 Monty Madaris breaks out in home
opener, as Spartans open with 28-13 win over Furman.

Cedar Rapids, IA --- The Big Ten moved to 3-0 on Friday night of Week 1, as the defending Big Ten champion Michigan State Spartans (1-0) defeated Furman 28-13, in a mistake filled game for the favorites. In Iowa high school football, Cedar Rapids Washington blanked the cross-town rival Cedar Rapids Kennedy 21-0 to move to 2-0 on the 2016 season.

Now, we turn to Gameday Saturday, on September 3rd. Our preseason rating are a composite from Stassen.com to kickoff the 2016 College Football season ...

• Boston College vs. Georgia Tech (Dublin, Ireland) 6:30 am on ESPN2 - an ACC - a battle of two 3-9 programs in 2015, kicks off the ACC inter-division match in Dublin, as these two team meet for the first time, since 2012, when the Yellow Jackets defeated the Eagles 37-17 ... 
• #29 Boise State at Louisiana Lafayette 11:00 am on ALT / SNY / (CSMA / CSCA / NESN+) / espn3 / ASN (affiliates) - after meeting for the first time in 2014, the Ragin' Caguns host the return match, in this Sun Belt-MWC game in a soaked filled Louisiana ...
• Bowling Green at #4 Ohio State 11:00 am on BTN - the Buckeyes only return 6 starters from a 12-1 team, while the Falcons return 11 starters from a 10-4 team in the debut of new coach Mike Jinks, as the former RB coach at Texas Tech fills the new role, where Ohio State's Urban Meyer began his highly successful coaching career as a head coach ...
• Eastern Kentucky at Purdue 11:00 am on ESPN News - the Boilermakers enter coach Darrell Hazel's fourth season, with new coordinators on each side of the football, coming off a disappointing 2-10 season, only 6-30 overall, as the Colonels are coming off a 6-5 season in FCS ...
• Fordham at Navy 11:00 am on CBSSN -the Midshipman finished 11-2, including a 44-28 Military Bowl win over Pitt, in Year 1 in the AAC in 2015, while the Rams finished 9-3 in FCS play and are ranked #20 in the preseason FCS ratings ...
• Hawaii at #8 Michigan 11:00 am ESPN - the Rainbow Warriors (0-1) were opening the 2016 in Australia only a week ago, in a 51-31 loss to Cal (1-0) ... so, the air miles already may make the kickoff against the Wolverines an even taller hurdle, as Jim Harbaugh enters Year 2 at the helm, coming off a strong 10-3 first season!
• #19 Houston vs. #3 Oklahoma (Houston) 11:00 am on ABC - one of the top Power 5 programs faces off with the nation's top returning non-Power 5 to kickoff the 2016 season in a showdown in NRG Stadium ...
• Howard at Maryland 11:00 am on BTN - the D.J. Durkin era kicks off in College Park, as Michigan's former DC, takes over the Terrapins program coming off a 3-9 record ... the Bison were only 1-10 in FCS play!
• Missouri at #34 West Virginia 11:00 am on FS1 - a SEC-Big 12 showdown from Morgantown, as Tigers, off a 5-7 season, welcome Barry Odom as head coach, against Mountaineers program coming off 8-5 season, as they enter the 6th season under Dana Holgorsen!
• South Alabama at #36 Mississippi State 11:00 am on SECN - the Bulldogs enter the 8th season under Dan Mullen, coming off a 9-4 season, as they turn the keys over to a new QB, while the Jaguars are coming off a 5-7 season out of the Sun Belt ...
• #44 Western Michigan at #43 Northwestern 11:00 am on ESPNU - the Broncoes are coming off a bowl win over Middle Tennessee and a 8-5 season, as P.J. Fleck enters his 4th season at the helm, while Pat Fitzgerald enters his 11th season at the Wildcats coming off a 10-3 season, and a tough 45-6 Outback Bowl loss at the hands of Tennessee ...
• Liberty at Virginia Tech 11:30 am on ACC Network - the Hokies off a 7-6 record kick off the Justin Fuente era, the first game, since 1986, where Frank Beamer isn't leading VA Tech ...
• Rutgers at #16 Washington 1:00 pm PAC-12 Network - the Chris Ash era begins for the Scarlet Knights, as Rutgers hits the road to kick off 2016, as Chris Peterson, enters Year 3 in Seattle, coming off a 7-6 campaign and a 44-31 win in the Heart of Dallas Bowl over Southern Miss!
• Kent State at Penn State 2:30 pm on BTN - the unranked Nittany Lions enter Year 3 under James Franklin coming off back to back 7-6 seasons, as the Golden Flashes come into Happy Valley off a 2-9 season, as Jay Hopson takes over the helm for Kent State ...
• #6 LSU vs. #31 Wisconsin (Green Bay) 2:30 pm on ABC / espn3 - the Tigers and Badgers kick off from Lambeau Field, as LSU welcomes the former Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda to the sidelines, in a rematch of the 2014 opener, as coach Paul Chryst enters his 2nd season at the helm for the Badgers ...
• Miami-OH at #18 Iowa 2:30 pm on ESPNU - it has been 13 years, since the Redhawks and Hawkeyes kicked off a season at Kinnick Stadium, as Iowa is coming off a 12-2 season and Miami a 3-9 year ...
• Murray State at Illinois 2:30 pm on BTN - the Lovie Smith era kicks off in Champaign, as Smith returns to the college game, after two decades in the NFL ...
• Southeastern Louisiana at #20 Oklahoma State 2:30 pm on FSN Affiliates - the Cowboys are coming into the 12th season under Mike Gundy, as junior QB Mason Rudolph likely becomes the full-time starter at the position ...
• Texas State at Ohio U 2:30 pm on CBSSN - Frank Solich enters his 12th season leading the Bobcats, coming off a 8-5 campaign, while the Everett Withers takes over the Bobcats from San Marcos coming off a 3-9 season ... as the battle of two Bobcat programs in this MAC-Sun Belt showcase in Athens today ...
• #21 UCLA at #28 Texas A&M 2:30 pm on CBS - both programs are coming off 8-5 seasons and bowl losses, with each coach entering their 5th season at the helm, the Bruins and Aggies are 2-2 head to head, in the first meeting in College Station ...
• Louisiana Tech at #30 Arkansas 3:00 pm SECN - it is the fourth season in Fayetteville, as the Being Bret Bielema star, is coming off 3-9, 7-5 and now an 8-5 season; while the Bulldogs are coming off a 9-4 season, with a 2nd place finish in the C-USA West!
• UC Davis at #24 Oregon 4:00 pm on PAC-12 Network - the Ducks ended their double digit seasons at seven, after a 3OT loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl, as the Aggies arrive in Eugene, coming off a 2-9 season in FCS play ...
• #15 Georgia vs. #23 North Carolina (Atlanta) 4:30 pm on ESPN - the Bulldogs welcome the Kirby Smart era, after a 10-3 season and 24-17 win over Penn State in the Taxslayer Bowl; while Larry Fedora enters Year 5 in Chapel Hill coming off a strong 11-3 campaign, but Russell Athletic 49-38 loss to Baylor ...
• Rhode Island at Kansas 6:00 pm on (ESPN Extra / espn3) / Jayhawk TV Sacred - the Jayhawks were 0-12 in 2015, as David Beaty's first season included an FCS loss in the opener at the hands of South Dakota State ... the Rams were a 1-10 team in FCS in 2015, so opportunity knocks for the FBS Power 5 program, with only 12 wins, since 2010 ...
• San Jose State at Tulsa 6:00 pm CBSSN - both programs finished 6-7 last year, in this AAC vs. MWC showdown, in a series where the home team has a 4-2 record ...
• SMU at North Texas 6:00 pm on (CSBA / NESN+) / ASN Video - an AAC vs. C-USA showdown, in this off again, on again in-state rivalry, as the visitor has a seven game losing streak in the series ...
• Southern at Louisiana Monroe 6:00 pm on ESPN Extra / espn3 - the first meeting among these LA state schools, as Matt Viator takes over the Warhawks' program coming off a 2-11 campaign, while the Jayhawks were 6-5 in FCS play ... the Warhawks are 6-0 lifetime in FBS vs. FCS meeting, so this one should be very interesting!
• Towson at #48 South Florida 6:00 pm on CSMA / espn3 / ASN - the Bulls enter Year 4 under Willie Taggart, coming off a 8-5, though a 45-35 loss vs. WKU in the Miami Beach Bowl; while the Tigers were 7-4 in FCS play in 2015 ...
• Southern Miss at Kentucky 6:30 pm on ESPNU - the Wildcats enter Year 4 under Mark Stoops, with back to back 5-7 seasons, while the Golden Eagles finished 9-5, after three straight losing seasons, winning only four games!
• UMass at #26 Florida 6:30 pm on SECN - this is the first meeting, as the Gators are coming off a 10-4 season, including a three game losing streak, with losses against Florida State, Alabama and Michigan. Earlier loss was @ LSU, so four solid program, as the Gators meet UMass for the first time!
• #1 Alabama vs. #14 USC (Arlington) 7:00 pm on ABC / espn3 - the Crimson Tide are 5-2 lifetime against the Trojans, with last meeting in the 1985 Aloha Bowl, when Alabama won 24-3. Former Bama secondary coach Jeremy Pruitt returns to Tuscaloosa to fill the vacant DC role in 2016 ...
• Eastern Washington at #35 Washington State 7:00 pm on PAC-12 Network - the Cougars and Eagles are meeting for the fourth time in the series, second in the modern era, as Washington State has always taken care of business against this FCS program, including a 24-20 win in 2012 ...
• Fresno State at #25 Nebraska 7:00 pm BTN - the Cornhuskers enter the second season under Mike Riley, coming off a disappointing 6-7 season, as the Blackshirts need to up game and the offense needs to avoid turnovers ...
• New Mexico State at UTEP 7:00 pm on beIN - a Sun Belt - CUSA showdown, as the Miners seek to land their eight straight against the Aggies down the road on I-10.
• Northern Iowa at Iowa State 7:00 pm on Cyclones.tv (cable IA) - the Cyclones welcome the Matt Campbell era, as Paul Rhoads exits after seven seasons in Ames. Last season, the Panthers fell 31-7, but won in 2013 28-20, as veteran Mark Farley's team took care of business in the FCS vs. FBS in-state rivalry. The Panthers are #5 in FCS chasing the five time FCS champion North Dakota State in the Valley!
• South Dakota State at #13 TCU 7:00 pm on FSN Affiliates - the first meeting between the preseason FCS #14 Jackrabbits and the #13 FBS Horn Frogs, who are coming off a 11-2 season and 47-41 3 ot win over Oregon in the Alamo Bowl ...
• Stephen F. Austin at Texas Tech 7:00 pm on FSN Affiliates - the Red Raiders are coming off a 7-6 season in 2015; while the Lumberjacks were 4-7 in FCS play and are 0-2 in this series ...
• #2 Clemson at #37 Auburn 8:00 pm on ESPN - the Auburn Tigers own a 14-2 record in this series, but the Clemson Tigers have won two straight, including a 26-19 outcome in the 2012 season on a neutral field ...
• Arizona vs. #38 BYU (Glendale) 9:30 pm on FS1 - Rich Rodriquez enters his fifth season in Tucson, while the Cougars, coming off a 9-4 record, welcome Kalani Sitake era, as the former Utah and Oregon State DC returns to coach his alma mater ...
• Northern Illinois at Wyoming 9:30 pm on CBSSN - the first two seasons for Craig Bohl have ended in 4-8 and 2-10, quite the contrast from his winning ways leading North Dakota State to FCS titles; while Rod Carey has slipped off to 8-6, after 12-2 and 11-3 leading the Huskies to early MAC titles ...
• Northern Arizona at Arizona State 10:00 pm on PAC-12 Network - after back to back ten game win seasons, Todd Graham's Sun Devils fell to 6-7 in 2015; while the Lumberjacks were 7-4 in FCS play ... the FBS power has won nine straight in this series, including a 63-6 victory in the 2012 season opener!
• Abilene Christian at Air Force 1:00 pm on MWC Video / SLC Video / Livestream Video - the Falcons are coming off a 8-6 season in 2015, while the Wildcats were 3-8 in only their third season at the FCS level ...
• Alabama A&M at Middle Tennessee 6:00 pm on $CUSA Video - the Blue Raiders were 7-6 last season, while the Bulldogs were 3-8 in FCS play; it is the first meeting in this series, as sophomore QB Brett Stockstill leads his father's team, as Dad enters his eleventh season ...
• Alabama State at UTSA 6:00 pm on KMYS-CW 35 (cable) - the Hornets were 6-5 in FCS play, while the host Roadrunners were 3-9 in their fifth season in FCS play, as the Frank Wilson era kicks off in San Antonio ...
• Austin Peay at Troy 5:00 pm on espn3 - the Trojans are coming off a 4-8 season, in Neal Brown's first season leading the program; while the Governors come to down, with a 1-34 record the last three seasons, including a 0-6 record against FBS programs ...
• Florida A&M at #32 Miami-FL 5:00 pm on WatchESPN - the Hurricane welcome the Mark Richt era, coming off a 8-5 season; the Rattlers were only 1-10 last year in FCS play ...
• New Hampshire at #27 San Diego State 7:30 pm - coming off an 11-3 season, the Aztecs under Rocky Long are hoping to move up the non-Power 5 ladder and into a New Year's Bowl 6 game, if the right dominoes can fall in 2016 ... the Wildcats were 7-5 last season and have played in 12 straight FCS playoffs, the active leader, though #1 North Dakota State has won five straight titles ...
• NC Central at Duke 5:00 pm on WatchESPN - the Blue Devils won 55-0 last year, over the Eagles, who finished 8-3 in FCS, while Duke finished 8-5, including a 44-41 OT win over Indiana to close out 2015 ...
• Savannah State at Georgia Southern 5:00 pm on espn3 - the Eagles were 9-4 last season and have a 11-0 record in this series; while the Tigers were 1-9 last year in FCS ...
• SEMO at #45 Memphis 6:00 pm on espn3 - after a 10-3 season in 2014, the Tigers fell to 9-4, as Mike Norvell takes over the helm at Memphis, while the Redhawks were 4-7 last year in FCS ...
• South Carolina State at UCF 6:00 pm on espn3 - the Knights were 0-12 last season and have brought Scott Frost in, as OC at Oregon, to lead the program; the Bulldogs were 7-4 in FCS play last season, but lost in the only meeting in this series 17-0 in 2008 ...
• Southern Illinois at Florida Atlantic 5:00 pm on $CUSA Video - the Owls and Salukis each only won three games last season, in the FBS and FCS, respectively, as they meet for the first time in Boca Raton ...
• Villanova at #33 Pittsburgh 12:30 pm on WatchESPN - Pat Narduzzi lead the Panthers to a 8-5 season, two games better than previous year, in his first season as head coach; while the preseason #22 ranked FCS program, the Wildcats were 6-5 last year and looking to finish stronger ...
• VMI at Akron 5:30 pm on espn3 - the Zips were 8-5 last season, as Terry Bowden pulled off his first winning season and a 23-21 bowl win over Utah State, in his fourth season leading the MAC program; the Keydets were 2-9 in FCS play last year ...
• Western Carolina at East Carolina 5:00 pm on espn3 - the Pirates dropped to a 5-7 record in Ruffin McNeill's final season over six years, as Scottie Montgomery takes over the program, after serving as OC at Duke the past three seasons; the Calamount's were 7-4 in FCS, but they have lost seven straight in this series, last played in 1981 ...

Iowa Hawkeyes in the middle of Spring Drills coming off 12-2 campaign a year ago ...

Iowa City, IA -- The University of Iowa football team kicked off Spring Drills in March. The 2016 season will kick-off at Kinnick Stadium, on Saturday, September 3rd, when Miami-OH comes to town.

Every year is new. We haven't sustained so well at times. It really gets down to the same story. Every January you start over again. Typically you have some good players coming back, and you've lost some good players typically. It's all about the opportunity for everybody. But it's everybody at every level. The older guys, guys like CJ (Beathard) and Josey (Jewell), if they play the way they played last year, it's not going to be good enough. We need them to play better, and that's true of all the guys that have played, and the guys that haven't played have to deal with the guys we've just talked about. Jerminic (Smith) and Adrian (Falconer) have to step in and be able to play a role.

We've got to have younger guys supporting those guys and moving along because you just never know when somebody's going to get called into action. There are a lot of moving parts, but it's a new challenge every year, for sure. But we've got new opportunities as well. - Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz

Could the MAC offer College Football an upset on Wednesday night?

Wednesday, November 13th

Ball State at Northern Illinois 7:00 p.m.ESPN2 (HD)

Miami Ohio at Kent State 7:00 p.m. ESPNU (HD)

College Football '09: A look at the Mid-American Conference

Don't look for the Mid-American Conference to make any BCS noise with a surprise candidate in '09? That would be a first for this conference. How does the conference breakdown in '09 for MAC?

• The MAC is ranked #11 by Jeff Sagarin as a conference in FBS
• The MAC is a spoiler conference at best in '09
• Central Michigan looking for fourth straight bowl in '09
• Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, Ball State and Buffalo also all bowled in '08
• Buffalo attended first bowl ever under coach Turner Gill in '08

Ranked teams in the AP and Coaches' preseason polls:

none, but Central Michigan received votes in each poll ...

Preseason magazines don't like the MAC in the Top 25 preseason:

none

Teams rebuilding in the MAC in '09

• Ball State

Teams rated below the FBS mark of #120 in 2009?

• Temple
• Miami-Ohio
• Kent State
• Eastern Michigan

Will the MAC East Division finish this way in 2009??

1. Buffalo * (5-3 in '08) (0-1 in bowls)
2. Ohio U. (3-5) (0-3)
3. Akron (3-5) (0-1)
4. Bowling Green (4-4)
5. Temple (4-4) (1-1)
6. Kent State (3-5) (0-1)
7. Miami-Ohio (1-7) (4-4)

Will the MAC West Division finish this way in 2009?

1. Central Michigan (6-2 in '08) (1-4 in bowls)
2. Western Michigan (6-2) (0-4)
3. Toledo (2-6) (7-3)
4. Ball State * (8-0) (0-5)
5. Northern Illinois (5-3) (2-2)
6. Eastern Michigan (2-6) (1-0)

* denotes 2008 MAC division champs (source for above list)

Last BCS title winner

No MAC team has ever participated in a BCS bowl.

Kickoff Game of the Season

Thursday, September 4Th
Troy @ Bowling Green

Bowling Green, Ohio
TV: none

Final Look at the MAC teams, using the preseason Jeff Sagarin NCAA football ratings:

1. Ball State (#81 in Sagarin ratings) - Veteran coach Stan Parish remains head coach after taking over for departed Brady Hoke, who moved onto San Diego State. Parish lead the Cardinals in the 13-45 loss to Tulsa in the GMAC. The Cardinals return 36 letterwinners, with 4 OFF 7 DEF and their placekicker from their 12-2 season in '08. OOC games with North Texas, New Hampshire, @ Army and @ Auburn take place before the MAC schedule.


2. Central Michigan (#87) - Coach Butch Jones is entering his 3rd season for the Chippewas, after an 8-5 campaign in '08. The Chippewas return 44 letterwinners, including 6 OFF and 10 DEF plus both kickers from their team that lost 21-24 to Florida Atlantic in the Motor City. The Chippewas open '09 with @ Arizona, @ Michigan State, Alcorn State, then begin MAC play. Final OOC game is @ Boston College on Halloween.


3. Western Michigan (#88) - Coach Bill Cubit enters his 5Th season for the Broncos, after a 9-4 record in '08 and a disappointing 14-38 loss to Rice in the Texas. The Broncos return 32 letterwinners, including 7 OFF and 3 DEF plus both kickers for '09. They open '09 @ Michigan, @ Indiana, MAC opener at home, vs. Hofstra, then @ Michigan State on 11/7.


4. Bowling Green (#92) - The Falcons replace Gregg Brandon with new coach Dave Clawson, who was a successful HC at FCS Richmond after finishing 6-6 in '08. Clawson has 39 returning letterwinners, 7 OFF and 3 DEF and their punter back. The Falcons open in the OOC hosting Troy, @ Missouri, @ Marshall and hosting Boise State before opening MAC play for '09.


5. Northern Illinois (#99) - Coach Jerry Kill enters his 2Nd season at the Huskies helm. The Huskies finished 6-7 in '08 and return 45 letterwinners, with 7 OFF and 4 DEF plus returning PK will handle both duties this year. The Huskies lost 10-17 to LA Tech in the Independence. The Huskies open '09 in the OOC @ Wisconsin, vs. Western Illinois, @ Purdue and vs. Idaho before opeing MAC play on HC vs. Western Michigan.


6. Akron (#111) - Coach JD Brookhart is coming into his 6Th year at Akron and coming off 5-7 season. The Zips return 45 letterwinners, with 9 OFF and 6 DEF plus both kickers. The Zips open @ Penn State, vs. Morgan State, and vs. Indiana before opening MAC play. The final OOC game will be 10/24 at Syracuse.


7. Toledo (#113) - The Rockets have replaced coach Tom Amstutz with first year coach Tim Beckman, who is a former assistant at BG, but last 4 years at Ohio State and last 2 as DC at Okie State. The Rockets return 57 letterwinners, with 9 OFF and 7 DEF plus both kickers from the 3-9 '08 team. Toledo opens OOC play @ Purdue, vs. Colorado, vs. Ohio State in Cleveland and at FIU before opening on the road in MAC play.


8. Ohio U. (#114) - Former Nebraska head coach Frank Solich is entering his 5Th season for the Bobcats and they are coming off a 4-8 season in '08. They return 47 letterwinners, with 7 OFF and 7 DEF plus their punter in what could be a season to watch for the Bobcats. The Bobcats open in OOC play vs. UConn, @ North Texas, vs. Cal Poly and @ Tennessee, before opening conference play with back to back road games.


9. Buffalo (#115) - Coach Turner Gill is back for year four leading the Bulls. The Bulls return 53 letterwinners, with 6 OFF and 8 DEF plus both kickers from a 8-6 team that finished with a 20-38 loss to UConn in the International. Coming off the MAC title, the Bulls will not likely sneak up on anyone in '09. Buffalo opens '09 in OOC play @ UTEP, vs. Pittsburgh, @ UCF, then begin MAC play. HC is 10/10 vs. Garder Webb.


10. Temple (#125) - Coach Al Gordon is entering his 4Th season with the Owls and is coming off a 5-7 season in '08. The Owls return 51 letterwinners, with 6 OFF and 9 DEF plus both kickers. Could this be the breakout year after climbing from 1-11 to 4-8 to 5-7 the first three seasons? Temple opens '09 vs. Villanova, then bye week to prepare for @ Penn State. They open MAC play for 3 games, then HC vs. Army, with later trip @ Navy.


11. Miami-OH (#126) - The early part of the decade was successful for the Redhawks ('00 to '05), but new head coach Mike Haywood moves in after serving at Notre Dame under Charlie Weis. The past four years under Shane Montgomery have been a roller coaster, with a 2-10 record in '08. The Redhawks return 45 letterwinners, with 7 OFF and 5 DEF. The Redhawks open '09 with Kentucky in Cincinnati, then @ Boise State, 2 MAC road games, vs. Cincinnati and a road game @ Northwestern in a challenging OOC slate.


12. Kent State (#132) - Coach Doug Martin enters his 6Th year coming off a 4-8 record in '08 for the Flashes. The Flashes return 59 letterwinners, with 8 OFF and 7 DEF plus both kickers. The Flashes have one bowl game in their history and that was in '72 at the Tangerine. The '09 season opens with vs. Coastal Carolina, @ Boston College, vs. Kent State, MAC opener vs. Miami-OH, then final OOC game @ Baylor.


13. Eastern Michigan (#141) - The Ron English era begins in '09 for the Eagles. The former Michigan and Louisville DC will work with 45 letterwinners, with 9 OFF and 8 DEF plus both kickers back from last year's 3-9 squad. EMU has not had a winning season since '95 and there only bowl game was in '87. The Eagles open '09 with OOC games vs. Army, @ Northwestern, @ Michigan and a OOC game @ Arkansas on Halloween.

A look back at last year's statistics in the MAC.

peace

Top College Football Games: August 30, 2008

In Ames, Iowa, the Iowa State Cyclones kickoff the 2008 season at home.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of the first day in College Football for 2008:

Top Games:

1. Oregon State at Stanford in Pac Ten showdown
2. Troy at Middle Tennessee in Sun Belt showdown
3. Vanderbilt at Miami-Ohio
4. North Carolina State at South Carolina
5. Wake Forest at Baylor
6. UTEP at Buffalo

Ugly Game:

1. Charleston Southern at Miami-Florida

Other Games of Interest:

1. South Dakota State at Iowa State
2. Hofstra at Connecticut
3. Jacksonville State at Georgia Tech
4. Eastern Kentucky at Cincinnati
5. Eastern Illinois at Central Michigan
6. Northeastern at Ball State
7. Indiana State at Eastern Michigan

peace

Is the MAC ready for a breakout season in football in '08?

Like the Sun Belt Conference, the Mid-American Conference doesn't have a major 'mid-major' like the WAC or MWC that is likely to make noise for a BCS bid. But, is the MAC ready for a breakout season in football in '08?

There is no preseason consensus favorite for 13 member MAC in '08, which is broken into two divisions: East and West. Bowling Green and Miami-OH get the most love in the East, while Central Michigan and Ball State get the most love in the West. Western Michigan may be a sleeper to watch out for?

Central Michigan (6-1 in '07 in the West) beat Miami-OH (5-2 in the East in '07) in the '07 MAC Title Game 35-10. CMU has won back to back MAC titles games, so will '08 make it three in a row?

When I wrote my comments on the Sun Belt Conference yesterday, I failed to point out Phil Steele's Top 40 and Top 50 spots for the Sun Belt and MAC. Looking over page 29 of Phil Steele's 2008 College Football Preview: FAU was rated ahead of three MAC teams in the Top 50 nationally. Remarkably, Phil Steele had FAU #37 nationally and though Phil Steele doesn't pick Western Michigan to win the West, they are ranked #40 nationally. Rounding out the Top 50: Central Michigan #44 and Ball State #46 are in.

As PFW/College Football News speaks to on page 8 of their '08 Season Preview,
"Which conference other than your own should you care about. The MAC."

Top 21 OOC MAC football games in '08:

1. Central Michigan at Georgia
2. Central Michigan at Purdue
3. Miami-OH at Michigan
4. Toledo at Michigan
5. Western Michigan at Nebraska in season opener
6. Illinois vs. Western Michigan (in Detroit)
7. Bowling Green at Pittsburgh in season opener
8. Minnesota at Bowling Green
9. Kent State at Iowa State
10. Ball State at Indiana
11. Ohio U at Northwestern
12. Central Michigan at Indiana
13. Northern Illinois at Minnesota
14. Temple at Penn State
15. Ohio U at Ohio State
16. Boston College vs. Kent State (in Cleveland) in season opener
17. Eastern Michigan at Michigan State
18. Vanderbilt at Miami-OH
19. Northern Illinois at Tennessee
20. Akron at Wisconsin in season opener
21. Akron at Syracuse

Phil Steele (page 19) didn't have any Sun Belt teams among his 2008 Most Improved Teams, but the MAC has four teams on the list: #3 Northern Illinois, #8 Western Michigan, #14 Kent State, and #20 Miami-OH. Northern Illinois welcomes the conference's only new coach in Jerry Kill, who moves over from FCS Southern Illinois. Kill has coached at the Division II level, the FCS level and now the FBS level.

Miami-OH coach Shane Montgomery is entering his fourth season and it would be good to continue moving up the MAC ladder and find a way to garner a bowl game or MAC title in the near term. The RedHawks haven't bowled, since hiring their former OC to replace the late Terry Hoeppner, after the '04 season.

Who are the top teams in '08 for the MAC in football (my picks):

MAC East:

1. Miami-OH RedHawks (4-2 division, 5-2 MAC in '07) continue the move up the MAC ladder in '08.
2. Bowling Green Falcons (4-2 division, 6-2 MAC in '07) will battle to spoil the RedHawks climb.
3. Kent State Golden Flashes (1-5 division, 1-7 MAC in '07) makes the move back into top half of the MAC East.
4. Temple Owls (3-3 division, 4-4 MAC in '07) enter year two as a member of the MAC in football and third year with promising Al Gordon as head coach.
5. Buffalo Bulls (4-2 division, 5-3 MAC in '07) enter third season under coach Turner Gill and look to continue to build on improving as a football program.
6. Ohio U Bobcats (3-3 division, 4-4 MAC in '07) enter fourth season with former Husker head man Frank Solich at the helm.
7. Akron Zips (1-5 division, 1-7 MAC in '07) haven't had a winning season, since '05 title year.

MAC West:

1. Western Michigan Broncos (2-3 division, 3-4 MAC in '07) enter fourth season under coach Bill Cubit have talent, but lost three MAC games by less than 7 points in '07. My Surprise Pick
2. Central Michigan Chippewas (4-1 division, 6-1 MAC in '07) look for third straight MAC title, with everyone gunning for them in '08.
3. Ball State Cardinals (4-1 division, 5-2 MAC in '07) is becoming solid under coach Brady Hoke, who enters 6th season.
4. Northern Illinois Huskies (0-5 division, 1-6 MAC in '07) have a lot of ground to make up after downturn last year, but new coach should provide some fresh opportunities.
5. Toledo Rockets (2-3 division, 3-5 MAC in '07) last solid year was in '05.
6. Eastern Michigan Eagles (3-2 division, 3-4 MAC in '07) broke out of the cellar in '07, but will it hold in '08?

• Biggest Game in '08: Oct. 18th - Western Michigan at Central Michigan
• Biggest Game in MAC East: Oct. 18th - Miami-OH at Bowling Green
• MAC Title Game Prediction: Miami-OH over Western Michigan
• Coach of the Year: Shane Montgomery, Miami-OH

Do I agree that the MAC is a conference to watch other than the Big Ten and Big Twelve? Defense wins championships and I am not ready to say defense has become a trend in the MAC. The MAC plays some exciting football, but when your top team loses to a FCS division team (i.e. North Dakota State over Central Michigan, 14-44 in '07)... there is a chink in the armour.

peace