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The big 2014 MAC football previews, from UMass to the contenders
Bill Connelly breaks down every team in America's favorite underdog conference, one by one and with the aid of advanced stats. Follow along!
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March 14, 2014
NIU's giant, obvious question mark
Most of Northern Illinois' recent strengths will get stronger in 2014; the skill units are overflowing with options, the offensive line is fantastic, and the linebackers are strong. But one of the best players in MAC history left.
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March 13, 2014
Toledo prefers depth over star power
Matt Campbell's third Toledo squad has as much depth and potential as any in the conference, but will the loss of quite a few stars hold the Rockets back?
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March 12, 2014
The pieces fit for Bowling Green
Dino Babers inherits a Bowling Green team that might be perfectly suited for his up-tempo offense and aggressive defense.
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March 11, 2014
Ohio freshens up
Under Frank Solich, Ohio has established a higher level of play than at any time in its FBS history, but November collapses in each of the last two years have been frustrating.
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March 10, 2014
Lembo's Cardinals are flying
Pete Lembo is one hell of a program pilot, but as he enters his fourth year as Ball State's head coach, he faces a pretty stiff challenge: life without quarterback Keith Wenning.
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March 7, 2014
WMU's Fleck is an ace recruiter, unknown coach
WMU's 2014 recruiting class might be the best in MAC history, but that might not mean much for a 2014 Bronco squad that is completely rebuilding at the skill positions and in the defensive front seven.
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March 6, 2014
CMU attempts a turnaround
The Dan Enos era will not be one of mystery for much longer. The Chippewas return about as many starters as any team in the country, including a star at wide receiver. Can they take advantage and crack .500 again?
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March 5, 2014
Kent State, the MAC Mad Libs team
Kent State's win total dropped from 11 to four in 2013, and now the Golden Flashes must replace a couple of truly unique, talented stars. Depth is decent, however, and if they withstand a brutal early schedule, they could approach bowl eligibility.
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March 4, 2014
Buffalo rebuilds, again
Jeff Quinn's fifth Buffalo squad returns 12 starters, including the quarterback, from the program's second eight-win FBS team. But the Bulls lose almost all of their star power as well, and only a cake-soft schedule gives them a shot at another bowl.
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February 28, 2014
RedHawks rebuild again
The Cradle of Coaches hasn't had much hiring success of late. Former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Chuck Martin will look to turn around this once-successful program, but it might take him a little while.
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February 27, 2014
Akron is zipping right along
For the first time in almost a decade, Akron seems to be building something. Terry Bowden might need one more year to get the Zips into the MAC's upper echelon, but they are relevant and exciting, and if they pull an early-season upset, look out.
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February 26, 2014
EMU and the law of the price tag
Last year wasn't any fun for EMU, on or off the field. The goal for new head coach Chris Creighton will be to restore direction, enjoyment, and some sense of momentum for a program that doesn't tend to have much of any of those things.
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February 25, 2014
It can't get any worse for UMass
In replacing Charley Molnar, UMass went with a coach who not only has a lot of experience, but has experience coaching at UMass. Mark Whipple returns to Amherst for his second go-round as head Minuteman. Godspeed, coach.