Insights on the upcoming football season by MAC coaches during the weekly teleconference.
After eight months of building hype, college football is less than a week away.
Although no Mid-American Conference teams open their seasons against a team ranked in the Top 25 — contrary to normal tradition — MAC coaches showed excitement during Monday’s teleconference, including many new ones.
As EasternMichigan approaches its opener, new coach Chris Creighton named redshirt freshman Reggie Bell its starting quarterback after the Eagles were presented with a “three-headed monster” at the position.
“It’s been tough with three guys,” Creighton said. “Since spring, Reggie has shown tremendous improvement and capability to adapt in the pocket as a young quarterback.”
Eastern Michigan will open its season at home against Morgan State.
“There’s not a game in our schedule that we’ll tip our hat,” Creighton said.
BallState will also open its season with a new coach in Pete Lembo at home against Colgate, which will be his 11th meeting against Colgate in his career.
Come Saturday, the Cardinals expect to showcase new schemes and better personnel.
Lembo named strong safety Brian Jones, a fifth-year senior, one of four captains. Lembo said it was easy to put his faith in Jones.
“If you have a lot of talent and competence at corner and safety you have a lot of flexibility with your defense,” he said.
New coach Dino Babers and Bowling Green should be tested on the road against Western Kentucky, which presents a hostile road environment and boasts a strong offense.
“We need to go to battle with each other,” Babers said. “I haven’t been through the MAC, so I’ll be interested in seeing how we can fight.”
Miami will dive into its season with a home opener against Marshall, which trampled the RedHawks 52-14 last year.
New coach Chuck Martin will enter his first year with the Red Hawks since leaving Notre Dame and another former member of the Fighting Irish, Andrew Hendrix, has been named the starting quarterback.
Martin said after watching film of last year’s game that Marshall has “a brutal defense with size and speed.” The Redhawks have the opportunity to see if they close the gap and can compete.
Although Buffalo coach Jeff Quinn is returning, he’s preparing for challenges this season with new personnel, facing the challenge of replacing Khalil Mack, who was drafted No. 5 by the Oakland Raiders.
“I’m excited to see new production from last season with the same positive culture,” Quinn said. “Our entire starting offensive line returns so it’ll be exciting to see their tenacity and watching them understand the game together.”
Buffalo will open its season at home against Duquesne.
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