J.D. Brookhart enters his 5th year at helm; the Zips were 4-8 last season and return 13 starters. Akron needs improved play from the quarterback spot, the lines on both sides of the ball are solid so they could surprise. Will need improve in the red zone if they want to get above the .500 mark.

Brady Hokes' teams have increased their win total in each of the past four season. The Cardinals were 7-6 last and received a post season invite, losing 52-30 to Rutgers. With 16 starters returning including 9 on the offensive side Ball State appears poised to make a run for the conference title.

Gregg Brandon and his Falcons won 8 in what was believed to be a rebuilding year. They return 16 starters but there are questions on both lines. They finished 96th rushing and 109th against the run so contributions from unproven players is needed for BG to contend for the MAC title in 08'.

Turner Gill clearly has the program in the right direction, he led them to 5 wins, that matched the teams win total for the three previous seasons. 18 starters return so expectations will be set higher than ever in Buffalo, the conference as a whole will be greatly improved so it won’t be easy.

Jones enters his 2nd year and even though they ended up winning the MAC championship they weren’t the dominant team that many expected. With 17 starters and QB Dan LeFevour returning the bar will again be. The defense must improve if they hope to defend their title in the much-improved MAC.

This could be the make or break year for Jeff Genyk, who’ll be entering his 5th year. They return 15 starters and will put points on the board, but can they stop anyone. The front four must generate more pressure and contain the running game for the Eagles to make any strides forward this season.

Doug Martin will enter his 5th season as head man, he led the Golden Flashes to 6 wins in 06’ but the team took a step back last year winning only three times. Seven starters return on both sides of the ball but they must win the turnover game if they hope to approach the .500 mark.

Entering his 4th year Montgomery has righted the ship, the RedHawks won 6 times following a two win season in 06’. 15 starters return with 8 to an already solid defense, with improvement on offense and a reduction in turnovers they'll once again be a major player in the MAC.

Jerry Kill takes over a Northern Illinois team that managed but two wins last season as the team was hit hard by injuries. This is a team and program that has the talent to bounce back very quickly, with 18 starters returning it will happen quickly.

Frank Solich enters his 4th season as head man and he has taken a program with little recent success and led them to 19 wins, including two MAC championship games. The Bobcats return 15 starters but in the MAC this year everyone bring back a lot of experience.

Al Golden enters his 3rd season and he has the team headed in the right direction. The Owls improved from one win in 06’ to four last year including a 4-4 mark in the MAC. With 20 starters returning and a significant upgrade in the talent Temple has their eye set on a winning record this season.

Tom Amstutz will enter his 8th season and despite last years 5-7 mark he’s has a career mark of 55-32. The offense will be there but can they improve the 116th ranked scoring defense. The Rockets always have better than average talent, a return to the winning ways are the expectations in Toledo.

Bill Cubit will enter his 4th season and hopes are high that the Broncos will contend for the MAC crown. 17 starters return to a 5-7 team that will be solid on both sides of the ball. One of the keys will be to win the turnover game, accomplish that and the West title is theirs for the taking.