Ohio will return most of the offense (except the QB and Tackles), and almost all of the starting defense (except Hagan and Baker). Much depends on two things. First, can Kurtis Rourke step in and be effective, or alternately, can a transfer appear who can step in and be effective? Second, how good with the defense be? The defense returns almost the entire defense, but the defense was not good for most of the season. It improved against BG and Akron, though it's hard to tell how much, since both were awful. More importantly, they came up with some key stops against Nevada.

Best case scenario, I see the offense continuing to be potent, and the defense being more effective, resulting in a team that is comparable to 2017-8. Worse case I see a team that blends back into the middle of the MAC East.

How about the rest of the MAC? I see the East being far stronger than the West in 2020. The West will have remarkable parity again, and anyone can win it, but none of the teams will be outstanding.

In the East, Buffalo, Kent State, and Miami will all be much better than this year. Akron and BG will also improve a bit. I see Buffalo as far better than anyone else in the MAC, with Miami, Ohio, and Kent competing for 2-4th place. I think all four will be better than any team in the West.

If I had to pick today, it would be:
West
1. CMU
2. Ball St
3. Toledo
4. WMU
5. NIU
6. EMU

East
1. Buffalo
2. Kent St
3. Miami
4. Ohio
5. BG
6. Akron

Edit - I decided not to look quite so far out. 20202 just seemed too far away. ;)

This may be the lowest finish that LC has ever predicted for the Bobcats.

I think that the top 4 teams in the East will be better than any teams in the West, which is a definite switch. If I had to put records for each, and it is way too early for that, I'd say Buffalo 7-1, Kent 6-2, and Miami and Ohio at 5-3. Note that that is close enough that anything can happen. Now, if both of my possible things happen (Ohio has an excellent QB, and the defense plays like it did in 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2016), then Ohio could become the favorite.

Ohio signed a punter from Australia who will start classes in January.

In my mind I have wondered about moving Meservey to RT. He seems to have the feet.

While I am at it, I'll throw out a Way too early 2-Deep:
LT - Jackson, Irland
LG - Kittrell, Danneker
C - Sink, Titsworth
RG - Meservy, Rodgers
RT - Hoover, Fernandez
TE - Luehrman, Luehrman
QB - Rourke, Keszei
RB - Allison, Ross/Tuggle
WRX - Odom, Hooks
WRZ - Cox, Harris
WRF - Buckner, Walton

DE - Conrad, Ogun-Semore
DE - Evans, Stai
NG - Caesar, McCracken
DT - Coleman, Burton
SLB - Conner, Wood
ILB - Dorsa, McCrory
WLB - Thompson, Robinson
CB - Brooks, Motley,X
CB - Hudson, Motley,I
FS - Hampton, Floyd
SS - Mitchell, Gill

PK - Vandenberg
Punter - Wilson
LS - Holloway

I will point out that this defense has an awful lot of experience, but they return from several defenses that were not very good. In 2006, a lot of defenders from the not very good 2005 defense returned, and they turned things around and took Ohio to the MACC game. Can this defense do likewise?

I'm still expecting Daxon, but I have no idea where he will fit in on the depth chart, so I left him off for now. Similarly, I off all the incoming players, and it wouldn't be surprising to see one or two of them on the 2-deep as well, especially if they add some JUCO players this month.

I continue to agree with L.C. on this post.
I would like to add 2 comments;
1) If Kurtis is a better passer than his brother I think that will help offset the running skill from Nathan.
2) I firmly believe that had our D recorded the same number of turnovers as 2018 our record would have improved.



GO BOBCATS

A couple of observations based on LC's posts. I sincerely hope that the media and other MAC schools share the perception that we will be a middle of the MAC team next year. As we've seen, lofty expectations have been of no value to us the last couple of years. I am, however, more optimistic for next year. I think that the pieces are there for us to have a great team.

When I look at the skill positions on offense, our WRs, TEs, and RBs are going to be a murderers row (don't forget to consider Wilbon in the mix at RB). Of course we'll miss Nathan at QB next year - that's a foregone conclusion. But there's a lot of potential production to be tapped in that group to help make up for the loss of his productivity.

I also see great potential for our defense next year. The key there will be for the DL to keep the opponents OL off our linebackers. A healty, in-shape Daxon should help there. If LBs like Thompson, Dorsa, and McCrory are free to make plays, then we shouldn't have to rely on a safety to be out top tackler. A return-to-form of sorts for Ogun-Seymore and emergence of Stai to share time with Evans will help our pass rush.

I tend to be an optimist, and I realize that there are big questions next year at QB, in the kicking game, and who will step up on D, but the bones are there for a really good team next year. I think we win next year with a combination of depth and toughness and maybe a little less star power.

Regardless if Daxon ever sees the field or whatever he turns out to be the top four defensive tackles returning showed real potential this year and certainly improved as the year went on. Coleman, Ceasar and McCracken showed bursts. I’ve heard a lot of positives about Burton as well.

So basically, you're projecting this ...

NC Central - W
at BC - L
Marshall - W/L
at Texas St - L/W

Akron - W
BG - W
UB - L
EMU - W

at Miami - L/W
at Kent - L/W
at CMU - L
at Toledo - L

I think Ohio splits with Marshall/Tex St as well as roadies at Kent/Miami.

So we're looking at about ..... 6-6 (4-4) ... or best case 8-4 (5-3)

Hmmmm ... that sounds vaguely familiar? Have we had any seasons similar to that in recent years?

Oh .... wait. I'm sorry. I just hate Frank Solich and Ohio football. Pardon me ... I'll just see my way out.

As said earlier, kicking game and QB, spots of concern.

I don't know the record but even with tougher MAC east, the Bobcats should play better football than 2019 in the MAC.

Wide receivers came a long way and the running backs have very good depth if they remain healthy.

Move Ross to be a Papi White with more runs from the slot and bubble screens for him.

Make sure the TE's don't let their QB get decapitated.

Pete Germano does a great job!