College Football Nation: Spencer Keith
Now it’s time to look at spring quarterback competitions in the MAC. There should be plenty of intrigue here, especially at Toledo and Miami (Ohio), where starters are returning from injury but finding they are not going to be shoo-ins to get their jobs back.
Ball State
Who’s competing: Kelly Page and Keith Wenning will compete once again in the spring. They are no strangers to competing against each other -- Wenning won the starting job from Page in 2010 as a true freshman. With new coach Pete Lembo set to install his no-huddle offense, both players are going to have to audition for that job. Keep in mind, Page and Wenning are the only two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster.
Buffalo
Who’s competing: The Bulls did plenty of quarterback shuffling last season under first-year coach Jeff Quinn, but nobody seemed to stick as the starter. So the competition is open once again headed into the spring between Jerry Davis, Alex Zordich and Alex Dennison. Davis will be a junior, while Zordich and Dennison will be sophomores. Davis started the majority of games last season, but Zordich did start a handful as a true freshmen. Neither put up stellar stats as they tried to learn the spread offense.
Kent State
Who’s competing: Spencer Keith returns, but he was wildly inconsistent last season, throwing for 2,212 yards, eight touchdowns and 11 interceptions. But with a new coach in Darrell Hazell, nobody is guaranteed of keeping their starting job. Expect a competition with Giorgio Morgan in the spring as Hazell installs more of a traditional offense. Morgan has been a career backup.
Miami (Ohio)
Who’s competing: This is going to be a tremendous competition between Zac Dysert and Austin Boucher, two quarterbacks equally capable of leading this team. Dysert started the first 10 games of the season before injuring his ribs and sitting out the rest of the way. In came Boucher, who had only thrown 14 career passes to that point. But Boucher closed the season 4-0, with a come-from-behind win in the MAC championship game and then a win the GoDaddy.com Bowl against Middle Tennessee. Dysert threw for 2,406 yards, 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and completed 65 percent of his passes. Boucher threw for 1,120 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions, and completed 64 percent of his passes. With a new head coach on Don Treadwell, both go in with clean slates and an opportunity to impress.
Ohio
Who’s out: Boo Jackson
Who’s competing: Jackson and Phil Bates Bates have been involved in quarterback competitions themselves, so being in this position is nothing new for Bates. But this is opportunity to prove once and for all why he deserves to be the starter after taking a back seat to Jackson last season. He is a senior and the most experienced quarterback on the roster. But two will push him -- Kyle Snyder and Tyler Tettleton. Snyder redshirted as a true freshman last season, and Tettleton also redshirted and will be a sophomore. Tettleton attempted 23 passes in 2009.
Temple
Who’s competing: Chester Stewart began last season as the starter before then-coach Al Golden decided on a switch and put Mike Gerardi into the starting lineup during the Bowling Green game in October. Gerardi started the rest of the way, but it wasn’t enough to get the Owls into the MAC championship game. With new coach Steve Addazio taking over, both are in contention to become the starter. There is one more player in the mix -- Chris Coyer, a 6-foot-3 dual-threat, left-handed quarterback who has drawn comparisons to Tim Tebow. Addazio coached Tebow at Florida. Coyer’s bio says he worked out with Tebow in high school. Plenty of connections there for him to make a serious run at the starting job.
Toledo
Who’s competing: Another intriguing competition here between Austin Dantin, who began 2010 as the starter, and Terrance Owens, who filled in quite nicely down the stretch. Dantin injured his shoulder/collarbone at the end of October and missed the final four games of the season. Owens went 2-2 as a starter, but he ended up with a better quarterback rating than Dantin and threw 13 touchdowns to seven for Dantin.
Ball State
Who’s competing: Kelly Page and Keith Wenning will compete once again in the spring. They are no strangers to competing against each other -- Wenning won the starting job from Page in 2010 as a true freshman. With new coach Pete Lembo set to install his no-huddle offense, both players are going to have to audition for that job. Keep in mind, Page and Wenning are the only two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster.
Buffalo
Who’s competing: The Bulls did plenty of quarterback shuffling last season under first-year coach Jeff Quinn, but nobody seemed to stick as the starter. So the competition is open once again headed into the spring between Jerry Davis, Alex Zordich and Alex Dennison. Davis will be a junior, while Zordich and Dennison will be sophomores. Davis started the majority of games last season, but Zordich did start a handful as a true freshmen. Neither put up stellar stats as they tried to learn the spread offense.
Kent State
Who’s competing: Spencer Keith returns, but he was wildly inconsistent last season, throwing for 2,212 yards, eight touchdowns and 11 interceptions. But with a new coach in Darrell Hazell, nobody is guaranteed of keeping their starting job. Expect a competition with Giorgio Morgan in the spring as Hazell installs more of a traditional offense. Morgan has been a career backup.
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Kim Klement/US PresswireMiami Redhawks quarterback Zac Dysert will be battling for the starting job in 2011.
Kim Klement/US PresswireMiami Redhawks quarterback Zac Dysert will be battling for the starting job in 2011.Who’s competing: This is going to be a tremendous competition between Zac Dysert and Austin Boucher, two quarterbacks equally capable of leading this team. Dysert started the first 10 games of the season before injuring his ribs and sitting out the rest of the way. In came Boucher, who had only thrown 14 career passes to that point. But Boucher closed the season 4-0, with a come-from-behind win in the MAC championship game and then a win the GoDaddy.com Bowl against Middle Tennessee. Dysert threw for 2,406 yards, 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and completed 65 percent of his passes. Boucher threw for 1,120 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions, and completed 64 percent of his passes. With a new head coach on Don Treadwell, both go in with clean slates and an opportunity to impress.
Ohio
Who’s out: Boo Jackson
Who’s competing: Jackson and Phil Bates Bates have been involved in quarterback competitions themselves, so being in this position is nothing new for Bates. But this is opportunity to prove once and for all why he deserves to be the starter after taking a back seat to Jackson last season. He is a senior and the most experienced quarterback on the roster. But two will push him -- Kyle Snyder and Tyler Tettleton. Snyder redshirted as a true freshman last season, and Tettleton also redshirted and will be a sophomore. Tettleton attempted 23 passes in 2009.
Temple
Who’s competing: Chester Stewart began last season as the starter before then-coach Al Golden decided on a switch and put Mike Gerardi into the starting lineup during the Bowling Green game in October. Gerardi started the rest of the way, but it wasn’t enough to get the Owls into the MAC championship game. With new coach Steve Addazio taking over, both are in contention to become the starter. There is one more player in the mix -- Chris Coyer, a 6-foot-3 dual-threat, left-handed quarterback who has drawn comparisons to Tim Tebow. Addazio coached Tebow at Florida. Coyer’s bio says he worked out with Tebow in high school. Plenty of connections there for him to make a serious run at the starting job.
Toledo
Who’s competing: Another intriguing competition here between Austin Dantin, who began 2010 as the starter, and Terrance Owens, who filled in quite nicely down the stretch. Dantin injured his shoulder/collarbone at the end of October and missed the final four games of the season. Owens went 2-2 as a starter, but he ended up with a better quarterback rating than Dantin and threw 13 touchdowns to seven for Dantin.
» Predictions: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-10 | SEC | Non-AQ
Four straight weeks of going 7-3 -- is this as good as it gets? I did my upset special right, though I did not expect Utah to continue its implosion, or FIU to beat Troy for the first time ever.
With a 71-43 overall record and several tough games to call this week, bring on Week 12.
No. 4 Boise State 45, Fresno State 17. The Broncos have won four straight in the series, and a few of those wins have been “close” at least in Boise State terms. Last season, Boise State won 51-34, and in 2007 the Broncos on 34-21. Scores that “close” may make voters think twice about where the Broncos stand in the rankings, especially since they have the Friday night spotlight to themselves. The Bulldogs have good balance on offense, but the Boise State defense will be able to shut down Robbie Rouse, who has posted back-to-back 200-yard rushing games.
No. 18 Nevada 55, New Mexico State 10. The Wolf Pack have rebounded nicely from a loss to Hawaii, and relied on Colin Kaepernick and Vai Taua to pull out a close game against Fresno State last week. With a combined five touchdowns in that game, Taua and Kaepernick set the NCAA record for the most touchdowns and most points scored by two players on the same team in a career. Taua and Kaepernick have combined for 103 touchdowns and 616 points.
No. 23 Utah 28, San Diego State 27. I have gone back and forth on this one this entire week, and was leaning Aztecs up until this morning. I love what Brady Hoke has done with the program, and think Ronnie Hillman is a future star. But Jordan Wynn usually comes up big at Qualcomm, and a return home should do him some good and help the offense get out of its doldrums. He is on notice, and he has got to respond.
Tulsa 35, UTEP 17. The Golden Hurricane are streaking now, having won four straight games, and find themselves in a tie atop the West. They need to win out and hope for SMU to lose at least once to get the division crown. Meanwhile, UTEP quarterback Trevor Vittatoe has been hampered by injuries the last several weeks and won’t be 100 percent. Going with the hot team.
Western Michigan 35, Kent State 28. This one is for the battle to keep bowl hopes alive. Both teams are 4-6, and both have had disappointing seasons. But the Broncos have a good thing going with Alex Carder, Jordan White and Juan Nunez on offense. Kent State has some uncertainty at quarterback -- Spencer Keith played last week with a sprained thumb but was benched after throwing an interception. Backup Giorgio Morgan threw two.
Wyoming 33, Colorado State 30. Anything can happen in “The Border War” season finale between the two teams. The last two seasons, the road team has won this game. Wyoming is winless in the Mountain West and in desperate need of a positive note to close out the season. The Rams have not won a road game yet, and have scored just 29 points in their past two games.
UPSET SPECIAL: Army 28, Notre Dame 20. Sorry, I am not on the Irish bus despite the win over Utah. The Utes were totally deflated going into that game and imploded. I still have visions of Navy dancing for 367 rushing yards against the Irish in my head. While the Black Knights aren’t as proficient as the Midshipmen in the triple option yet, they are much improved will give them fits. No doubt Notre Dame will make adjustments, but I still think Army will be able to run.
FIU 30, Louisiana 20. I have a big fear the Panthers may suffer from a letdown in this game following their first ever win over Troy, a victory that has them in the driver’s seat for the Sun Belt. FIU has never been in that position. But they are streaking offensively, having scored a combined 94 points in the past two games. T.Y. Hilton is a big reason why. Louisiana, meanwhile, has lost six straight.
UPSET SPECIAL, PART II: Houston 28, Southern Miss 24. Houston has got to win to keep its bowl hopes alive. The Cougars are no strangers to pulling the road upset, with a win at SMU last month. If the Cougars limit the mistakes, they win. The Golden Eagles have had a terrible week after three players were shot following a fight at a club. You have to wonder whether they will be motivated to play for them, or distracted because of the events of the week. Southern Miss has lost its two league games by a combined two points.
ULM 27, North Texas 20. The Mean Green have won two of three under interim head coach Mike Canales, and have largely done it behind Lance Dunbar, who has combined for 677 yards and six touchdowns rushing and receiving. ULM has to win this to keep bowl hopes alive, and is unbeaten at home. Kolton Browning had thrown for 200 yards in eight straight games before that streak ended last week against LSU. He will do enough to win.
Four straight weeks of going 7-3 -- is this as good as it gets? I did my upset special right, though I did not expect Utah to continue its implosion, or FIU to beat Troy for the first time ever.
With a 71-43 overall record and several tough games to call this week, bring on Week 12.
No. 4 Boise State 45, Fresno State 17. The Broncos have won four straight in the series, and a few of those wins have been “close” at least in Boise State terms. Last season, Boise State won 51-34, and in 2007 the Broncos on 34-21. Scores that “close” may make voters think twice about where the Broncos stand in the rankings, especially since they have the Friday night spotlight to themselves. The Bulldogs have good balance on offense, but the Boise State defense will be able to shut down Robbie Rouse, who has posted back-to-back 200-yard rushing games.
No. 18 Nevada 55, New Mexico State 10. The Wolf Pack have rebounded nicely from a loss to Hawaii, and relied on Colin Kaepernick and Vai Taua to pull out a close game against Fresno State last week. With a combined five touchdowns in that game, Taua and Kaepernick set the NCAA record for the most touchdowns and most points scored by two players on the same team in a career. Taua and Kaepernick have combined for 103 touchdowns and 616 points.
No. 23 Utah 28, San Diego State 27. I have gone back and forth on this one this entire week, and was leaning Aztecs up until this morning. I love what Brady Hoke has done with the program, and think Ronnie Hillman is a future star. But Jordan Wynn usually comes up big at Qualcomm, and a return home should do him some good and help the offense get out of its doldrums. He is on notice, and he has got to respond.
Tulsa 35, UTEP 17. The Golden Hurricane are streaking now, having won four straight games, and find themselves in a tie atop the West. They need to win out and hope for SMU to lose at least once to get the division crown. Meanwhile, UTEP quarterback Trevor Vittatoe has been hampered by injuries the last several weeks and won’t be 100 percent. Going with the hot team.
Western Michigan 35, Kent State 28. This one is for the battle to keep bowl hopes alive. Both teams are 4-6, and both have had disappointing seasons. But the Broncos have a good thing going with Alex Carder, Jordan White and Juan Nunez on offense. Kent State has some uncertainty at quarterback -- Spencer Keith played last week with a sprained thumb but was benched after throwing an interception. Backup Giorgio Morgan threw two.
Wyoming 33, Colorado State 30. Anything can happen in “The Border War” season finale between the two teams. The last two seasons, the road team has won this game. Wyoming is winless in the Mountain West and in desperate need of a positive note to close out the season. The Rams have not won a road game yet, and have scored just 29 points in their past two games.
UPSET SPECIAL: Army 28, Notre Dame 20. Sorry, I am not on the Irish bus despite the win over Utah. The Utes were totally deflated going into that game and imploded. I still have visions of Navy dancing for 367 rushing yards against the Irish in my head. While the Black Knights aren’t as proficient as the Midshipmen in the triple option yet, they are much improved will give them fits. No doubt Notre Dame will make adjustments, but I still think Army will be able to run.
FIU 30, Louisiana 20. I have a big fear the Panthers may suffer from a letdown in this game following their first ever win over Troy, a victory that has them in the driver’s seat for the Sun Belt. FIU has never been in that position. But they are streaking offensively, having scored a combined 94 points in the past two games. T.Y. Hilton is a big reason why. Louisiana, meanwhile, has lost six straight.
UPSET SPECIAL, PART II: Houston 28, Southern Miss 24. Houston has got to win to keep its bowl hopes alive. The Cougars are no strangers to pulling the road upset, with a win at SMU last month. If the Cougars limit the mistakes, they win. The Golden Eagles have had a terrible week after three players were shot following a fight at a club. You have to wonder whether they will be motivated to play for them, or distracted because of the events of the week. Southern Miss has lost its two league games by a combined two points.
ULM 27, North Texas 20. The Mean Green have won two of three under interim head coach Mike Canales, and have largely done it behind Lance Dunbar, who has combined for 677 yards and six touchdowns rushing and receiving. ULM has to win this to keep bowl hopes alive, and is unbeaten at home. Kolton Browning had thrown for 200 yards in eight straight games before that streak ended last week against LSU. He will do enough to win.
» Predictions: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-10 | SEC | Non-AQ
Three straight weeks of going 7-3 is not that bad considering the alternative. I did get one of my upset specials right, though I didn’t expect Navy to hang 76 on East Carolina. Props to New Mexico. Does it count that I said there was a “slim chance” of an upset? Hey at least I said there was a chance!
With a 64-40 overall record, bring on Week 11.
East Carolina 41, UAB 35. (Tonight) The Pirates have to get past the 76 points they allowed to Navy last week. UAB is going to have to get running back Pat Shed going, because Dominique Davis will be able to pass for the Pirates. The East Carolina defense has been bad, but somehow the Pirates will find a way to bounce back with bowl eligibility on the line. They have got to hold on to the football, though. Four turnovers on five possessions in the third quarter against Navy let the game get out of hand.
No. 4 Boise State 45, Idaho 13. (Friday). You know the atmosphere is going to be rowdy, what with offseason comments from Boise State president Bob Kustra stirring the pot. This is the final scheduled game in the rivalry now that the Broncos are leaving for the Mountain West. The Vandals would love nothing more than to end their undefeated season, but they are one of the most penalized teams in the country. Idaho hasn’t beaten Boise State since 1998. The Vandals’ last win at home over the Broncos? 1995.
No. 3 TCU 38, San Diego State 10. Sure this is the classic “trap” game for the Horned Frogs, who will be coming down off an emotional 47-7 win at Utah. San Diego State is much improved this season, and bowl eligible for the first time since 1998. Ronnie Hillman already has 1,000 yards rushing and will be the No. 1 target to stop. The Aztecs have won four straight but haven’t looked good doing it. They have won their past three games by an average of eight points. Their opponents in those three games have a combined six wins.
No. 14 Utah 35, at Notre Dame 20. The Utes have to bounce back and fast to put the embarrassment of last weekend behind them. This certainly will be a big test for coach Kyle Whittingham to get his team to stay focused for the remainder of the season. The Irish have a handful of starters out because of injuries. Bank on Jordan Wynn putting the mistakes of last week behind him to have a big game.
No. 21 Nevada 45, Fresno State 40. This one is not going to be easy for the Wolf Pack, but they come into the game riding a major 844-yard output on offense, with three 100-yard runners and a 300-yard passer in a win over Idaho. Chris Carter and Logan Harrell each have nine sacks for Fresno State, but the first key is to stop the run. The same can be said for Nevada -- Fresno State has gotten good production from Robbie Rouse in the last three games. He is coming off a 286-yard day against Louisiana Tech.
UCF 35, Southern Miss 21. The Knights are the only undefeated team left in Conference USA and are the favorites to win the entire conference. They survived a scare on the road against Houston last week and now face an East Division rival that has been inconsistent. But the Golden Eagles have lost their two league games by a combined two points. Still, their defense has been somewhat disappointing and is going to have a hard time slowing down Jeff Godfrey.
BYU 30, Colorado State 27. I am trying not to read too much into the Cougars’ offensive explosion last week because it came against UNLV. But still, it has to be encouraging to see Jake Heaps throw for more than 100 yards in a game. This one features the two top freshman quarterbacks in the league, and the Rams are much improved with Pete Thomas leading the way. But BYU has an improving defense -- and has to win to keep bowl hopes alive.
Army 30, Kent State 27. The Black Knights have to win either against Kent State or next week against Notre Dame to become bowl eligible for the first time since 1996. This one is an intriguing matchup -- Army has the No. 8 rushing attack in the country, averaging 277 yards a game. Kent State has the best run defense, giving up just 69 yards a game. But the Golden Flashes have to major injuries on defense: linebacker Cobrani Mixon and safety Brian Lainhart. Mixon is second on the team in tackles, while Lainhart is third. Quarterback Spencer Keith also has a sprained thumb and is listed as day-to-day.
Troy 28, FIU 17. Though FIU is 3-5, the Panthers are 3-1 in conference play, half a game behind Troy (4-1). So essentially the Sun Belt title is on the line. Troy has never lost to FIU, so bank on the Trojans to win this one and eventually win their fifth straight league title. Great special-teams matchup to watch between T.Y. Hilton of FIU and Jerrel Jernigan of Troy.
UPSET SPECIAL: Tulsa 45, Houston 44. The top two scoring offenses in Conference USA battle it out with the West division title at stake. The Golden Hurricane have loads of confidence after winning three straight, and plenty of weapons for Houston to try and handle. Tulsa has a more high-powered attack than UCF, which scored 40 in a win last week, so the Golden Hurricane get the edge.
Three straight weeks of going 7-3 is not that bad considering the alternative. I did get one of my upset specials right, though I didn’t expect Navy to hang 76 on East Carolina. Props to New Mexico. Does it count that I said there was a “slim chance” of an upset? Hey at least I said there was a chance!
With a 64-40 overall record, bring on Week 11.
East Carolina 41, UAB 35. (Tonight) The Pirates have to get past the 76 points they allowed to Navy last week. UAB is going to have to get running back Pat Shed going, because Dominique Davis will be able to pass for the Pirates. The East Carolina defense has been bad, but somehow the Pirates will find a way to bounce back with bowl eligibility on the line. They have got to hold on to the football, though. Four turnovers on five possessions in the third quarter against Navy let the game get out of hand.
No. 4 Boise State 45, Idaho 13. (Friday). You know the atmosphere is going to be rowdy, what with offseason comments from Boise State president Bob Kustra stirring the pot. This is the final scheduled game in the rivalry now that the Broncos are leaving for the Mountain West. The Vandals would love nothing more than to end their undefeated season, but they are one of the most penalized teams in the country. Idaho hasn’t beaten Boise State since 1998. The Vandals’ last win at home over the Broncos? 1995.
No. 3 TCU 38, San Diego State 10. Sure this is the classic “trap” game for the Horned Frogs, who will be coming down off an emotional 47-7 win at Utah. San Diego State is much improved this season, and bowl eligible for the first time since 1998. Ronnie Hillman already has 1,000 yards rushing and will be the No. 1 target to stop. The Aztecs have won four straight but haven’t looked good doing it. They have won their past three games by an average of eight points. Their opponents in those three games have a combined six wins.
No. 14 Utah 35, at Notre Dame 20. The Utes have to bounce back and fast to put the embarrassment of last weekend behind them. This certainly will be a big test for coach Kyle Whittingham to get his team to stay focused for the remainder of the season. The Irish have a handful of starters out because of injuries. Bank on Jordan Wynn putting the mistakes of last week behind him to have a big game.
No. 21 Nevada 45, Fresno State 40. This one is not going to be easy for the Wolf Pack, but they come into the game riding a major 844-yard output on offense, with three 100-yard runners and a 300-yard passer in a win over Idaho. Chris Carter and Logan Harrell each have nine sacks for Fresno State, but the first key is to stop the run. The same can be said for Nevada -- Fresno State has gotten good production from Robbie Rouse in the last three games. He is coming off a 286-yard day against Louisiana Tech.
UCF 35, Southern Miss 21. The Knights are the only undefeated team left in Conference USA and are the favorites to win the entire conference. They survived a scare on the road against Houston last week and now face an East Division rival that has been inconsistent. But the Golden Eagles have lost their two league games by a combined two points. Still, their defense has been somewhat disappointing and is going to have a hard time slowing down Jeff Godfrey.
BYU 30, Colorado State 27. I am trying not to read too much into the Cougars’ offensive explosion last week because it came against UNLV. But still, it has to be encouraging to see Jake Heaps throw for more than 100 yards in a game. This one features the two top freshman quarterbacks in the league, and the Rams are much improved with Pete Thomas leading the way. But BYU has an improving defense -- and has to win to keep bowl hopes alive.
Army 30, Kent State 27. The Black Knights have to win either against Kent State or next week against Notre Dame to become bowl eligible for the first time since 1996. This one is an intriguing matchup -- Army has the No. 8 rushing attack in the country, averaging 277 yards a game. Kent State has the best run defense, giving up just 69 yards a game. But the Golden Flashes have to major injuries on defense: linebacker Cobrani Mixon and safety Brian Lainhart. Mixon is second on the team in tackles, while Lainhart is third. Quarterback Spencer Keith also has a sprained thumb and is listed as day-to-day.
Troy 28, FIU 17. Though FIU is 3-5, the Panthers are 3-1 in conference play, half a game behind Troy (4-1). So essentially the Sun Belt title is on the line. Troy has never lost to FIU, so bank on the Trojans to win this one and eventually win their fifth straight league title. Great special-teams matchup to watch between T.Y. Hilton of FIU and Jerrel Jernigan of Troy.
UPSET SPECIAL: Tulsa 45, Houston 44. The top two scoring offenses in Conference USA battle it out with the West division title at stake. The Golden Hurricane have loads of confidence after winning three straight, and plenty of weapons for Houston to try and handle. Tulsa has a more high-powered attack than UCF, which scored 40 in a win last week, so the Golden Hurricane get the edge.
Let's take a look at the good and the bad for the non-AQs in Week 10.
The good: Boise State and TCU remained in the national title hunt with big wins this weekend. Though their offenses made headlines -- the Broncos racked up a school-record 737 yards and TCU had more than 500 yards -- both defenses played something fierce. They both held their opponents to fewer than 200 yards of total offense. Now they are the top two teams in the country in total defense and scoring defense. TCU is No. 1 in both categories. … Meanwhile, New Mexico won its first game of the season, 34-31 over Wyoming. Quarterback Stump Godfrey made his first career start as B.R. Holbrook sat out because of an injury and went 16-of-20 for 211 yards with two touchdowns. The Lobos, which had been giving the ball away as if it was a Christmas present, forced four turnovers. It was just the second time all season they won the turnover battle in a game. … How about Nevada racking up 844 yards of total offense? Not only did Colin Kaepernick have 300 yards passing, the Wolf Pack had three 100-yard rushers: Mark Lampford, Mike Ball and Vai Taua.
The bad: Western Michigan controlled its own bowl destiny heading into its game against Central Michigan. None of the four opponents left on its schedule had a winning record, so finishing up 7-5 or 6-6 seemed realistic. But the Broncos lost for the fifth straight time to their in-state rivals -- even though the Chippewas went into the game with just two wins. Backup RB Brian Fields fumbled 2 yards from the end zone with 1:37 remaining, the fourth lost fumble of the game for Western Michigan and the Chippewas held on 26-22.
The heartache: The Akron Zips are now the only winless team in the country, but missed out on a great opportunity in a 37-30 double-overtime loss to Ball State. After tying the score late to send the game into overtime, the Zips and Cardinals traded touchdowns in the first overtime. Ball State went ahead in overtime No. 2. But all hopes were lost for Akron when Patrick Nicely was intercepted on third down by Joshua Howard to end the game. Akron had more first downs and more rushing yards than Ball State and won the turnover battle as well. … Tulane had Southern Miss on the ropes heading into the fourth quarter. The two teams were tied at 30, but the Golden Eagles scored 16 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to win 46-30. Tulane (402) outgained Southern Miss (358) and had 11 more first downs.
The off-balance: Utah and Hawaii went into their respective games as some of the highest-scoring teams in the country. But each were held to just a touchdown. Utah had been averaging 45.2 points a game, tied for No. 3 in the nation. Hawaii had been averaging 39. 2 points a game. … Meanwhile, BYU exploded offensively for the first time all season, posting more than 300 yards passing and 200 yards rushing and a season-high 55 points against UNLV. The Cougars are 39-0 since 1972 and 5-0 under current head coach Bronco Mendenhall when passing for 300 and running for 200.
A few more helmet stickers: FIU WR T.Y. Hilton had 291 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns in a 42-35 double-overtime win over ULM. He became the first Panther to score a touchdown three different ways in the same game, as he caught two touchdowns, ran for one and returned a kick for a score. … Central Michigan LB Armond Staten had 11 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack and three forced fumbles in an upset win over Western Michigan. … San Diego State LB Miles Burris had a career-high 10 tackles, four tackles for loss (minus-39 yards), two sacks and two forced fumbles in a 24-19 victory over Colorado State.
A few injury items to note: Ohio quarterback Boo Jackson is questionable for the Nov. 16 game against Temple after reportedly getting into a fight outside a bar and sustaining serious injuries to his face. Coach Frank Solich would only say that Jackson is questionable for the game. Backup Phil Bates has been slowed by a shoulder injury, leaving the possibility that Ohio could burn the redshirt of true freshman Kyle Snyder. “We’re going to have to talk about it some more and look at it from different angles and make a decision about a player being brought out of redshirt if he needs to be,” Solich said. … Kent State star LB Cobrani Mixon is doubtful for Saturday’s game against Army with a shoulder injury, and starting quarterback Spencer Keith injured his thumb and is day-to-day. … BYU TE Marcus Mathews is out for the season with a lacerated spleen.
Week 11 look ahead: TCU plays San Diego State (7-2) in a classic letdown game. Will the Horned Frogs suffer an emotional low after an emotional high over Utah? Boise State has a big rivalry game against Idaho, perhaps made even bigger after comments during the offseason where school president Bob Kustra slammed Vandal culture as “nasty” and “inebriated.” Southern Miss travels to UCF in a big East Division game. The Knights, ranked for the first time in school history, control their destiny. We can’t forget about the big Tuesday night game between MAC West Division leaders Toledo and Northern Illinois.
The good: Boise State and TCU remained in the national title hunt with big wins this weekend. Though their offenses made headlines -- the Broncos racked up a school-record 737 yards and TCU had more than 500 yards -- both defenses played something fierce. They both held their opponents to fewer than 200 yards of total offense. Now they are the top two teams in the country in total defense and scoring defense. TCU is No. 1 in both categories. … Meanwhile, New Mexico won its first game of the season, 34-31 over Wyoming. Quarterback Stump Godfrey made his first career start as B.R. Holbrook sat out because of an injury and went 16-of-20 for 211 yards with two touchdowns. The Lobos, which had been giving the ball away as if it was a Christmas present, forced four turnovers. It was just the second time all season they won the turnover battle in a game. … How about Nevada racking up 844 yards of total offense? Not only did Colin Kaepernick have 300 yards passing, the Wolf Pack had three 100-yard rushers: Mark Lampford, Mike Ball and Vai Taua.
The bad: Western Michigan controlled its own bowl destiny heading into its game against Central Michigan. None of the four opponents left on its schedule had a winning record, so finishing up 7-5 or 6-6 seemed realistic. But the Broncos lost for the fifth straight time to their in-state rivals -- even though the Chippewas went into the game with just two wins. Backup RB Brian Fields fumbled 2 yards from the end zone with 1:37 remaining, the fourth lost fumble of the game for Western Michigan and the Chippewas held on 26-22.
The heartache: The Akron Zips are now the only winless team in the country, but missed out on a great opportunity in a 37-30 double-overtime loss to Ball State. After tying the score late to send the game into overtime, the Zips and Cardinals traded touchdowns in the first overtime. Ball State went ahead in overtime No. 2. But all hopes were lost for Akron when Patrick Nicely was intercepted on third down by Joshua Howard to end the game. Akron had more first downs and more rushing yards than Ball State and won the turnover battle as well. … Tulane had Southern Miss on the ropes heading into the fourth quarter. The two teams were tied at 30, but the Golden Eagles scored 16 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to win 46-30. Tulane (402) outgained Southern Miss (358) and had 11 more first downs.
[+] Enlarge
Douglas C. Pizac/US PresswireTCU shut down the high-powered Utah offense.
Douglas C. Pizac/US PresswireTCU shut down the high-powered Utah offense.A few more helmet stickers: FIU WR T.Y. Hilton had 291 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns in a 42-35 double-overtime win over ULM. He became the first Panther to score a touchdown three different ways in the same game, as he caught two touchdowns, ran for one and returned a kick for a score. … Central Michigan LB Armond Staten had 11 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack and three forced fumbles in an upset win over Western Michigan. … San Diego State LB Miles Burris had a career-high 10 tackles, four tackles for loss (minus-39 yards), two sacks and two forced fumbles in a 24-19 victory over Colorado State.
A few injury items to note: Ohio quarterback Boo Jackson is questionable for the Nov. 16 game against Temple after reportedly getting into a fight outside a bar and sustaining serious injuries to his face. Coach Frank Solich would only say that Jackson is questionable for the game. Backup Phil Bates has been slowed by a shoulder injury, leaving the possibility that Ohio could burn the redshirt of true freshman Kyle Snyder. “We’re going to have to talk about it some more and look at it from different angles and make a decision about a player being brought out of redshirt if he needs to be,” Solich said. … Kent State star LB Cobrani Mixon is doubtful for Saturday’s game against Army with a shoulder injury, and starting quarterback Spencer Keith injured his thumb and is day-to-day. … BYU TE Marcus Mathews is out for the season with a lacerated spleen.
Week 11 look ahead: TCU plays San Diego State (7-2) in a classic letdown game. Will the Horned Frogs suffer an emotional low after an emotional high over Utah? Boise State has a big rivalry game against Idaho, perhaps made even bigger after comments during the offseason where school president Bob Kustra slammed Vandal culture as “nasty” and “inebriated.” Southern Miss travels to UCF in a big East Division game. The Knights, ranked for the first time in school history, control their destiny. We can’t forget about the big Tuesday night game between MAC West Division leaders Toledo and Northern Illinois.
Another coach has joined Tim Brewster on the unemployment line. North Texas said good bye to Todd Dodge today. You kinda knew it was only a matter of time.
Now on to some more headlines of the day:
TCU coach Gary Patterson wants a special effort from his defense against Air Force.
The possibility lurks that UCF could play the Gators in the Liberty Bowl.
Utah kicker Joe Phillips is in the middle of a history-making run, overcoming personal tragedy along the way.
Air Force fullback Nathan Walker is ready for his opportunitywith Jared Tew out.
Can Hawaii be a giant killer in three weeks?
San Diego State defensive coordinator Rocky Long is staying mum leading up to the Aztecs' game against his former team, New Mexico.
FAU's inexperienced offensive line has been a problem all season.
Kent State quarterback Spencer Keith has been inconsistent, but coach Doug Martin gave him a vote of confidence this week.
Now on to some more headlines of the day:
TCU coach Gary Patterson wants a special effort from his defense against Air Force.
The possibility lurks that UCF could play the Gators in the Liberty Bowl.
Utah kicker Joe Phillips is in the middle of a history-making run, overcoming personal tragedy along the way.
Air Force fullback Nathan Walker is ready for his opportunitywith Jared Tew out.
Can Hawaii be a giant killer in three weeks?
San Diego State defensive coordinator Rocky Long is staying mum leading up to the Aztecs' game against his former team, New Mexico.
FAU's inexperienced offensive line has been a problem all season.
Kent State quarterback Spencer Keith has been inconsistent, but coach Doug Martin gave him a vote of confidence this week.
Non-AQ conference players of the week
September, 6, 2010
9/06/10
3:00
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
Here are your non-AQ conference players of the week:
Conference USA
Offense: East Carolina quarterback Dominique Davis. He threw for a career-high 383 yards and five touchdowns, along with the 33-yard Hail Mary to Justin Jones in the end zone as time ran out to give the Pirates a 51-49 win over Tulsa. Davis also scored once on the ground. The five passing touchdowns were the most by an East Carolina quarterback since Jeff Blake threw five against Southern Miss on Nov. 9, 1991.
Defense: Tulane LB Trent Mackey. The transfer from Duke made his first career start for Tulane and made a career and game-high 13 tackles, including two stops for minus-8 yards and also forced a fumble against Southeastern Louisiana.
Special teams: SMU K/P Matt Szymanski, who made a school-record 61-yard field goal at Texas Tech. The 61-yarder is the second-longest in C-USA history. He also had a 49.3-yard punt average, the second-highest single-game average of his career.
MAC, East Division
Offense: Kent State QB Spencer Keith. He threw a career-high three touchdown passes and went 24-for-35 for 275 yards in a 41-10 win over Murray State.
Defense: Bowling Green DB Keith Morgan. The junior finished second on the team with 11 tackles and added an interception in the Falcons' 30-27 loss at Troy.
Special teams: Temple K Brandon McManus. The sophomore made a career-high four field goals in a 31-24 win over Villanova, including the game-winning 43-yarder with 3 seconds remaining. He also added a career-long 53-yard field goal, the second-longest field goal in school history.
West Division
Offense: Eastern Michigan RB Dwayne Priest. Ran for a career-best 142 yards on 26 rushes and scored two touchdowns.
Defense: Central Michigan LB Nick Bellore. Had a team-high 11 tackles and one tackle for loss in a 33-0 win over Hampton.
Special teams: Western Michigan P Ben Armer. Averaged 40.9 yards a punt at Michigan State, including a career-matching long 62-yard punt. He also had two punts inside the 20, including one that hit at the 1-yard line and was downed at the 2.
Mountain West
Offense: Utah WR DeVonte Christopher. Caught eight passes for 155 yards and a touchdown to lead Utah to a 27-24 overtime victory over No. 15 Pittsburgh. Christopher had never caught a pass at Utah until Thursday’s game.
Defense: Utah SS Brian Blechen. The true freshman's interception of Tino Sunseri on the first play of overtime helped Utah beat Pittsburgh.
Special teams: BYU P/K Riley Stephenson. Three of his punts landed inside the 15-yard line against Washington. Three of his five kickoffs landed inside the 20.
Sun Belt
Offense: FAU WR Lester Jean. Had two touchdown catches, including a one-handed reception over the top of his head that went 77 yards against UAB.
Defense: Arkansas State DB M.D. Jennings. Had a team-high 11 tackles, career-high 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack, while also forcing one fumble and recovering another against Auburn.
Special teams: FAU DL Michael Lockley. Blocked UAB's 28-yard field goal attempt on the final play of the game to give FAU a 32-31 win.
Note: The WAC will announce its players of the week Tuesday, following the Boise State-Virginia Tech game on Monday night.
Conference USA
Offense: East Carolina quarterback Dominique Davis. He threw for a career-high 383 yards and five touchdowns, along with the 33-yard Hail Mary to Justin Jones in the end zone as time ran out to give the Pirates a 51-49 win over Tulsa. Davis also scored once on the ground. The five passing touchdowns were the most by an East Carolina quarterback since Jeff Blake threw five against Southern Miss on Nov. 9, 1991.
Defense: Tulane LB Trent Mackey. The transfer from Duke made his first career start for Tulane and made a career and game-high 13 tackles, including two stops for minus-8 yards and also forced a fumble against Southeastern Louisiana.
Special teams: SMU K/P Matt Szymanski, who made a school-record 61-yard field goal at Texas Tech. The 61-yarder is the second-longest in C-USA history. He also had a 49.3-yard punt average, the second-highest single-game average of his career.
MAC, East Division
Offense: Kent State QB Spencer Keith. He threw a career-high three touchdown passes and went 24-for-35 for 275 yards in a 41-10 win over Murray State.
Defense: Bowling Green DB Keith Morgan. The junior finished second on the team with 11 tackles and added an interception in the Falcons' 30-27 loss at Troy.
Special teams: Temple K Brandon McManus. The sophomore made a career-high four field goals in a 31-24 win over Villanova, including the game-winning 43-yarder with 3 seconds remaining. He also added a career-long 53-yard field goal, the second-longest field goal in school history.
West Division
Offense: Eastern Michigan RB Dwayne Priest. Ran for a career-best 142 yards on 26 rushes and scored two touchdowns.
Defense: Central Michigan LB Nick Bellore. Had a team-high 11 tackles and one tackle for loss in a 33-0 win over Hampton.
Special teams: Western Michigan P Ben Armer. Averaged 40.9 yards a punt at Michigan State, including a career-matching long 62-yard punt. He also had two punts inside the 20, including one that hit at the 1-yard line and was downed at the 2.
Mountain West
Offense: Utah WR DeVonte Christopher. Caught eight passes for 155 yards and a touchdown to lead Utah to a 27-24 overtime victory over No. 15 Pittsburgh. Christopher had never caught a pass at Utah until Thursday’s game.
Defense: Utah SS Brian Blechen. The true freshman's interception of Tino Sunseri on the first play of overtime helped Utah beat Pittsburgh.
Special teams: BYU P/K Riley Stephenson. Three of his punts landed inside the 15-yard line against Washington. Three of his five kickoffs landed inside the 20.
Sun Belt
Offense: FAU WR Lester Jean. Had two touchdown catches, including a one-handed reception over the top of his head that went 77 yards against UAB.
Defense: Arkansas State DB M.D. Jennings. Had a team-high 11 tackles, career-high 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack, while also forcing one fumble and recovering another against Auburn.
Special teams: FAU DL Michael Lockley. Blocked UAB's 28-yard field goal attempt on the final play of the game to give FAU a 32-31 win.
Note: The WAC will announce its players of the week Tuesday, following the Boise State-Virginia Tech game on Monday night.
Utah carried the torch for the non-AQs, but did not exactly look overpowering in doing so. On to some recaps ...
The Utes put the "U" in ugly during win, writes Gordon Monson of The Salt Lake Tribune.
It appears Sun Belt officials blew a crucial call late in Middle Tennessee's loss to Minnesota.
Still, there was plenty to build on for the Blue Raiders, playing without Dwight Dasher.
Is South Carolina that good, Southern Miss that bad, or a combination of both?
Idaho posted its first shutout since 1997.
Colin Kaepernick said he played just average in Nevada's win.
Ball State easily won its opener.
Dan Enos won his opener at Central Michigan, the school's first opening-game shutout since 1979. Ryan Radcliff went 20-of-34 for 242 yards and a touchdown.
Spencer Keith had his first three-TD game in Kent State's opener against Murray State.
Jerry Davis proved he has a good grasp of Buffalo's new offense in a win against Rhode Island.
FAU rallied from a 16-point deficit to stun UAB in Birmingham. Included in the comeback was a last-second blocked field goal to preserve the victory.
Plenty for Doc Holliday and Marshall to learn after their 45-7 loss to Ohio State.
Many concerns for Northern Illinois after losing to Iowa State.
Southeastern Louisiana gave Tulane all it could handle.
Hawaii came oh-so-close to USC, but its defense could not get the job done.
Meanwhile, TCU coach Gary Patterson said he "screwed up" in the Fiesta Bowl for allowing his team too many distractions. Players are having their cell phones taken away Friday night to prevent any distractions before Oregon State.
And as a reward for making it this far, I give you a must-read Washington Post magazine feature on Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs.
Other conference links:
ACC
Big 12
Big East
Big Ten
SEC
The Utes put the "U" in ugly during win, writes Gordon Monson of The Salt Lake Tribune.
It appears Sun Belt officials blew a crucial call late in Middle Tennessee's loss to Minnesota.
Still, there was plenty to build on for the Blue Raiders, playing without Dwight Dasher.
Is South Carolina that good, Southern Miss that bad, or a combination of both?
Idaho posted its first shutout since 1997.
Colin Kaepernick said he played just average in Nevada's win.
Ball State easily won its opener.
Dan Enos won his opener at Central Michigan, the school's first opening-game shutout since 1979. Ryan Radcliff went 20-of-34 for 242 yards and a touchdown.
Spencer Keith had his first three-TD game in Kent State's opener against Murray State.
Jerry Davis proved he has a good grasp of Buffalo's new offense in a win against Rhode Island.
FAU rallied from a 16-point deficit to stun UAB in Birmingham. Included in the comeback was a last-second blocked field goal to preserve the victory.
Plenty for Doc Holliday and Marshall to learn after their 45-7 loss to Ohio State.
Many concerns for Northern Illinois after losing to Iowa State.
Southeastern Louisiana gave Tulane all it could handle.
Hawaii came oh-so-close to USC, but its defense could not get the job done.
Meanwhile, TCU coach Gary Patterson said he "screwed up" in the Fiesta Bowl for allowing his team too many distractions. Players are having their cell phones taken away Friday night to prevent any distractions before Oregon State.
And as a reward for making it this far, I give you a must-read Washington Post magazine feature on Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs.
Other conference links:
ACC
Big 12
Big East
Big Ten
SEC
As spring practices get underway, I thought I’d highlight five teams that are worth watching this spring. These are teams that didn’t have great 2009 seasons, but could make some noise in 2010. Some teams have new coaches still trying to figure out their personnel and some are teams with coaches trying to hang on to their jobs.
1. San Diego State: I haven’t been shy in talking about my affinity for what Brady Hoke and his coaching staff was able to do in one year at SDSU. Yes, the Aztecs won just four games, but they showed progress offensively and defensively. This spring is going to be key in developing the running game. The Aztecs are breaking in a new offensive line and have a slew of running backs to try out. This spring also will be key for a defense that was plugging holes last year. This year, defensive coordinator Rocky Long has the athletes to play his 3-3-5 system, so it should be fun to watch.
2. Louisiana Tech: It’s amazing how one coaching move can change the entire outlook of a team. I thought Louisiana Tech would be OK this year under new head coach Sonny Dykes, but adding Tony Franklin as the new offensive coordinator makes the Bulldogs a far more formidable team than they were three weeks ago. Franklin is a proven coordinator and he’s already shown the ability to turn teams around in a hurry. The biggest question this spring will be whether he can find a dynamic quarterback. That was the reason for his success at Middle Tennessee and it will what moves Louisiana Tech forward in 2010.
3. Toledo: The Rockets were one of the more disappointing teams in the MAC in 2009 because despite a new coaching staff, they still returned a lot of talent. Most of that talent and leadership is gone and the Rockets are building with young players. Toledo returns quarterback Austin Dantin and receiver Eric Page, who was a freshman All-American, and has seven members of its recruiting class on campus this spring, including wide receiver James Green and cornerback Taikwon Page. With Central Michigan and Western Michigan rebuilding, the Rockets have a good chance to challenge Northern Illinois for the MAC West this year.
4. Kent State: The Golden Flashes were so close to notching their first winning season since 2001, but slid in their final three games to finish 5-7. The Golden Flashes hold the second-longest drought without a bowl berth (1972), but could change those fortunes this year with a slew of young players such as quarterback Spencer Keith and receiver Tyshon Goode. The Golden Flashes also return running back Eugene Jarvis for a sixth season. The MAC East is going to be tough this year with Temple and Ohio returning several key players and both bringing in good recruiting classes, but Kent State should be able to challenge for a postseason berth.
5. North Texas: Call this a gut feeling. After winning five games in his first three seasons as head coach at UNT, Todd Dodge might have this thing figured out. If he doesn’t, he’ll be out the door. Dodge was spared after the 2009 season because he seems to have the program pointed in the right direction. Despite a 2-10 finish last year, the Mean Green lost five games by four or fewer points. The offense will have more cohesion this year, but the defense will be key. The Mean Green defense has held the team back under Dodge and that will be the difference in turning this thing around. The Mean Green have the talent to win six games and spring will be key in making sure the players believe that.
1. San Diego State: I haven’t been shy in talking about my affinity for what Brady Hoke and his coaching staff was able to do in one year at SDSU. Yes, the Aztecs won just four games, but they showed progress offensively and defensively. This spring is going to be key in developing the running game. The Aztecs are breaking in a new offensive line and have a slew of running backs to try out. This spring also will be key for a defense that was plugging holes last year. This year, defensive coordinator Rocky Long has the athletes to play his 3-3-5 system, so it should be fun to watch.
2. Louisiana Tech: It’s amazing how one coaching move can change the entire outlook of a team. I thought Louisiana Tech would be OK this year under new head coach Sonny Dykes, but adding Tony Franklin as the new offensive coordinator makes the Bulldogs a far more formidable team than they were three weeks ago. Franklin is a proven coordinator and he’s already shown the ability to turn teams around in a hurry. The biggest question this spring will be whether he can find a dynamic quarterback. That was the reason for his success at Middle Tennessee and it will what moves Louisiana Tech forward in 2010.
3. Toledo: The Rockets were one of the more disappointing teams in the MAC in 2009 because despite a new coaching staff, they still returned a lot of talent. Most of that talent and leadership is gone and the Rockets are building with young players. Toledo returns quarterback Austin Dantin and receiver Eric Page, who was a freshman All-American, and has seven members of its recruiting class on campus this spring, including wide receiver James Green and cornerback Taikwon Page. With Central Michigan and Western Michigan rebuilding, the Rockets have a good chance to challenge Northern Illinois for the MAC West this year.
4. Kent State: The Golden Flashes were so close to notching their first winning season since 2001, but slid in their final three games to finish 5-7. The Golden Flashes hold the second-longest drought without a bowl berth (1972), but could change those fortunes this year with a slew of young players such as quarterback Spencer Keith and receiver Tyshon Goode. The Golden Flashes also return running back Eugene Jarvis for a sixth season. The MAC East is going to be tough this year with Temple and Ohio returning several key players and both bringing in good recruiting classes, but Kent State should be able to challenge for a postseason berth.
5. North Texas: Call this a gut feeling. After winning five games in his first three seasons as head coach at UNT, Todd Dodge might have this thing figured out. If he doesn’t, he’ll be out the door. Dodge was spared after the 2009 season because he seems to have the program pointed in the right direction. Despite a 2-10 finish last year, the Mean Green lost five games by four or fewer points. The offense will have more cohesion this year, but the defense will be key. The Mean Green defense has held the team back under Dodge and that will be the difference in turning this thing around. The Mean Green have the talent to win six games and spring will be key in making sure the players believe that.What to watch in the MAC this spring
February, 16, 2010
2/16/10
11:00
AM ET
By
Graham Watson | ESPN.com
Here's a breakdown of three issues facing each team in the MAC heading into the spring:
Akron Zips
Spring practice starts: March 24
Spring game: April 17
What to watch:
" New head coach Rob Ianello takes over an Akron squad that hasn’t had a winning season since 2005. The Zips struggled last year averaging 19.25 points per game on offense and gave up 28.75 points per game on defense. This spring's goal will be to find playmakers to bring both sides of the ball on par with the rest of the league.
" The Zips had a running back by committee system last year, but none of their backs had more than 250 yards. Two of the team’s top three rushers are gone and the rest are freshmen and sophomores. Ianello signed five tailbacks in his first class.
" The defense struggled to put pressure on the quarterback as the Zips finished with 11 sacks. Opponents scored touchdowns on 66 percent of opportunities inside the red zone. Shoring up the defensive line and the linebackers will be an emphasis this spring.
Ball State Cardinals
Spring practice starts: March 24
Spring game: April 17
What to watch:
" Sophomore quarterback Kelly Page tries to regain the starting role after missing the second half of the season with thumb surgery. The Cardinals were winless with him in the lineup, but he improved as the season progressed. Redshirt freshman Aaron Mershman will vie for the role in the spring before highly-touted recruit Keith Wenning joins the competition in the fall.
" Running back MiQuale Lewis and tight end Madaris Grant are both awaiting word from the NCAA about a possible sixth season. Both are team leaders and are the top players at their respective positions.
" Losing defensive coordinator Doug Graber is a blow to the Cardinals. Although he was only with the team for a season, the defense was one of the team's bright spots and got better as the season progressed. The Cardinals have yet to name a replacement.
Bowling Green Falcons
Spring practice starts: March 19
Spring game: April 16
What to watch:
" Replacing quarterback Tyler Sheehan will be one of the biggest chores since he took 95 percent of the snaps for the past three seasons. Aaron Pankratz was the backup last year and the leader heading into spring. But redshirt Matt Schiltz, walk-on Kellen Pagel and December enrollee Caleb Watkins will all be in the mix.
" Freddie Barnes was the Falcons best offensive weapon and it will be hard to find a replacement. Overall, the Falcons lose three of their top five receivers, and one of those returning is running back Wille Geter.
" Rebuilding the defense will be a priority after losing seven players, including the entire line backers corps and three-fourths of the secondary. There is a lot of young talent waiting, it is just a matter of gelling during spring ball.
Buffalo Bulls
Spring practice starts: March 20
Spring game: April 24
What to watch:
" Losing quarterback Zach Maynard, who decided to transfer last month, hurt their offense. He would have been the starter heading into the season, but now sophomore Jerry Davis and redshirt freshman Alex Dennison will duke it out this spring before two freshmen arrive in August.
" The Bulls have to replace top receivers Naaman Roosevelt and Brett Hamlin and have several candidates to do so. Juniors Terrell Jackson, Marcus Rivers and Ed Young, and redshirt freshmen Fred Lee and Alex Neutz will compete for playing time.
" New head coach Jeff Quinn is going to install a more wide-open offensive system at Buffalo, however finding the right guys to play it will be a challenge. There are athletes remaining at Buffalo, but the loss of players such as Maynard and Roosevelt will make the transition slower.
Akron Zips
Spring practice starts: March 24
Spring game: April 17
What to watch:
" New head coach Rob Ianello takes over an Akron squad that hasn’t had a winning season since 2005. The Zips struggled last year averaging 19.25 points per game on offense and gave up 28.75 points per game on defense. This spring's goal will be to find playmakers to bring both sides of the ball on par with the rest of the league.
" The Zips had a running back by committee system last year, but none of their backs had more than 250 yards. Two of the team’s top three rushers are gone and the rest are freshmen and sophomores. Ianello signed five tailbacks in his first class.
" The defense struggled to put pressure on the quarterback as the Zips finished with 11 sacks. Opponents scored touchdowns on 66 percent of opportunities inside the red zone. Shoring up the defensive line and the linebackers will be an emphasis this spring.
Ball State Cardinals
Spring practice starts: March 24
Spring game: April 17
What to watch:
" Sophomore quarterback Kelly Page tries to regain the starting role after missing the second half of the season with thumb surgery. The Cardinals were winless with him in the lineup, but he improved as the season progressed. Redshirt freshman Aaron Mershman will vie for the role in the spring before highly-touted recruit Keith Wenning joins the competition in the fall.
" Running back MiQuale Lewis and tight end Madaris Grant are both awaiting word from the NCAA about a possible sixth season. Both are team leaders and are the top players at their respective positions.
" Losing defensive coordinator Doug Graber is a blow to the Cardinals. Although he was only with the team for a season, the defense was one of the team's bright spots and got better as the season progressed. The Cardinals have yet to name a replacement.
Bowling Green Falcons
Spring practice starts: March 19
Spring game: April 16
What to watch:
" Replacing quarterback Tyler Sheehan will be one of the biggest chores since he took 95 percent of the snaps for the past three seasons. Aaron Pankratz was the backup last year and the leader heading into spring. But redshirt Matt Schiltz, walk-on Kellen Pagel and December enrollee Caleb Watkins will all be in the mix.
" Freddie Barnes was the Falcons best offensive weapon and it will be hard to find a replacement. Overall, the Falcons lose three of their top five receivers, and one of those returning is running back Wille Geter.
" Rebuilding the defense will be a priority after losing seven players, including the entire line backers corps and three-fourths of the secondary. There is a lot of young talent waiting, it is just a matter of gelling during spring ball.
Buffalo Bulls
Spring practice starts: March 20
Spring game: April 24
What to watch:
" Losing quarterback Zach Maynard, who decided to transfer last month, hurt their offense. He would have been the starter heading into the season, but now sophomore Jerry Davis and redshirt freshman Alex Dennison will duke it out this spring before two freshmen arrive in August.
" The Bulls have to replace top receivers Naaman Roosevelt and Brett Hamlin and have several candidates to do so. Juniors Terrell Jackson, Marcus Rivers and Ed Young, and redshirt freshmen Fred Lee and Alex Neutz will compete for playing time.
" New head coach Jeff Quinn is going to install a more wide-open offensive system at Buffalo, however finding the right guys to play it will be a challenge. There are athletes remaining at Buffalo, but the loss of players such as Maynard and Roosevelt will make the transition slower.
Mid-American Conference season wrap
December, 9, 2009
12/09/09
3:45
PM ET
By
Graham Watson | ESPN.com
Dan LeFevour couldn’t have scripted a better end to his Mid-American Conference career.
LeFevour helped the Chippewas to an undefeated MAC season and a conference title. He won his first game against an AQ opponent, became the MAC’s all-time leader in passing and the country’s all-time leader in touchdowns.
LeFevour not only finished his career as the face of Central Michigan, but also the face of the conference.
And it was a good year to showcase the MAC.
For the first time since 2004, the MAC had three teams with at least nine wins and for the first time since 2005, the conference has five teams with at least seven wins. Both the West and East Divisions came down to the final weeks of the regular season to decide a championship and teams such as Ohio and Bowling Green played the final fourth of the season like a series of elimination games. Ohio earned its first division championship since 2006 and Bowling Green was the only team with a new non-AQ head coach to finish the regular season with a winning record. Both teams are going bowling.
And then there was one of the biggest success stories of the season in Temple. The Owls fell a game short of their first divisional title and conference championship berth, but still managed to finish with their best record since 1979.
Not to mention there is a ton of young talent in players like Toledo’s Eric Page, Kent State’s Spencer Keith and Tyshon Goode, Temple’s Bernard Pierce and Ball State's Kelly Page that will be able to keep the conference on an upswing.
The MAC still has a ways to go to catch up to some of its non-AQ brethren, but this year could be the breakthrough season it was looking for.
Offensive MVP: Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour
There’s no doubt that LeFevour was the best offensive player in the conference this year. While his numbers might have been down from his sophomore season, he was still the most complete and dangerous player in the league. LeFevour finishes his career as the leader in total offensive yards (15,140), attempts (1,669), completions (1,110), passing yards (12,255) and is tied for second in touchdown passes (99).
Defensive MVP: Temple defensive end Adrian Robinson
Robinson led the MAC and tied for tenth in the country with 12 sacks. He also had 42 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles and one interception. He helped Temple become the 20th-ranked rushing defense in the country.
Newcomer of the Year: Temple running back Bernard Pierce
Pierce led the MAC and ranked 13th in the nation in rushing with 1,308 yards on 224 carries and 15 rushing touchdowns. He was the Owls most effective offensive weapon and helped them rank 21st in the country in rushing with an average of 192.3 yards per game.
Coach of the Year: Temple’s Al Golden
In his fourth season as head coach, Golden led the Owls to a 9-3 overall record, 7-1 in the MAC. That record included nine consecutive wins during the season. The Owls have improved every season under Golden. In 2006, they won one game, four in 2007 and five wins a year ago.
Biggest Surprise: Temple
When Temple opened the season with a loss to FCS opponent Villanova, no one expected much from the Owls. But in a loss to Penn State, the Owls discovered they could play with any team in the country and rattled off nine consecutive wins to become one of the most talked about teams in the country. With a lot of talent coming back, Temple should be the favorite to win the East next year.
Biggest disappointment: Toledo
With so many senior leaders and playmakers returning this season, it was disappointing to see the Rockets win just five games. Two of Toledo’s loses came to teams with losing records, including Miami-Ohio, which only won one game this season.
Game of the Year: Temple 34, Miami-Ohio 32, Nov. 5
A loss a winless Miami-Ohio team not only would have stopped the Owls winning streak, it would have still put them a game out of securing a bowl and taken them out of first place in the MAC East. The Owls needed a Brandon McManus field goal with three seconds remaining to notch the win that would be their seventh in a row.
Leon Halip-US PRESSWIREQuarterback Dan LeFevour finishes his Central Michigan career as the Chippewas leader in many offensive categories.
LeFevour not only finished his career as the face of Central Michigan, but also the face of the conference.
And it was a good year to showcase the MAC.
For the first time since 2004, the MAC had three teams with at least nine wins and for the first time since 2005, the conference has five teams with at least seven wins. Both the West and East Divisions came down to the final weeks of the regular season to decide a championship and teams such as Ohio and Bowling Green played the final fourth of the season like a series of elimination games. Ohio earned its first division championship since 2006 and Bowling Green was the only team with a new non-AQ head coach to finish the regular season with a winning record. Both teams are going bowling.
And then there was one of the biggest success stories of the season in Temple. The Owls fell a game short of their first divisional title and conference championship berth, but still managed to finish with their best record since 1979.
Not to mention there is a ton of young talent in players like Toledo’s Eric Page, Kent State’s Spencer Keith and Tyshon Goode, Temple’s Bernard Pierce and Ball State's Kelly Page that will be able to keep the conference on an upswing.
The MAC still has a ways to go to catch up to some of its non-AQ brethren, but this year could be the breakthrough season it was looking for.
Offensive MVP: Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour
There’s no doubt that LeFevour was the best offensive player in the conference this year. While his numbers might have been down from his sophomore season, he was still the most complete and dangerous player in the league. LeFevour finishes his career as the leader in total offensive yards (15,140), attempts (1,669), completions (1,110), passing yards (12,255) and is tied for second in touchdown passes (99).
Defensive MVP: Temple defensive end Adrian Robinson
Robinson led the MAC and tied for tenth in the country with 12 sacks. He also had 42 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles and one interception. He helped Temple become the 20th-ranked rushing defense in the country.
Newcomer of the Year: Temple running back Bernard Pierce
Pierce led the MAC and ranked 13th in the nation in rushing with 1,308 yards on 224 carries and 15 rushing touchdowns. He was the Owls most effective offensive weapon and helped them rank 21st in the country in rushing with an average of 192.3 yards per game.
Coach of the Year: Temple’s Al Golden
In his fourth season as head coach, Golden led the Owls to a 9-3 overall record, 7-1 in the MAC. That record included nine consecutive wins during the season. The Owls have improved every season under Golden. In 2006, they won one game, four in 2007 and five wins a year ago.
Biggest Surprise: Temple
When Temple opened the season with a loss to FCS opponent Villanova, no one expected much from the Owls. But in a loss to Penn State, the Owls discovered they could play with any team in the country and rattled off nine consecutive wins to become one of the most talked about teams in the country. With a lot of talent coming back, Temple should be the favorite to win the East next year.
Biggest disappointment: Toledo
With so many senior leaders and playmakers returning this season, it was disappointing to see the Rockets win just five games. Two of Toledo’s loses came to teams with losing records, including Miami-Ohio, which only won one game this season.
Game of the Year: Temple 34, Miami-Ohio 32, Nov. 5
A loss a winless Miami-Ohio team not only would have stopped the Owls winning streak, it would have still put them a game out of securing a bowl and taken them out of first place in the MAC East. The Owls needed a Brandon McManus field goal with three seconds remaining to notch the win that would be their seventh in a row.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
When Kent State does it’s weekly walk through in the field house on the Thursday or Friday prior to a game, it ends the session with a breakdown underneath the lone football banner in a sea of other Kent State sports championship banners.
It’s from the 1972 team, the only Kent State team to win a conference championship and the last team to go to a bowl game.
That could change after this weekend when the Golden Flashes visit Akron in the annual Wagon Wheel Game.
Kent State has won three consecutive games and is one game away from the sixth win for bowl eligibility.
“If somebody had told me at the beginning of the year that we wouldn’t have <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=170645" target="_new">Eugene Jarvis</a>, one of the best running backs in the conference, and that we’d be playing with a true freshman quarterback and we’d still be in the hunt, I’d say they were drinking something,” Kent State coach <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=232567" target="_new">Doug Martin</a> said. “But our players have really responded and rallied around each other.”
The Golden Flashes also are in the hunt for the MAC East title. They’ve already beaten Ohio, which is tied with a 4-1 record with Kent State, and they play East leader Temple next week.
Both Martin and junior safety Brian Lainhart, the team's leader in interceptions, said the change in the team’s attitude started with the loss to Baylor on Oct. 3. Although the Golden Flashes were blown out 31-15 and sitting at 2-3 overall, something clicked in the team that made it think it could compete.
“We got a confidence after the Baylor game because Baylor was a top team that we played this year and we really believed that we could play with anybody else on our schedule,” Lainhart said. ‘Offensively, defensively, special teams we really put it all together. We might not have had it all together the whole game, but there were bits and pieces of that game where we were like, ‘Man, we’re pretty darn good.’ And we just kind of built off that and just took it into MAC play.”
What’s most surprising about Kent State’s success is that it’s been behind a youthful team. Freshman quarterback <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=482099" target="_new">Spencer Keith</a> was thrust into the lineup during the second game of the season after starter <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=237792" target="_new">Giorgio Morgan</a> was injured. Freshman receiver Tyshon Keith has emerged as the top target. Several other young players have become contributors this season.
Having so many young players has actually helped his team. They’re more about playing the game than thinking about the history and pressure. It’s kept the team relaxed and focused on its goals.
“We have a bunch of young guys playing right now and the thing that helps us is that our young guys are so mature,” Lainhart said. “Spencer Keith, you’d never think he was a freshman. Older guys just keep reminding the young guys to just keep playing one game at a time. That’s what got us here so far. We’ve just got to keep doing the things that we’ve been doing. If we look down the road, that’s when you let games slip up and you no longer in a position to obtain your goals.”
When Kent State does it’s weekly walk through in the field house on the Thursday or Friday prior to a game, it ends the session with a breakdown underneath the lone football banner in a sea of other Kent State sports championship banners.
It’s from the 1972 team, the only Kent State team to win a conference championship and the last team to go to a bowl game.
That could change after this weekend when the Golden Flashes visit Akron in the annual Wagon Wheel Game.
Kent State has won three consecutive games and is one game away from the sixth win for bowl eligibility.
“If somebody had told me at the beginning of the year that we wouldn’t have <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=170645" target="_new">Eugene Jarvis</a>, one of the best running backs in the conference, and that we’d be playing with a true freshman quarterback and we’d still be in the hunt, I’d say they were drinking something,” Kent State coach <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=232567" target="_new">Doug Martin</a> said. “But our players have really responded and rallied around each other.”
The Golden Flashes also are in the hunt for the MAC East title. They’ve already beaten Ohio, which is tied with a 4-1 record with Kent State, and they play East leader Temple next week.
Both Martin and junior safety Brian Lainhart, the team's leader in interceptions, said the change in the team’s attitude started with the loss to Baylor on Oct. 3. Although the Golden Flashes were blown out 31-15 and sitting at 2-3 overall, something clicked in the team that made it think it could compete.
“We got a confidence after the Baylor game because Baylor was a top team that we played this year and we really believed that we could play with anybody else on our schedule,” Lainhart said. ‘Offensively, defensively, special teams we really put it all together. We might not have had it all together the whole game, but there were bits and pieces of that game where we were like, ‘Man, we’re pretty darn good.’ And we just kind of built off that and just took it into MAC play.”
What’s most surprising about Kent State’s success is that it’s been behind a youthful team. Freshman quarterback <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=482099" target="_new">Spencer Keith</a> was thrust into the lineup during the second game of the season after starter <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=237792" target="_new">Giorgio Morgan</a> was injured. Freshman receiver Tyshon Keith has emerged as the top target. Several other young players have become contributors this season.
Having so many young players has actually helped his team. They’re more about playing the game than thinking about the history and pressure. It’s kept the team relaxed and focused on its goals.
“We have a bunch of young guys playing right now and the thing that helps us is that our young guys are so mature,” Lainhart said. “Spencer Keith, you’d never think he was a freshman. Older guys just keep reminding the young guys to just keep playing one game at a time. That’s what got us here so far. We’ve just got to keep doing the things that we’ve been doing. If we look down the road, that’s when you let games slip up and you no longer in a position to obtain your goals.”
Kent State's Keith still the starter; Jarvis released from hospital
September, 21, 2009
9/21/09
12:30
PM ET
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
Kent State coach Doug Martin said on Monday’s MAC teleconference that he didn’t think quarterback Giorgio Morgan would be ready for Saturday’s MAC conference opener against Miami (Ohio).
Morgan suffered a sprained ankle in the season opener against Coastal Carolina and re-aggravated it against Boston College. Freshman Spencer Keith finished the Boston College game and started last week’s 34-14 loss to Iowa State.
“Last night, watching [Morgan] in practice, I would doubt that he would play,” Martin said. “He’s still really hampered with the ankle. He’s not moving very well. Until he can go out and protect himself, play like he’s capable of, we don’t want to put him out there.”
In Morgan’s absence, Keith completed 21 of 32 passes for 255 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He even put Kent State up 7-3 midway through the first quarter, the team’s only lead in the game. Martin said because Keith played so well, there’s no reason to rush Morgan back.
Also, Martin said running back Eugene Jarvis, who suffered a lacerated kidney against Boston College two weeks ago, was released from the hospital Sunday evening. Jarvis did watch some of the Iowa State game from the press box. Martin said he’s been overwhelmed by the support from the coaches around the Mid-American Conference.
“We’ve heard from just about every coach in the MAC just wishing Eugene well,” Martin said. “Coach [Al] Golden from Temple called, coach [JD] Brookhart took the trip over to see him in the hospital from Akron. We certainly appreciate that, and a lot of other coaches have called. The conference coaches have been outstanding the way they’ve responded to him.”
Martin said Jarvis will be back in school this week and is scheduled to graduate in December. Kent State has asked the NCAA to grant the fifth-year senior a sixth season.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
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| Michael Tureski/Icon SMI | |
| Spencer Keith steps into the starting lineup for Kent State after a strong relief appearance. |
Kent State freshman quarterback Spencer Keith threw the only touchdown in last week’s 34-7 loss to Boston College and that was enough to give coach Doug Martin the confidence to start him against Iowa State on Saturday.
Keith will replace Giorgio Morgan, who suffered a sprained ankle in the season opener against Coastal Carolina and reinjured it again against Boston College. Morgan practiced well on Wednesday and showed little sign of injury, but with Mid-American Conference play starting next week, Martin decided to give his starter some rest.
Keith completed 9 of 14 for 71 yards and an interception in relief of Morgan against Boston College, but didn’t throw the touchdown until late in the game.
The plan coming into the season was to redshirt Keith, but now he’ll be Morgan’s primary backup and redshirt in 2010.
While Saturday’s game against Iowa State will be valuable experience for Keith, it also will be a tough situation with the loss of starting running back Eugene Jarvis, who suffered a lacerated kidney against Boston College and is out for the season.
Kent State ranks 106th in the country in total offense with just 261.50 yards per game; 100 yards of that came on the ground. The Golden Flashes are averaging 12.50 points per game. However, Iowa State’s pass defense hasn’t been great, allowing 407 yards per game.
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