Mid-American Conference Preview: Ohio

Ohio Bobcats 

2015 Results: 8-5 (5-3, T2nd East)
Lost to Appalachian State in Camellia Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 7 DEF, 0 SP 

2016 Schedule:

September:

3rd TEXAS STATE

10th at Kansas

17th at Tennessee

24th GARDNER-WEBB

October:

1st at Miami (OH)

8th BOWLING GREEN

15th EASTERN MICHIGAN

22nd at Kent State

27th at Toledo

November:

3rd BUFFALO

15th at Central Michigan

22nd AKRON

Forget about the Buckeyes, there's another team in Ohio that can do some damage. The Bobcats have been a consistent 6+ win team since Frank Solich took over in 2005. Solich brought a winning pedigree to the program and they have picked up what he has been putting down. Last year, they were one game away from battling it out in the conference championship. The downer is that they got trounced by Bowling Green by 38, so that was a biiiiiiiiiiig L. 

Offensively, J.D. Sprague is now the man. Derrius Vick has graduated and the quarterback position is Sprague's to lose. Last year's offense was top-56 in all three categories. This is essentially the spot that a 7 to 8 win team should be falling. Sprague will be loaded with weapons for the season, seeing as how he returns his leading rusher and top 3 wide receivers. The offense should be able to expand upon last season's progress and I can see them doing some damage in the coming season. 

On the defensive side of the ball, they return 6 of their front 7. That bodes well for their rush defense, which was the weak link of the team last season. Unfortunately, only Toran Davis returns from their starting defensive backfield and will be tasked with anchoring the young secondary around him. The defense will be strong up front, but will be as good as their secondary will allow them to be. In the pass-heavy MAC, a weak secondary could be crushing for a team, so it will be interesting to watch.

Player to watch: J.D. Sprague

To paraphrase the great Shooter McGavin, "It's J.D.'s turn!" He's ready to take the lead and continue the winning ways of Coach Solich. Sprague is a dual-threat quarterback who will be loaded with weapons around him and prepared to put in work on the MAC. I look forward to seeing how he handles the season.

If you only watch them once, watch: 10/8 vs Bowling Green

This is the rematch of the (essentially) the East division championship from last season and Bowling Green is coming to Athens for battle this time. This game should be the East championship for this coming season as well. Winner takes all!

Prediction: 9-3 (6-2, MAC)

All my love, 

@corbeech