Editor's Note: This is the first story in a two-part series previewing the Mid-American Conference
Akron Zips
Coach: Lee Owens
2002 record: 4-8, 3-5 MAC
Strengths: The offense returns all starters including quarterback Charlie Frye. Frye could move into the top spot of the Akron record books for passing and total offense by the end of his junior year. Frye's frequent target, wide receiver Miquel Irvin, comes off a 53-catch season. Running back Bobby Hendry was one of 39 preseason Doak Walker award candidates.
Weaknesses: The Akron defensive unit must avoid last season's slow start. The Zips finished 91st in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 43.8 points per game in the first six games of the season. Six starters return, including middle linebacker Chase Blackburn, who led the team in tackles with 96 in 2002.
Buffalo Bulls
Coach: Jim Hofher
2002 record: 1-11, 0-8 MAC
Strengths: Buffalo returns 17 starters, including running back Aaron Leeper, the 2002 MAC Freshman of the Year. An offensive line that returns all five starters should provide running room for Leeper. He ran for 917 yards last season. Mark Graham mans the safety slot after having six picks last year.
Weaknesses: Buffalo lost 70 percent of its receiving production from last year. The Bulls must replace Andre Ford, who set a handful of team records and is fifth in team history with 3,645 all-purpose yards.
Central Florida Golden Knights
Coach: Mike Kruczek
2002 record: 7-5, 6-2 MAC
Strengths: Quarterback Ryan Schneider, the active leader in college football with 69 career touchdown passes, was one of 42 preseason Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award nominees. Last year, Central Florida's two MAC losses came by a total of eight points. Safety Atari Bigby was a first-team, all-conference selection.
Weaknesses: The Golden Knights lack the experience of last year's team. Their offensive line includes three freshmen receiving significant playing time. The young linemen need to mature quickly if Schneider is going to catch former Central Florida quarterback Daunte Culpepper in the record books.
Kent State Golden Flashes
Coach: Dean Pees
2002 record: 3-9, 1-7 MAC
Strengths: Quarterback Joshua Cribbs could become the first person in Division I-A history to pass and rush for 1,000 yards in three seasons. Running back David Alston also returns for the Golden Flashes. He missed most of the 2002 season with injuries.
Weaknesses: Kent State returns just 11 total starters, including five on defense. That unit is making a quick transition into its new 3-4 scheme. Only one starter remains from last season's secondary.
Marshall Thundering Herd
Coach: Bob Pruett
2002: 11-2, 7-1 MAC
Strengths: Marshall's traditionally high-scoring offense again is its biggest strength. The Thundering Herd lost quarterback Byron Leftwich to the NFL, but Stan Hill filled in nicely in two starts last year. Having two 1,000-yard receivers, Josh Davis and Darius Watts, to throw to should help him adjust. Tailback Franklin Wallace returns and could share time with highly-touted junior college transfer Earl Charles. Marshall's linebackers are talented, led by J.T. Rembert in the middle.
Weaknesses: For Hill, it will be difficult to put up huge passing numbers, especially with an inexperienced offensive line. The Herd's secondary was outstanding last year, but only one starter returns. The defensive line is experienced but undersized.
Miami RedHawks
Coach: Terry Hoeppner
2002: 7-5, 5-3 MAC
Strengths: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is a possible Heisman Trophy candidate, after passing for a total of 6,343 yards and 47 touchdowns his first two seasons. Roethlisberger operates behind a veteran offensive line. Running back Luke Clemens, who had 16 touchdowns, adds a punch to the offense.
Weaknesses: Miami looks to young talent on the receiving end to replace a trio of wide receivers that accounted for 1,042 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. The defense returns only three starters and lacks depth.
Ohio Bobcats
Coach: Brian Knorr
2002 record: 4-8, 4-4 MAC
Strengths: Led by linebacker Dennis Chukwuemeka, the Bobcats return eight defensive starters. Dion Byrum, who had two picks last year, moves into a starting cornerback position. The offense features a two-pronged quarterback attack, including incumbent starter Fred Ray and Miami transfer Ryan Hawk.
Weaknesses: The offensive line was battered by injuries last season, so this unit will have to mend quickly. The Bobcats also lost star running back Chad Brinker, and two fresh faces are involved in the kicking game.
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