Before spring football kicks in, how do the win totals look for all of the MAC teams? Here’s where the bar should be set … for now.
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Just how good are all of the MAC teams? There are still plenty of injuries, suspensions, and depth chart changes to come over the next several months – and spring football still has to kick in – but here’s the first look.
Based off of the schedules, timing of the big games, and the talent coming back, here’s around where the win total futures should be set.
The win total line projections are based on the regular season – bowl games or conference championships don’t count. And remember, this is a cold business. The investment market will set the line as the offseason goes on.
MAC EAst
Akron Zips
New head coach Tom Arth should have enough offense to start out fine, at least with more of a passing game. The defense, though, only gets back three starters. There are just enough tough games – at Northern Illinois, at Miami University, at Illinois, Troy – to make it a tough push to get to six games.
CFN Early Spring Win Total Line Projection: 4.5
2018 Record: 4-8
– Schedule Breakdown & Analysis
Bowling Green Falcons
Scot Loeffler should have a strong offense to kick things off. Jarret Doege is a strong passer, the weapons are in place, and the O line gets back four starters. The corners have to be replaced, but seven starters return on defense. Morgan State is the only sure win, with Kent State on the road and Central Michigan almost certain to be better. It should be possible, even in a rebuilding season.
CFN Early Spring Win Total Line Projection: 3.5
2018 Record: 3-9
– Schedule Breakdown & Analysis
Buffalo Bulls
There’s going to be some rebuilding to do on the offensive side, but the line should be a major plus. The defensive side needs more help with just three starters returning. Only the date at Penn State is a certain loss, but the other road games aren’t that bad. The Bulls won’t win ten games again, but they’ll be players in the East.
CFN Early Spring Win Total Line Projection: 7.5
2018 Record: 10-4
– Schedule Breakdown & Analysis
Kent State Golden Flashes
Sean Lewis has to get his offensive style to work a little better in Year Two, and he has everyone back to do it. Experience won’t be an excuse on the offensive side or in the defensive back eight, but the line has to undergo an overhaul.
There are an almost-certain five road losses against Arizona State, Auburn, Wisconsin, Ohio and Toledo, and facing Miami University and Buffalo at home are going to be a problem.
CFN Early Spring Win Total Line Projection: 4
2018 Record: 2-10
– Schedule Breakdown & Analysis
Miami University RedHawks
The RedHawks have the offense to be stronger, and the defense has just enough to be solid. There will likely be a 1-3 start after playing at Iowa, Cincinnati and Ohio State, but there are enough winnable games to get to six wins.
CFN Early Spring Win Total Line Projection: 6
2018 Record: 6-6
– Schedule Breakdown & Analysis
Ohio Bobcats
There’s just enough missing on both sides of the ball to take a minor step back, but the schedule is soft enough to push for the eight regular season wins of last year. Outside of – maybe – the road game at Pitt, there isn’t a game the Bobcats can’t win.
CFN Early Spring Win Total Line Projection: 8
2018 Record: 9-4
– Schedule Breakdown & Analysis
