I think this is a pretty good forecast going into the season.

Once again I think the West looks to be the stronger, deeper division.

Ohio and Miami are 1a and 1b in my book in the East. Ohio's pull from the West is slightly tougher given that we have to play Toledo instead of Ball State for the chickens. Interestingly enough we otherwise both play Central and Eastern.

Our game against Miami is at home and on Halloween! Hope our students come out in full force as the big party I would guess is the Saturday prior (October 28th I believe)?

I just don't see a darkhorse rising from the remainder of the East this season. Maybe Akron if for no other reason that they have not had a strong year in a few season but could maybe put it together this year?

I'll be interested to see how Miami plays against Marshall. Should be a pretty even match up going in and a convincing Miami win may kickoff a strong run. Props to Marshall btw for playing an all D1/FBS schedule this year!

I would have voted for Toledo as well to win the West.

Western Michigan will probably come down to earth a little now that Fleck is gone but will still be in the mix.

NIU can still beat anyone but they are a lot more vulnerable than they used to be IMHO. Could beat Toledo in the Glass Bowl but could see them losing to a directional Michigan at home, too.

Ball State, Eastern and Central are always plucky and will ruin a few seasons.

I'm curious to see if Miami still has any momentum from last year when they won their last 6 games in a row and then narrowly lost to Mississippi State in the St. Petersburg Bowl. Will Miami continue their hot streak into this season? We'll see.