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| Tuesday, September 19 Conference play kicks off with a pair of big games By Andy Spradling Special to ESPN.com | |||||
In the Mid-American Conference this week, two games spearhead the start of meaningful league play.
The results of both Toledo at Western Michigan and Akron at Ohio will be a factor in which teams challenge for the right to travel to Huntington, W.Va., on Dec. 2 for the MAC Championship.
The game pits two teams that will certainly be in the East Division race, along with three-time defending champ Marshall and Miami. Akron, 1-2, was picked by many to be Marshall's top challenger, but the Zips' loss to Central Michigan on Sept. 9 clouded that perception. Ohio is 2-1, with a win over Minnesota. The two offensive squads will bully for possession of the clock in a game that begins at 2 p.m. ET in Athens, Ohio. Of course, the Bobcats' ground game – when clicking – eats the clock like a Lawnboy eats grass. "We led the league in time of possession last year," Akron coach Lee Owens said. "It's important that we do that. Ohio finds way to put points on the board at the end. You don't know how many times you're going to get it back with Ohio." Akron's Brandon Payne, last year's MAC Freshman of the Year, and Jimmie Gray rushed for 138 and 111 yards, respectively, in the Zips' 35-24 win over Central Florida on Saturday. Add Butchie Washington at QB and receiver Lavel Bailey (six receptions for 131 yards, two TDs), and you've got an offensive threat. "It's key to have a veteran quarterback. He's a guy you can hang your hat on," said Ohio coach Jim Grobe. "Anytime a team's picked to do well, if you look at it they've got good leadership. Butchie is certainly one of the best three QBs in the MAC, if not the best." For Ohio, seven players scored TDs in a 52-14 over Tennessee Tech. But the Bobcats know they will need to improve some if they want to avenge last season's 41-28 loss. "For us to be in the game, we'll have to play a heck of a lot better than we did last time. I've got to give them credit, they flat whipped us last year," Grobe said. "The stakes go up this weekend. Lee has got those guys back on track. They had a really good win. It ought to be a good football game." Around the MAC Ball State The 0-3 Cardinals' off week comes at the right time: "Kansas State really took it to us," coach Bill Lynch said. "It's been difficult and we really didn't respond. It's good to have a week off, to get better at the things we need to get better at. We're going to work along those lines and improve on where we're weak." ... Injuries include tight end Doug Nelson, linebacker Cornelius Bowick, fullback Tony DelAngel and tailback Nick Dunbar. ... BSU's losing streak is at 20. Bowling Green The Falcons are 0-3 after losses to Michigan, Pittsburgh and Temple. BG opens its MAC schedule at Buffalo at 7 p.m. Saturday. "Temple didn't surprise us," coach Gary Blackney said. "We knew they had a quick defense with a veteran corps." ... The Falcon injury report is a key in facing the 0-3 Bulls. Linebacker Mitch Hewitt is out for the year, receiver Aaron Alexander is doubtful with a bruised knee, guard Greg Kupke is out with a knee sprain, running back Godfrey Lewis is out with a stress fracture, receiver Kurt Gerling is out with shoulder injury and center Eric Curl is out with a broken foot. Buffalo Bulls had a chance to tie the game with Connecticut with a field goal but Scott Keller missed a 58-yard attempt as time expired to push the losing streak to 18. "We rallied hard but came up short," coach Craig Cirbus said. "We had some strong individual performances. Now have to put the non-conference behind. We haven't faced Bowling Green yet. BG has some strong talent. They're disciplined, well-coached and at the right spots when they need to be. I see an awfully good 0-3 team." Central Michigan The Chippewas, who fell to Wyoming 31-10 last Saturday, host Boise State on Saturday. "We didn't take blocking and tackling into the game and you can't win if you don't," coach Mike DeBord said. "Boise State beat Louisville in their bowl game. They're tough on offense and defense. We're going to have to have a great week of preparation." ... Central Michigan (1-2) gave up over 300 rushing yards to Wyoming. ... Terrence Jackson has been playing well at fullback. Eastern Michigan The Eagles lost offensive linemen Chuck Butkowski and Craig Cipa, and tight end Brett Wells, in its 41-6 loss to South Carolina. All three are likely out for the season. ... The EMU defense gave up over 300 yards rushing to the Gamecocks. "One was a long run late," coach Jeff Woodruff said. "That doesn't bother me as much as some earlier where we wrapped up guys in the backfield but got no gang tackling." ... EMU travels to Temple for Saturday's 6 p.m. matchup. Kent The 0-3 Golden Flashes travel to Miami on Saturday. "They're a good, well-coached team," coach Dean Pees said. "That's a good measuring stick. We've got to worry about Kent more than Miami." ... The Flashes will try to bounce back from a 26-20 home loss to Youngstown State. "It's the only time I've seen a defense give up just 208 yards in and lose," Pees said. "I felt we played uptight and not relaxed and that cost us the game." ... Chante Murphy rushed for 92 yards. Marshall Coming off a bye week, the Thundering Herd, 1-1, visit North Carolina on Saturday. MU's break allowed time for QB Byron Leftwich to rest his sore elbow. ... Senior James Simons should return at right tackle, although left guard Scott Harper will likely be out. ... The Tar Heels, 2-1, are coming off a 63-14 loss to Florida State. "I don't necessarily think that score is a true reflection of UNC's football team," coach Bob Pruett said. "They have much better players than that. And they have a lot of pride." Miami The RedHawks host winless Kent at Yager Stadium in an East Division matchup. "They're a solid football team that just hasn't gotten in the win column," coach Terry Hoeppner said. "Our team will not take them lightly. We're all tied for first place, so it's a huge game. I think we'll respond." ... QB Mike Bath (21-48 for 236 yards, 2 TDs) made a third quarter dash for the end zone against Ohio State, but was ruled out of bounds at the two-yard line on a play which will long be disputed. The TD would have put Miami ahead 20-17. "I thought we scored on the play," Hoeppner said. "Instead, we get a first-and-goal on the two and come away with no points. You can't do that with a program like Ohio State." ... The RedHawks started Steve Little at tailback instead of Cal Murray, and used Julian Goodman as a blocker not only for passes, but in anticipation of some Bath scampers. Hoeppner expects three backs to be in the mix Saturday. "We just didn't run that much," he said. "It was a game we thought we could win as it went on. But we'll learn from it and move on." Northern Illinois The Huskies, 1-1, face No. 22 Auburn on Saturday, after a bye week. "I'm pleased with the progress we've made," coach Joe Novak said. "We're anxious to go to Auburn. They've got great skill and great speed on their team." ... Novak is hoping for more backfield help for Thomas Hammock. "Mike Turner had 90 yards against Illinois State," he said. "He's a 215-pound, 10.6 100-meter kid who I think is going to be a good football player. Jon Lanum is No. 3, and we've got another freshman named Jason Hawkins (6-2, 215) that was hurt through most of two-a-days who is developing some. We're going to need them cause we're going to run the football." ... Darian Tate may return from a shoulder injury to boost the defensive line. Andy Spradling covers Marshall University and the MAC for the Charleston Daily Mail. | ALSO SEE Big East notebook Big Ten notebook Big 12 notebook Big West notebook Conference USA notebook WAC notebook AUDIO/VIDEO   Chester Taylor scores the easy TD for Toledo.avi: 977 k RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1 Tavares Bolden throws 13 yards to Lyle Green for the TD.avi: 787 k RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1 | ||||
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