Thoughts as Football moves closer...

[Spence]

Can't say anything about the predictions except I hope the clean bill of health one proves correct.

[highfly]

I agree with the talk of Marshall, that sched is very weak and Cato will put up some big numbers with it. The tough games are almost all at home which helps even more. Lots to like with FSU, Bama, UCLA, etc. Its enjoyable to look at some of the lesser names or confs to see who could make a run at 10-12 wins. Houston would be another with a chance at it. Dont know what sort of defense they have but their sched is not daunting, at Cincy to end the season could be the de facto championship game.

Way way to early for all that but hey what else is there to talk about in July.

[donovan]

...

...Billy will have a clear bill of health ( the last series of radiation treatments will be a year old in September).

All that matters to any of us, my friend.

[Derek]

...

...Billy will have a clear bill of health ( the last series of radiation treatments will be a year old in September).

All that matters to any of us, my friend.

Good to hear billybud!

[Vileborg]

...

...Billy will have a clear bill of health ( the last series of radiation treatments will be a year old in September).

All that matters to any of us, my friend.

Amen to that!

[Eric]

I agree with the talk of Marshall, that sched is very weak and Cato will put up some big numbers with it. The tough games are almost all at home which helps even more. Lots to like with FSU, Bama, UCLA, etc. Its enjoyable to look at some of the lesser names or confs to see who could make a run at 10-12 wins. Houston would be another with a chance at it. Dont know what sort of defense they have but their sched is not daunting, at Cincy to end the season could be the de facto championship game.

Way way to early for all that but hey what else is there to talk about in July.

Houston was so young last year that they look like a team that could take the next step up. It'll be interesting to see if O'Korn and their receivers put up better numbers in the new American. I think Marshall can lose to Akron, Middle Tennessee, Rice, or Western Kentucky, but I can't speak to the odds of that. C-USA does still have their championship game, but they're probably the best bet to make it to that Group of Five spot in the bowl season.

[highfly]

I think Marshall can lose to Akron, Middle Tennessee, Rice, or Western Kentucky, but I can't speak to the odds of that.

I could see Marshall losing to 1 or 2 of these but again they are all at home, except Akron which is no pushover. Akron is a team on the rise with Terry Bowdon and Chuck Amato as d-cord. I think Bowling Green takes the division but if Akron is in the MAC title I wouldnt be shocked.
We have hit August, that much closer to the season. There are some good non-con matchups and they really do extend past the big 5 head to heads.

[Eric]

I think Marshall can lose to Akron, Middle Tennessee, Rice, or Western Kentucky, but I can't speak to the odds of that.

I could see Marshall losing to 1 or 2 of these but again they are all at home, except Akron which is no pushover. Akron is a team on the rise with Terry Bowdon and Chuck Amato as d-cord. I think Bowling Green takes the division but if Akron is in the MAC title I wouldnt be shocked.
We have hit August, that much closer to the season. There are some good non-con matchups and they really do extend past the big 5 head to heads.

I agree, I love Akron as a breakout MAC team. I consider the MAC my "home" conference. I try to cheer for all of the schools if I can. It's regional and it's fun to root for an underdog. They remind me of CMU under Kelly, NIU under Kill, Ball State under Hoke or Lembo, and Kent State under Hazell. All it really takes to win MAC conference games is a good coach since the talent is so dispersed. Over a couple of years, the good coaches always shine through and Akron has been on the uptick since Bowden started there. Young talent, increased winning, and head coaching skill is what you want to look for, also a couple of gamechangers. I think Akron is short those game changers so I don't think they can pass Bowling Green, but I think they are a real threat for a bowl game.