Every team in the Mid-American Conference has started their spring football practices. I've decided to get some practice in as well, and present to you a Spring Football Montage. The teams are in alphabetical order from A-E, which strangely has basically all of the bottom dwellers of the conference...
Akron
2011: 1-11 (0-8 MAC)
Head Coach: Terry Bowden
Latest Spring Football Link: Spring practice with Video
Spring Game Date: April 21
It can not get any worse for The University of Akron. After winning two games in two years the Zips fired head coach Rob Ianello, and hired his complete opposite — Terry Bowden. Bowden has regenerated the Akron fan base (which Ianello destroyed) and will implement a 'NASCAR, spread' style offense. Akron will hope to out-run and out-gun their opponents, which is different from Ianello's slow, huddle style. Bowden has said that he hopes to use the spring to work on conditioning, as he needs his guys to be moving at 100% during the season.
Ball State
2011: 6-6 (4-4 MAC)
Head Coach: Pete Lembo
Latest Spring Football Link: Ball State Interview with Coach Lembo
Spring Game Date: April 21
Coach Lembo has been very tough on his team so far this spring. He is stressing focus and wants to limit all mistakes before the session is up. Going into his second season, Lembo is no stranger to how crucial one possession can be in the MAC. The Cardinals played five games that were decieded by four points or less. They finished 3-2 in those games. This year, Lembo will is attempting to take his team to the next level, and is hungry to compete for a MAC West. (Hey, it ain't going to be easy but why not?)
Bowling Green
2011: 5-7 (3-5 MAC)
Head Coach: Dave Clawson
Latest Spring Football Link: Interviews with Coach Clawson, David Schilz and Paul Swan
Spring Game Date: April 15
Clawson made the statement that he felt that last year his group was coming together. And if you remember to early last year, Bowling Green started as if he was telling the truth. However, throughout the season BG proved not be the contender that Clawson had hoped. This year however, things could be drastically different. Clawson has said that Spring ball has been very focused, and he is happy with how things are going. He also mentioned that his starting quarterback, Matt Schilz, has had a great off season and has bulked up. He will hopefully have the best year of his career.
Buffalo
2011: 3-9 (2-6 MAC)
Head Coach: Jeff Quinn
Latest Spring Football Link: Preview of returning wide receivers
Spring Game Date: April 14
Quinn's Bulls had an interesting end of the year. It appeared that his program was coming together after taking down the eventual MAC East champs Ohio, and then took it to Temple before falling by just a point. They also beat Akron (Whoop-de-doo). However, the fact of the matter is they lost five of their last six, and was a below average football team throughout the year. This year, Buffalo is using their spring to hype their program as one of returning starters. Their spring game will take place on Saturday, and they hope that veterans will propel them to relevancy.
Central Michigan
2011: 3-9 (2-6 MAC)
Head Coach: Dan Enos
Latest Spring Football Link: Preview of returning linemen
Spring Game Date: April 14
Much like The Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan brings back much of their team, and did not have much success last year. However, that is not to say that the players have not felt it before, being a Central Michigan player usually means that you have won a game or two, and that is the truth for these seniors. CMU will use the spring to try to re-group, and get behind third year head coach Dan Enos. This upcoming year will be a must win year for him, as he has yet to win more than three games in a season. Also they have pretty good spring media coverage on their football page if you want check it out (Spring Football Insider)
Eastern Michigan
2011: 6-6 (4-4 MAC)
Head Coach: Ron English
Latest Spring Football Link: Spring Prospectus/ Spring Media Guide
Spring Game Date: April 15
Since there is not too much media covering the practices, I'm really not sure what is going on. However, many people forget that Eastern Michigan was the Eastern Michigan of football last year. They, like their basketball team, was a major surprise throughout the year and the two teams have stirred up the pot in the Detroit area. A repeat of last year and you may even be able to call EMU a program.
I'll have part two up for you soon. This is just a broad preview of where everyone is at. Of course, you can only put so much stock into everything, as newcomers and freshman could stir the pot in the not-so-distant future.
Follow Parker on Twitter @ParkerPerry_FSO