As usual, most MAC teams find themselves on the road to start the season and seven contests feature MAC vs. Big Ten matchups. The one home game for the MAC against a Big Ten squad is the Friday night game pitting Central Michigan against Indiana. For our take on all of these games, see our picks elsewhere on this page.
 
Heisman Websites: This season both Bruce Gradkowski of Toledo and Omar Jacobs of Bowling Green have websites dedicated to promoting their candidacies for the Heisman Trophy.
 
At Bruce4Heisman readers can get the background and lowdown on the Toledo senior quarterback. The website has compiled Gradkowski's career statistics, complete history and even a picture gallery for the record setting Rockets quarterback.
 
Omar Jacobs is also represented with a website dedicated to his Heisman Trophy candidacy. Jacobs4Heisman, like its Gradkowski counterpart, is run by a fan and has news, statistics, photo gallary and a message board all with the intention of promoting the Bowling Green quarterback's Heisman candidacy.
 
Checking In On The Draft Picks: This past April, the MAC had more players chosen in the NFL draft than in any other year since the NFL went to seven rounds. So, how are the former MAC players doing? Here is a synopsis based on reports from around the NFL:
 

• Charlie Frye, QB Cleveland (3^rd Round - Akron) - Frye has become a fan favorite since throwing for a game-winning touchdown against Detroit in the Browns' second exhibition game. Reports indicate that Frye is on the verge of beating out Doug Johnson for the backup spot behind designated starter Trent Dilfer.
  
• Nick Kaczur, OT New England (3^rd Round - Toledo) - Kaczur drew the start in the Patriots third exhibition game against Green Bay. Kaczur started at right tackle due to an injury to Matt Light. All indications are positive and it appears that Kaczur has won a roster spot with New England.
  
• Eric Ghiaciuc, C Cincinnati (4^th Round - Central Michigan) - Ghiaciuc has had a rough camp with Cincinnati and his spot on the roster is far from secure. First, he angered head coach Marvin Lewis with a two-day holdout at the start of training camp due to prolonged contract talks, then in his most recent game appearance, Ghiaciuc opened the second half with the offensive starters for Cincinnati against Philadelphia and promptly snapped the ball wide resulting in an 11 yard loss on the play. At this point, Ghiaciuc appears to be on the fence in securing a roster spot.
  
• Alphonso Hodge, CB Kansas City (5^th Round - Miami) - Hodge has been used mostly in dime packages as the sixth DB for the Kansas City Chiefs. The reports are positive coming out of camp and Hodge has a shot at locking down one of the DB slots on the KC roster.
  
•  Adam Kieft, OT Cincinnati (5^th Round - Central Michigan) - Kieft suffered a season-ending injury in training camp.
  
• Dante Ridgeway, WR St. Louis (6^th Round - Ball State) - Through the first two games of the exhibition season, Ridgeway has only caught one pass for 19 yards. Despite seeing little action the Rams remain high on Ridgeway and he will be given a chance in the Rams' final two preseason outings to show he belongs. He is currently listed as the 4^th WR on the Rams' depth chart.
  
• Jonathan Goddard, DE Detroit (6^th Round - Marshall) - Goddard is in contention for one of the Lions' final roster spots and appears to be battling with Bill Swancutt of Oregon State for an available slot. It will likely be a final cut-down day decision.
  
• Justin Beriault, FS Dallas (6^th Round - Ball State) - Currently back-up to strong safety Roy Williams, Beriault has made a good impression with his hitting ability. Beriault though has been hobbled at times due to an injured right knee that has required fluid drainage on three occasions. Still, all indications are that the Cowboys have liked what they have seen so far.
  
• Reggie Hodges, P Ball State (6^th Round - St. Louis) - Hodges appears to be on the verge of securing the job as the Rams' punter. He has punted nine times for an average of 39.4 yards, a long punt of 49 yards and dropped three punts inside the 20 yard line.
  
• Chris Roberson, CB Jacksonville (7^th Round - Eastern Michigan) - Roberson is listed as the #4 left cornerback on the Jaquars' depth chart and has not seen much playing time. He may need to make his mark on special teams and hope for a spot on the scout team.
  
• Scott Mruczkowski, OL San Diego (7^th Round - Bowling Green) - The Chargers' starting five appears set, but behind them it is a wide open competition and Mruczkowski appears to be right in the mix of things and has a legitimate shot at a roster spot with San Diego.
  

  
  Cribbs Making His Mark: Quickly emerging as one of the top undrafted rookies in NFL camp is former Kent State quarterback Josh Cribbs. The Cleveland Browns have been so impressed with Cribbs that they traded away wide receiver Andre Davis in a move that many saw as opening a roster spot for Cribbs. Cribbs has shown his value through his versatility, just as he displayed at Kent State. Cribbs has been returning punts, kicks, playing wide receiver and impressing everyone along the way. Despite muffing the opening kick-off against Carolina in the Browns' third exhibition game, Cribbs appears to have secured a roster spot.
   
  2005 Out of Conference Performance Must Improve Over 2004: For the MAC to capture the attention of the nation as it did in 2003, it must not stumble as badly out of the blocks this season as it did in 2004. Not to bring back bad memories, but here is a recap of the MAC's out of conference mark during the 2004 season:
   
  Vs. ACC: 0-3
  Vs. Big East: 2-6
  Vs. Big Ten: 0-11
  Vs. Big Twelve: 0-4
  Vs. Conference USA: 1-1
  Vs. SEC: 1-2
  Vs. Sun Belt: 0-3
  Vs. WAC: 0-1
   
  That's a combined out of conference mark of 4-31 for the 2004 regular season. The good news is that the league rebounded and was able to secure five bowl bids in the post-season.

  Chips Make Case With NCAA: Central Michigan hopes that the NCAA will back down on its position that the use of the name "Chippewas" by CMU is "hostile or abusive." Central Michigan was one of eighteen schools identified recently by the NCAA whose nicknames allegedly fell into that category, hence banning the use of American Indian nicknames and mascots during postseason tournaments. The NCAA has already relented and taken Florida State off the "blacklist" after FSU threatened suit and demonstrated that the Seminole Tribe was fully supportive of FSU's continued use of the Seminole nickname. Likewise, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe has come out equally strongly in favor of CMU's use of the Chippewas name. Central Michigan is hoping the NCAA will recognize a similar relationship as exists between Florida State and the Seminole Tribe. 
   
  Injury Bug: Northern Illinois seems to have been hit hardest by preseason injuries. The Huskies lost preseason All-MAC linebacker Javan Lee who suffered a herniated disk and may miss the entire season. Northern Illinois also lost backup wide receivers Marcus Perez due to concussions and Matt Simon due to a season-ending leg injury. Meanwhile the Huskies' two primary wide receivers have also recently been sidelined with injuries but neither is expected to miss the season opener.  Sam Hurd is back with the team after missing time with a lymph node infection while Shatone Powers has been hobbled by a pulled hamstring.
   
  Maybe though the cruelest blow was dealt to Buffalo's Aaron Leeper. Leeper was the MAC's Freshman of the Year in 2002 when, as a redshirt freshman, he rushed for 917 yards, accounted for 1,267 all purpose yards and had 10 touchdowns. Leeper was going to make the switch to defensive back last season however shoulder injuries kept him out the entire season. Unfortunately, it appears Leeper's career may be in jeopardy as he was not cleared medically to play this season due to the same shoulder injury.
   
  Elsewhere, Toledo wide receiver David Washington is temporarily sidelined after undergoing surgical knee repair and is expected to miss 1-2 weeks of the opening season.
   
  MAC Institutional Academic Achievement Award: Central Michigan won its fourth straight Mid-American Conference Institutional Academic Achievement Award which is presented annually to the institution with the highest overall grade point average for student athletes. The complete list:
   
  

  School	MAC Sports	Student Athletes	GPA
  Central Michigan	16	369	3.066
  Akron	17	403	3.038
  Eastern Michigan	20	412	3.031
  Ball State	18	389	2.988
  Northern Illinois	17	426	2.985
  Western Michigan	15	335	2.980
  Miami	17	428	2.950
  Ohio	19	408	2.931
  Bowling Green	17	365	2.930
  Toledo	16	338	2.930
  Buffalo	19	423	2.895
  Kent State	18	373	2.860

  Game Previews

  Here we go with another season of fearless prognostications. As always, remember, these picks are purely for entertainment purposes only. Some would actually say amusement would be a more appropriate choice of terminology. Either way, let the games begin!

  Thursday, September 1, 2005
   
  Western Illinois at Toledo - 7:00 PM (ET)
  Site: Glass Bowl
  Series: First Meeting
  Outlook: The defending MAC champs kickoff the season by welcoming the Leathernecks of Western Illinois to the Glass Bowl. Toledo should not have too much difficulty with Western Illinois, but they can't afford to look past them either as Western Illinois, under head coach Don Patterson, sports a perfect 4-0 mark against MAC opposition.

  This will be the first game action for Toledo quarterback Bruce Gradkowski since undergoing surgery on his throwing hand due to an injury suffered in the 2004 MAC Championship Game. The Rockets' offense, despite having to replace several major components, has an ample supply of weaponry that should keep 1AA Western Illinois' defense busy most of the day. 
  Prediction: Toledo 35, Western Illinois 13. 
  
  
  Eastern Michigan at Cincinnati - 7:00 PM (ET)
  Site: Nippert Stadium
  Series: First Meeting
  Outlook: Both teams come into this game with second year head coaches. Last season Eastern Michigan head coach Jeff Genyk led the Eagles to a 4-4 conference mark, their best finish in the MAC since 1996. Cincinnati, under head coach Mark Dantonio, finished 7-5 last season, including a bowl win over Marshall in the Fort Worth Bowl. The home-standing Bearcats have to replace 16 starters from their 2004 squad, including eight on each side of the ball. Redshirt freshman, Dustin Grutza, will start at quarterback for the Bearcats and will be just one of many newcomers or first-year starters for the Bearcats this season.  The defense of the Bearcats is also in a serious rebuilding mode with only three starters returning, all in the secondary. Eastern Michigan enters this game with senior Matt Bohnet at quarterback who has shown a solid grasp of the spread offense and will be looking for his favorite target, junior wide-receiver Eric Deslauriers,  trying to exploit the inexperienced Bearcats defense.  Bohnet will be joined in the backfield by surprise starter, true freshman Tim Conner. The real test for Eastern Michigan will be on the defensive side of the ball after giving up nearly 470 yards per game last season.
  Prediction: Cincinnati 41, Eastern Michigan 31.

  
  Buffalo at Connecticut - 7:30 pm (ET)
  Site: Rentschler Field
  Series: Connecticut leads 11-4
  Outlook: Connecticut has won the last three games in this series by an average score of 30-3 but the Huskies come into this game as one of the most inexperienced football squads in the nation. Meanwhile, Buffalo enters this contest hoping that this is the season that they finally rise out of the cellar of the MAC East. The biggest dilemma for Buffalo throughout the spring and summer had been in identifying a starting quarterback. Coach Jim Hofher has named junior Stewart Sampsel, who did not even travel with the team last season, as the starting signal caller for the season opener. The Bulls' defense is looking fairly solid with a good core of returning players and will need to control the tempo of this game to keep it close. Connecticut enters this contest with only six senior starters, having to replace starters at nearly every position and UConn has still not settled on a starting tailback. The Huskies' defense is peppered with inexperienced freshmen and sophomores. This has the appearance of a low-scoring game decided by whichever team can make the fewest mistakes. A Bulls win is not out of the question.
  Prediction: Connecticut 20, Buffalo 10. 
  
  Friday, September 2
   
  Indiana at Central Michigan - 7:30 pm (ET)
  Site: Kelly/Shorts Stadium
  Series: Indiana leads 2-0
  TV: ESPNU
  Outlook: For the first time ever, a Big Ten team plays on the road at a Michigan MAC school. Coach Terry Hoeppner, former head coach at Miami, brings his Hoosiers in for a rare Friday night contest in Mt. Pleasant and it's a game that the Hoosiers would be well advised not to take lightly. Hoeppner has long ago realized that he had a deeper roster of talent at Miami and has had to replace two major components from last year's offense having to replace last season's starting quarterback, Matt LoVecchio, and its leading rusher,  BenJarvus Green-Ellis (who transferred to Mississippi). Central Michigan will rely strongly on the arms and legs of its athletic quarterback, senior Kent Smith, especially as it appears that tailback Jerry Seymour will remain suspended pending the outcome of his legal entanglements. Smith has solid targets available in wideouts Damien Linson and Justin Harper. The Chips' defense will need to pressure Indiana's inexperienced quarterback into making bad decisions.  Home field advantage should help propel the Chips to the upset.
  Prediction: Central Michigan 33, Indiana 27.

    
  Saturday, September 3
   
  Ohio at Northwestern - 12:00 pm (ET)
  Site: Ryan Field
  Series: Tied 1-1
  Outlook: There has never, in recent memory, been more excitement and anticipation around the Ohio football program than what is present this season. Ohio makes its debut under head coach Frank Solich who hopes to turn around a Bobcats program that has only seen two winning seasons over the past 22 years. Northwestern meanwhile hopes to continue its upward ascent under head coach Randy Walker who has posted consecutive 6-6 seasons for the Wildcats. For Ohio it will likely come down to whether the strength of the squad, its defensive secondary, led by Dion Byrum, can contain the Wildcats' offense led by Unitas Award candidate, senior quarterback Brent Basanez, and a strong receiving corps led by senior Mark Philmore. With an offense that appears to be a real work in progress, the Bobcats will likely struggle in the season opener.
  Prediction: Northwestern 31, Ohio 14. 
  
  Ball State at (10)Iowa - 12:00 pm (ET)
  Site: Kinnick Stadium
  Series: First Meeting
  TV: ESPN Plus
  Outlook: Ball State embarks upon the nation's eighth toughest schedule with an opening game at Big Ten power Iowa. The Cardinals suffered some heavy losses in the offseason with the departure of leading wide receiver Dante Ridgeway and the dismissal of last year's MAC freshman of the year, running back Adell Givens. The defense will miss hard-hitting safety Justin Beriault as well. It will be a major challenge for the Cardinals to contain Iowa's offense, paced by All Big Ten quarterback Drew Tate who has the luxury of having the Big Ten's two top returning receivers from last season, Ed Hinkel and Clinton Solomon. It has the makings of a very long day for Ball State.
  Prediction: Iowa 49, Ball State 10.

  Bowling Green at Wisconsin - 12:00 pm (ET)
  Site: Camp Randall Stadium
  Series: Wisconsin leads 1-0
  TV: ESPN
  Outlook: Bowling Green comes into its opening game at Wisconsin the odds-on favorite to claim a MAC Championship. One look up and down the Falcons' roster and the home-standing Badgers should have an instant understanding of the Falcons' favorite status. Led by record-setting Heisman hopeful quarterback, junior Omar Jacobs, and a talented receiving crew led by Charles Sharon and Steve Sanders, the Falcons have the ability to score from anywhere on the field. If those aren't enough weapons, Bowling Green can all upon dual-threat running back PJ Pope. Wisconsin, meanwhile, has many holes to fill in Coach Barry Alvarez's final season in Madison. The Badgers have to replace starters at nearly all of the skill positions on offense and defense and will be very hard-pressed to contain Bowling Green.
  Prediction: Bowling Green 34, Wisconsin 23. 

  
  Kent State at Michigan State - 12:00 pm (ET)
  Site: Spartan Stadium
  Series: First Meeting
  TV: ESPN Plus
  Outlook: Doug Martin's first year as head coach at Kent State ended with a flourish as the Golden Flashes won their last four games of the 2004 season, their first sustained winning streak in 28 years. The Flashes will enter their season opener at Michigan State without the services of record-setting quarterback Josh Cribbs, who appears to have won a roster spot with the NFL's Cleveland Browns. KSU also loses all four of its top rushers from last season. It will now be up to JUCO transfer quarterback Michael Machen to lead the Flashes into Spartan Stadium but it will really be a matter of whether Kent State, which had the MAC's leading defense last season, led by Lombardi candidate Justin Parrish, can contain Drew Stanton and company and keep the contest respectable. The Flashes return many components from last season's solid defensive squad and will need another stalwart effort from its defense in containing the fleet-footed Spartan quarterback and a solid group of returning wide-outs. The Spartans defense however is suspect and can be exploited. The Flashes should keep this one close most of the way.
  Prediction: Michigan State 27, Kent State 13.

  
  Miami at (6)Ohio State - 12:00 pm (ET)
  Site: Ohio Stadium
  Series: Ohio State leads 3-0
  TV: ABC
  Outlook: Shane Montgomery takes over the Miami program and gets a baptism of fire by opening up at Oho State. The RedHawks, the defending 2004 MAC East Division Champions, will look for senior QB Josh Betts to stay away from committing costly turnovers. Betts has several weapons at his disposal, including Biletnikoff Award candidate, senior wide receiver Martin Nance. Lombardi candidate, senior linebacker Terna Nande, will also be counted on defensively to have a big day. Ohio State has maybe one of the best wide receiving tandems in the nation in junior Santonio Holmes and sophomore Ted Ginn, Jr and they will look to take advantage of an inexperienced Miami secondary. Ohio State QB Justin Zwick suffered a sprained left ankle at the end of camp but is expected to be ready for the season opener.
  Prediction: Ohio State 38, Miami 21.  
  
  
  Northern Illinois at (4)Michigan - 3:30 pm
  Site: Michigan Stadium
  Series: First Meeting
  TV: ABC
  Outlook: The Huskies' program has elevated itself over the last several years, having grown from MAC laughing stock to title contender. A real test of the program's mettle will be presented in their season opener at Michigan. The Huskies will bank on the running game, led by potential Heisman hopeful, Garrett Wolfe, who will be running behind one of the strongest offensive lines in the MAC. Going under center for the Huskies will be Phil Horvath who had to battle for the starting QB spot throughout the spring and summer. The real concern however for NIU is on defense. Already depleted by graduation, the Huskies' defense took a big hit with the loss of linebacker Javan Lee who suffered a herniated disk during fall camp and may be lost for the season. Michigan, meanwhile, counters with numerous offensive weapons, led by QB Chad Henne, running back Michael Hart and the wide-out tandem of senior Jason Avant and junior Steve Breaston.
  Prediction: Michigan 37, Northern Illinois 17.

  
  Western Michigan at (25)Virginia - 6:00 pm
  Site: Scott Stadium
  Series: Virginia leads 1-0
  Outlook: The last time these two met, Virginia blew out the Broncos 59-16. Since then Western Michigan has changed coaches, and, in the intervening season, failed to win a single game against 1A opposition. It will be another struggle for Western Michigan against the Cavaliers. Western Michigan will be led by senior quarterback Ryan Cubit, the son of head coach Bill Cubit, who has some talented receivers at his disposal, most notably senior WR Greg Jennings and senior TE Tony Scheffler. Defensively, the Broncos allowed over 480 yards in offense to opponents last season and Virginia, with senior QB Marques Hagans at the controls, will likely expose WMU's defensive shortcomings with ease. Hagans led the ACC last season in pass percentage completion (62.8%) and if that is not enough, the Cavs also possess a solid running attack led by Wali Lundy.
  Prediction: Virginia 52, Western Michigan 10.
   
  On Tap
  Looking ahead, here is the schedule for MAC teams for the next week:
  
  Friday, September 9
  Pittsburgh at Ohio, 8:00 pm

  Saturday, September 10
  Akron at Purdue, 12:00 pm
  Central Michigan at Miami, 2:00 pm
  Northern Illinois at Northwestern, 4:00 pm
  Buffalo at Syracuse, 3:30 pm
  SE Missouri at Kent State, 4:00 pm
  Louisiana-Lafayette at Eastern Michigan, 6:00 pm
  Bowling Green at Ball State, 8:00 pm
  Western Michigan at Toledo, 7:00 pm
  ** all times ET

Cribbs Making His Mark: Quickly emerging as one of the top undrafted rookies in NFL camp is former Kent State quarterback Josh Cribbs. The Cleveland Browns have been so impressed with Cribbs that they traded away wide receiver Andre Davis in a move that many saw as opening a roster spot for Cribbs. Cribbs has shown his value through his versatility, just as he displayed at Kent State. Cribbs has been returning punts, kicks, playing wide receiver and impressing everyone along the way. Despite muffing the opening kick-off against Carolina in the Browns' third exhibition game, Cribbs appears to have secured a roster spot.
 
2005 Out of Conference Performance Must Improve Over 2004: For the MAC to capture the attention of the nation as it did in 2003, it must not stumble as badly out of the blocks this season as it did in 2004. Not to bring back bad memories, but here is a recap of the MAC's out of conference mark during the 2004 season:
 
Vs. ACC: 0-3
Vs. Big East: 2-6
Vs. Big Ten: 0-11
Vs. Big Twelve: 0-4
Vs. Conference USA: 1-1
Vs. SEC: 1-2
Vs. Sun Belt: 0-3
Vs. WAC: 0-1
 
That's a combined out of conference mark of 4-31 for the 2004 regular season. The good news is that the league rebounded and was able to secure five bowl bids in the post-season.

Chips Make Case With NCAA: Central Michigan hopes that the NCAA will back down on its position that the use of the name "Chippewas" by CMU is "hostile or abusive." Central Michigan was one of eighteen schools identified recently by the NCAA whose nicknames allegedly fell into that category, hence banning the use of American Indian nicknames and mascots during postseason tournaments. The NCAA has already relented and taken Florida State off the "blacklist" after FSU threatened suit and demonstrated that the Seminole Tribe was fully supportive of FSU's continued use of the Seminole nickname. Likewise, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe has come out equally strongly in favor of CMU's use of the Chippewas name. Central Michigan is hoping the NCAA will recognize a similar relationship as exists between Florida State and the Seminole Tribe. 
 
Injury Bug: Northern Illinois seems to have been hit hardest by preseason injuries. The Huskies lost preseason All-MAC linebacker Javan Lee who suffered a herniated disk and may miss the entire season. Northern Illinois also lost backup wide receivers Marcus Perez due to concussions and Matt Simon due to a season-ending leg injury. Meanwhile the Huskies' two primary wide receivers have also recently been sidelined with injuries but neither is expected to miss the season opener.  Sam Hurd is back with the team after missing time with a lymph node infection while Shatone Powers has been hobbled by a pulled hamstring.
 
Maybe though the cruelest blow was dealt to Buffalo's Aaron Leeper. Leeper was the MAC's Freshman of the Year in 2002 when, as a redshirt freshman, he rushed for 917 yards, accounted for 1,267 all purpose yards and had 10 touchdowns. Leeper was going to make the switch to defensive back last season however shoulder injuries kept him out the entire season. Unfortunately, it appears Leeper's career may be in jeopardy as he was not cleared medically to play this season due to the same shoulder injury.
 
Elsewhere, Toledo wide receiver David Washington is temporarily sidelined after undergoing surgical knee repair and is expected to miss 1-2 weeks of the opening season.
 
MAC Institutional Academic Achievement Award: Central Michigan won its fourth straight Mid-American Conference Institutional Academic Achievement Award which is presented annually to the institution with the highest overall grade point average for student athletes. The complete list:
 

Here we go with another season of fearless prognostications. As always, remember, these picks are purely for entertainment purposes only. Some would actually say amusement would be a more appropriate choice of terminology. Either way, let the games begin!

Thursday, September 1, 2005
 
Western Illinois at Toledo - 7:00 PM (ET)
Site: Glass Bowl
Series: First Meeting
Outlook: The defending MAC champs kickoff the season by welcoming the Leathernecks of Western Illinois to the Glass Bowl. Toledo should not have too much difficulty with Western Illinois, but they can't afford to look past them either as Western Illinois, under head coach Don Patterson, sports a perfect 4-0 mark against MAC opposition.

This will be the first game action for Toledo quarterback Bruce Gradkowski since undergoing surgery on his throwing hand due to an injury suffered in the 2004 MAC Championship Game. The Rockets' offense, despite having to replace several major components, has an ample supply of weaponry that should keep 1AA Western Illinois' defense busy most of the day. 
Prediction: Toledo 35, Western Illinois 13. 


Eastern Michigan at Cincinnati - 7:00 PM (ET)
Site: Nippert Stadium
Series: First Meeting
Outlook: Both teams come into this game with second year head coaches. Last season Eastern Michigan head coach Jeff Genyk led the Eagles to a 4-4 conference mark, their best finish in the MAC since 1996. Cincinnati, under head coach Mark Dantonio, finished 7-5 last season, including a bowl win over Marshall in the Fort Worth Bowl. The home-standing Bearcats have to replace 16 starters from their 2004 squad, including eight on each side of the ball. Redshirt freshman, Dustin Grutza, will start at quarterback for the Bearcats and will be just one of many newcomers or first-year starters for the Bearcats this season.  The defense of the Bearcats is also in a serious rebuilding mode with only three starters returning, all in the secondary. Eastern Michigan enters this game with senior Matt Bohnet at quarterback who has shown a solid grasp of the spread offense and will be looking for his favorite target, junior wide-receiver Eric Deslauriers,  trying to exploit the inexperienced Bearcats defense.  Bohnet will be joined in the backfield by surprise starter, true freshman Tim Conner. The real test for Eastern Michigan will be on the defensive side of the ball after giving up nearly 470 yards per game last season.
Prediction: Cincinnati 41, Eastern Michigan 31.

Buffalo at Connecticut - 7:30 pm (ET)
Site: Rentschler Field
Series: Connecticut leads 11-4
Outlook: Connecticut has won the last three games in this series by an average score of 30-3 but the Huskies come into this game as one of the most inexperienced football squads in the nation. Meanwhile, Buffalo enters this contest hoping that this is the season that they finally rise out of the cellar of the MAC East. The biggest dilemma for Buffalo throughout the spring and summer had been in identifying a starting quarterback. Coach Jim Hofher has named junior Stewart Sampsel, who did not even travel with the team last season, as the starting signal caller for the season opener. The Bulls' defense is looking fairly solid with a good core of returning players and will need to control the tempo of this game to keep it close. Connecticut enters this contest with only six senior starters, having to replace starters at nearly every position and UConn has still not settled on a starting tailback. The Huskies' defense is peppered with inexperienced freshmen and sophomores. This has the appearance of a low-scoring game decided by whichever team can make the fewest mistakes. A Bulls win is not out of the question.
Prediction: Connecticut 20, Buffalo 10. 

Friday, September 2
 
Indiana at Central Michigan - 7:30 pm (ET)
Site: Kelly/Shorts Stadium
Series: Indiana leads 2-0
TV: ESPNU
Outlook: For the first time ever, a Big Ten team plays on the road at a Michigan MAC school. Coach Terry Hoeppner, former head coach at Miami, brings his Hoosiers in for a rare Friday night contest in Mt. Pleasant and it's a game that the Hoosiers would be well advised not to take lightly. Hoeppner has long ago realized that he had a deeper roster of talent at Miami and has had to replace two major components from last year's offense having to replace last season's starting quarterback, Matt LoVecchio, and its leading rusher,  BenJarvus Green-Ellis (who transferred to Mississippi). Central Michigan will rely strongly on the arms and legs of its athletic quarterback, senior Kent Smith, especially as it appears that tailback Jerry Seymour will remain suspended pending the outcome of his legal entanglements. Smith has solid targets available in wideouts Damien Linson and Justin Harper. The Chips' defense will need to pressure Indiana's inexperienced quarterback into making bad decisions.  Home field advantage should help propel the Chips to the upset.
Prediction: Central Michigan 33, Indiana 27.

  
Saturday, September 3
 
Ohio at Northwestern - 12:00 pm (ET)
Site: Ryan Field
Series: Tied 1-1
Outlook: There has never, in recent memory, been more excitement and anticipation around the Ohio football program than what is present this season. Ohio makes its debut under head coach Frank Solich who hopes to turn around a Bobcats program that has only seen two winning seasons over the past 22 years. Northwestern meanwhile hopes to continue its upward ascent under head coach Randy Walker who has posted consecutive 6-6 seasons for the Wildcats. For Ohio it will likely come down to whether the strength of the squad, its defensive secondary, led by Dion Byrum, can contain the Wildcats' offense led by Unitas Award candidate, senior quarterback Brent Basanez, and a strong receiving corps led by senior Mark Philmore. With an offense that appears to be a real work in progress, the Bobcats will likely struggle in the season opener.
Prediction: Northwestern 31, Ohio 14. 

Ball State at (10)Iowa - 12:00 pm (ET)
Site: Kinnick Stadium
Series: First Meeting
TV: ESPN Plus
Outlook: Ball State embarks upon the nation's eighth toughest schedule with an opening game at Big Ten power Iowa. The Cardinals suffered some heavy losses in the offseason with the departure of leading wide receiver Dante Ridgeway and the dismissal of last year's MAC freshman of the year, running back Adell Givens. The defense will miss hard-hitting safety Justin Beriault as well. It will be a major challenge for the Cardinals to contain Iowa's offense, paced by All Big Ten quarterback Drew Tate who has the luxury of having the Big Ten's two top returning receivers from last season, Ed Hinkel and Clinton Solomon. It has the makings of a very long day for Ball State.
Prediction: Iowa 49, Ball State 10.

Bowling Green at Wisconsin - 12:00 pm (ET)
Site: Camp Randall Stadium
Series: Wisconsin leads 1-0
TV: ESPN
Outlook: Bowling Green comes into its opening game at Wisconsin the odds-on favorite to claim a MAC Championship. One look up and down the Falcons' roster and the home-standing Badgers should have an instant understanding of the Falcons' favorite status. Led by record-setting Heisman hopeful quarterback, junior Omar Jacobs, and a talented receiving crew led by Charles Sharon and Steve Sanders, the Falcons have the ability to score from anywhere on the field. If those aren't enough weapons, Bowling Green can all upon dual-threat running back PJ Pope. Wisconsin, meanwhile, has many holes to fill in Coach Barry Alvarez's final season in Madison. The Badgers have to replace starters at nearly all of the skill positions on offense and defense and will be very hard-pressed to contain Bowling Green.
Prediction: Bowling Green 34, Wisconsin 23. 

Kent State at Michigan State - 12:00 pm (ET)
Site: Spartan Stadium
Series: First Meeting
TV: ESPN Plus
Outlook: Doug Martin's first year as head coach at Kent State ended with a flourish as the Golden Flashes won their last four games of the 2004 season, their first sustained winning streak in 28 years. The Flashes will enter their season opener at Michigan State without the services of record-setting quarterback Josh Cribbs, who appears to have won a roster spot with the NFL's Cleveland Browns. KSU also loses all four of its top rushers from last season. It will now be up to JUCO transfer quarterback Michael Machen to lead the Flashes into Spartan Stadium but it will really be a matter of whether Kent State, which had the MAC's leading defense last season, led by Lombardi candidate Justin Parrish, can contain Drew Stanton and company and keep the contest respectable. The Flashes return many components from last season's solid defensive squad and will need another stalwart effort from its defense in containing the fleet-footed Spartan quarterback and a solid group of returning wide-outs. The Spartans defense however is suspect and can be exploited. The Flashes should keep this one close most of the way.
Prediction: Michigan State 27, Kent State 13.

Miami at (6)Ohio State - 12:00 pm (ET)
Site: Ohio Stadium
Series: Ohio State leads 3-0
TV: ABC
Outlook: Shane Montgomery takes over the Miami program and gets a baptism of fire by opening up at Oho State. The RedHawks, the defending 2004 MAC East Division Champions, will look for senior QB Josh Betts to stay away from committing costly turnovers. Betts has several weapons at his disposal, including Biletnikoff Award candidate, senior wide receiver Martin Nance. Lombardi candidate, senior linebacker Terna Nande, will also be counted on defensively to have a big day. Ohio State has maybe one of the best wide receiving tandems in the nation in junior Santonio Holmes and sophomore Ted Ginn, Jr and they will look to take advantage of an inexperienced Miami secondary. Ohio State QB Justin Zwick suffered a sprained left ankle at the end of camp but is expected to be ready for the season opener.
Prediction: Ohio State 38, Miami 21.  


Northern Illinois at (4)Michigan - 3:30 pm
Site: Michigan Stadium
Series: First Meeting
TV: ABC
Outlook: The Huskies' program has elevated itself over the last several years, having grown from MAC laughing stock to title contender. A real test of the program's mettle will be presented in their season opener at Michigan. The Huskies will bank on the running game, led by potential Heisman hopeful, Garrett Wolfe, who will be running behind one of the strongest offensive lines in the MAC. Going under center for the Huskies will be Phil Horvath who had to battle for the starting QB spot throughout the spring and summer. The real concern however for NIU is on defense. Already depleted by graduation, the Huskies' defense took a big hit with the loss of linebacker Javan Lee who suffered a herniated disk during fall camp and may be lost for the season. Michigan, meanwhile, counters with numerous offensive weapons, led by QB Chad Henne, running back Michael Hart and the wide-out tandem of senior Jason Avant and junior Steve Breaston.
Prediction: Michigan 37, Northern Illinois 17.

Western Michigan at (25)Virginia - 6:00 pm
Site: Scott Stadium
Series: Virginia leads 1-0
Outlook: The last time these two met, Virginia blew out the Broncos 59-16. Since then Western Michigan has changed coaches, and, in the intervening season, failed to win a single game against 1A opposition. It will be another struggle for Western Michigan against the Cavaliers. Western Michigan will be led by senior quarterback Ryan Cubit, the son of head coach Bill Cubit, who has some talented receivers at his disposal, most notably senior WR Greg Jennings and senior TE Tony Scheffler. Defensively, the Broncos allowed over 480 yards in offense to opponents last season and Virginia, with senior QB Marques Hagans at the controls, will likely expose WMU's defensive shortcomings with ease. Hagans led the ACC last season in pass percentage completion (62.8%) and if that is not enough, the Cavs also possess a solid running attack led by Wali Lundy.
Prediction: Virginia 52, Western Michigan 10.
 
On Tap
Looking ahead, here is the schedule for MAC teams for the next week:

Friday, September 9
Pittsburgh at Ohio, 8:00 pm

Saturday, September 10
Akron at Purdue, 12:00 pm
Central Michigan at Miami, 2:00 pm
Northern Illinois at Northwestern, 4:00 pm
Buffalo at Syracuse, 3:30 pm
SE Missouri at Kent State, 4:00 pm
Louisiana-Lafayette at Eastern Michigan, 6:00 pm
Bowling Green at Ball State, 8:00 pm
Western Michigan at Toledo, 7:00 pm
** all times ET