And while the conference has more star power than ever, it might also have its greatest level of parity. Some experts believe Marshall's days of dominance are coming to an end.

In six seasons of divisional play, only Marshall, Toledo and Western Michigan have played in the MAC Championship Game. But this year's preseason media predictions favor Miami and Northern Illinois to square off for the title.

But that doesn't mean everyone is writing off Marshall. The Herd are one of six teams that received at least four votes to win the conference championship. Bowling Green, UCF and Toledo are the other three that were selected.

NIU is the media favorite to win it all, partly because this year's title game will be hosted by the West Division champ. The Huskies tied for the division lead each of the last two seasons, but Toledo won the tiebreaker both times.

It all sets up to be an exciting year in the MAC, and fans should have a chance to see more of it than ever before. ESPN and ESPN2 are projected to carry eight regular-season games involving conference teams -- three more than were nationally televised last year with Leftwich on display.

Game of the Year
Marshall at Miami, Nov. 12. Last year's game had it all -- title implications, a backup QB, a last-second TD, fans storming the field, and a coach being handcuffed. The encore could be just as dramatic in its own way if Marshall's six-year reign of the East Division is in jeopardy. The game will even have a primetime atmosphere thanks to its Wednesday night slot.

Offensive Player of the Year
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Miami. This was obviously a difficult selection, but it's made because of the guys in the trenches. The RedHawks have four starters back on the O-line, which should afford Roethlisberger enough protection to set all of his school's career passing records as a junior. If his new receivers meet expectations, he should have another monster season.

Defensive Player of the Year
Jason Babin, DE, Western Michigan. He already owns this award for last season after racking up a MAC-best 15 sacks and 26 tackles for loss. And his 72 solo tackles as a defensive end might have said even more about his talent. But Babin isn't content to excel on defense alone. He is also adept at blocking kicks and has even caught a few passes while playing both ways.

Brad Edwards is a researcher at ESPN.