Hustle Belt: All Posts by Kaleb CarterMAC Football, MAC Basketball, MAC Recruiting, MAC Baseball and all of the other #MACtion hijinks in between - hustlebeltblog@gmail.comhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50387/hustle-fav.png2016-12-29T09:00:04-05:00https://www.hustlebelt.com/authors/kaleb-carter/rss2016-12-29T09:00:04-05:002016-12-29T09:00:04-05:00Just Saying: Who are you, Kent State?
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Kent State at Texas" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bdIoJ3yFi3Khf9WRQbNlyI9Pp2M=/0x801:3498x3133/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52497329/usa_today_9771309.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="kyKNuW">Rob Senderoff teams at Kent State have made their mark. In Senderoff’s sixth season, the Flashes have yet to have a losing campaign.</p>
<p id="iFnrsA">The program has been on good footing since the late 1990’s, when Gary Waters brought it to relevance. </p>
<p id="Yrhgtl">Senderoff’s time has been successful, but the program has yet to show it can reach the top. Hs 2014-2015 team was his most impressive on-court product with the emergence of Jimmy Hall, coupled with some tremendous talent in backcourt. It was a group that namely could really fill it up with four double-digit scorers and a strong core of guards. </p>
<p id="O5p5HS">Fast-forward to now, a day removed from a win over a floundering but talented Texas Longhorns squad. Winning in Austin is undoubtedly impressive and noteworthy, and could prove to be the type of win to propel the Flashes forward into conference play Jan. 3 when Kent hosts Ball State.</p>
<p id="o7fIzv">That game could set the tone for both teams, as both are likely to compete for their divisional crowns. </p>
<p id="WCx9tI">Ball State stands the better chance of being atop the West than Kent the East, but there are a number of reasons to think that this Flashes bunch has the potential to succeed and make a long-awaited MAC title run at Quicken Loans Arena in March. </p>
<p id="orGlq4">A 10-6 record in 2011-2012 was only good for 4th in a loaded MAC East. With 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 came third and fifth places finishes in the East. A first place finish for Kent in 2014-2015 still resulted in an exit and unrealized potential for a super-talented group. Last year, Senderoff’s group stepped back and understandably so after the loss Kris Brewer, Devareaux Manley and Derek Jackson. </p>
<p id="WCVBjv">Talented sophomore Jaylin Walker (he’s averaging 14.5 points per game) demonstrated his athleticism on national television in the win over Texas with several eye-popping displays. No, he’s not going to fill it up from deep and Kent is certainly still missing that compliment to the inside presence of Jimmy Hall, but Deon Edwin and others are contributing enough to make this an intriguing bunch. At the moment, eight Flashes are averaging between 3.8 and 5.8 points per game. </p>
<p id="7AcCmv">Hoards of guys are getting meaningful playing time and rotations are frequent. The Flashes boast 11 players who average at least 9.9 minutes played per game. </p>
<p id="JeHL6F">Kent, known for being strong rebounders and showing that effort on the offensive glass, grabbed 22 offensive boards against Texas. While Hall’a 11.2 rebounds per game makes him top 10 in the country in that respect, Kent is pulling down 18.1 offensive rebounds per game.</p>
<p id="iaqM6j">That’s best in the nation by 1.8 boards (as of Wednesday afternoon). </p>
<p id="Ib6PxB">Kent’s 44.4 rebounds per contest is good for seventh in the nation.</p>
<h3 id="S1iuVT">Gauging the wins and losses</h3>
<p id="HePcgM">After starting the year 3-0, consecutive losses to South Dakota and George Mason don’t look all that bad. Both were single-digit losses to teams with winning records with George Mason coming on particularly strong as of late. A 3-point loss to a Northeastern team that defeated Michigan State, Vermont, and Oakland is sandwiched between KSU wins over Wofford, Grambling and NJIT. Losses to Wright State and Oregon State were a but more discouraging.</p>
<p id="JV4IVW">But after the loss on the road in Corvallis, this Texas win sure is something to behold. </p>
<p id="QUfRBm">The Flashes didn’t light up the basket or scorch the nets (their shooting from deep was abysmal). Kent also turned the ball over 21 times. The Flashes just managed to outrebound a large, athletic Big 12 team 55-34. Kent eliminated the extra chances on missed Longhorn shots that normally would doom a lesser team on the road. </p>
<p id="nh9uxj">So here the Flashes sit 8-5 heading into MAC play. They’re looking up at Akron and Ohio, as has been the case several times in Senderoff’s tenure. Whether Kent’s whacky formula of none-too-pretty basketball finally pushes them ahead of arguably underachieving bunches of Zips and Bobcats is yet to be seen. </p>
<p id="hFuyzG">Something in me wants to see those three programs go at each other’s throats for the Number 1 seed for the MAC tourney. </p>
<p id="C6KBvQ">The winning formula for Kent has to be developed over the first few weeks of MAC play, and that’s just one reason to be excited for the start of 2017. Mid-American Conference league play is nearly upon us, (and don’t you dare ever say MAC Conference play). </p>
<p id="Pim1aO">Kent doesn’t have the type of starting talent that some half of the conference has, but it’s a bunch that gets enough contributions from throughout the roster to turn heads. </p>
<p id="hdZ67P">A week into the new year after games against Ball State and Ohio, maybe we’ll have a better idea of where the Flashes stand. </p>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/2016/12/29/14105334/just-saying-kent-state-golden-flashes-mac-basketballKaleb Carter2016-12-06T13:00:02-05:002016-12-06T13:00:02-05:00Just Saying: Bluejay away
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<p id="8GjLZK">Thank goodness MAC teams don’t have to see anymore of Marcus Foster and his monstrous dunks. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hello again Marcus Foster. You are cleared for takeoff. ✈️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoJays?src=hash">#GoJays</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Creighton?src=hash">#Creighton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeFlight?src=hash">#TakeFlight</a> <a href="https://t.co/C5fUzImnX8">https://t.co/C5fUzImnX8</a></p>— Creighton Basketball (@BluejayMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BluejayMBB/status/805219429411733504">December 4, 2016</a>
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<p id="DMJgPk">Akron and Buffalo both had the pleasure of heading to the CenturyLink Center in Omaha to square off with one of the nation’s top squads in the Creighton Bluejays over the last week. </p>
<h3 id="j5DU5s">The Bulls</h3>
<p id="GThwCq">Buffalo did not have a fun time trying to stop the vaunted Creighton offense last Tuesday.</p>
<p id="vQVNp8">While the Bulls did compete for a bit, the offense just couldn’t keep up. Trailing just two point heading into halftime, the Bulls surrendered 52 second-half points. A total of 23 of Creighton’s points came off of turnovers. </p>
<p id="oRKwnm">It wasn’t just Foster’s scoring via dunks (22 points) that paved the way. Impressive Creighton freshman Justin Patton joined in on the dunk parade as well and put up 21 points. </p>
<p id="Fc8pZS">Willie Conner and Blake Hamilton both forced the issue enough to keep things close. Hamilton in particular has started to shape up after a relatively poor start and a horrendous 3-of-18 effort against Nevada. He is, however, being used a bit more than is ideal. He has now chucked up at least 18 shots in the team’s last five games after only scoring a total of 27 points through three games. That 8-of-23 performance against an athletic Creighton bunch is understandable, and his .374 shooting percentage will come up as the Bulls more healthily share the offensive workload in the coming weeks. </p>
<p id="1525bJ">For that to happen though, the Bulls will need more from the likes of Nick Perkins and Ikena Smart, who were overmatched against the Bluejays and scored just four combined points between them in 35 minutes. Otherwise Raheem Johnson is going to start getting more of those minutes (and Perkins did in a strong performance against St. Bonaventure). </p>
<h3 id="pcawfM">The Zips</h3>
<p id="ecEIZk">Akron stayed competitive with the Bluejays at times, but fell behind by 19-0 when the Bluejays went on a 14-0 run in the second half. The Zips cut the score to 78-70 with under two minutes to go but obviously didn’t get the job done in a 82-70 loss. </p>
<p id="PviErI">Like Buffalo, turnovers proved to be a difference-maker for the Zips as Creighton turned 17 Akron turnovers into 20 points. </p>
<p id="IO7LpQ">Back to Foster’s dunks in case you’re a masochist who likes to relive the pain of your team’s defeats. </p>
<p id="ErT5Pt">Part of the Zips’ continued identity is no one man outshining the rest by much. Kwan Cheatham had his five 3-pointers and 17 points, but Isaiah Johnson and Antino Jackson got their 13 and respectively.</p>
<p id="voN1IV">Akron was never going to stop Creighton enough to pull out a win though, as Creighton shot the ball 55.6 percent from the floor. It’s what the fighting Dougie McDermott’s do. Maurice Watson dishes out the candy. Khyri Thomas gets his. Cole Hoffman, Zach Hanson and the like add into the community fridge. </p>
<p id="ylZ9b8">I mean look at this nonsense below. This is typical for them. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mar•cus Fos•ter (proper noun) a junior at Creighton that enjoys dunking basketballs<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoJays?src=hash">#GoJays</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Creighton?src=hash">#Creighton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeFlight?src=hash">#TakeFlight</a> <a href="https://t.co/nTYo5vcvW6">https://t.co/nTYo5vcvW6</a></p>— Creighton Basketball (@BluejayMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BluejayMBB/status/805233016779915264">December 4, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Marcus Foster does not obey the laws of gravity... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoJays?src=hash">#GoJays</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Creighton?src=hash">#Creighton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeFlight?src=hash">#TakeFlight</a> <a href="https://t.co/pqIngd3ZTe">https://t.co/pqIngd3ZTe</a></p>— Creighton Basketball (@BluejayMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BluejayMBB/status/803795706209177600">November 30, 2016</a>
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<p id="8YFxBO">Both squads competed adequately against the Bluejays. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Creighton live in-person this year in Omaha when it played against Loyola. Creighton is fully capable of making nearly any defense in the country flustered when it gets going. They can flip a switch and bang, they’re off to the races.</p>
<p id="mBRS76">My mind’s spinning about the type of matchups that I’d kill to see with the Bluejays, be it against a strong defensive opponent in Virginia, a fast-paced pressing team that would get Creighton out of rhythm but would also allow them to show off their offensive firepower in against the likes of West Virginia, or maybe even a faceoff with Baylor as two teams such as those try to prove their worth in the polls. </p>
<p id="1gPEZ6">What I do know is, I don’t want to see Creighton playing a MAC team again. When this squad turns it on, they could beat any team in the MAC by 40, and that includes Akron, Ohio and the like. Maybe Marcus Keene and Marcus Foster would make a Central Michigan-Creighton game fun, but the athleticism of a Creighton group like this would be too much to slow down for long. </p>
<p id="9zc4Me">It was fun Creighton, but I’m here to shield my MAC children from your harmful beaks. Go beat up on the Big East. Keep doing you. </p>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-basketball/2016/12/6/13852654/just-saying-mid-american-conference-akron-zips-buffalo-bullsKaleb Carter2016-11-29T09:00:01-05:002016-11-29T09:00:01-05:00Just Saying: Blasting off on Toledo
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<p id="F6X3aS">Another week down of MAC hoops, and now we’ve seen some of our squads play against some strong competition.</p>
<p id="bwfPp3">Last week I noted that Toledo had a daunting lineup of games placed before it, and now here’s a chance to look back and see how the Rockets performed. </p>
<p id="0NfNjT">The Rockets tried their hands against Middle Tennessee State, a staple of strength in mid-major hoops for a few years now, twice. Toledo was never really a threat to defeat the Blue Raiders in Murfreesboro last Tuesday, having never tied or led after MTSU’s first bucket, but kept things much tighter in the Challenge in Music City on Saturday. </p>
<p id="AVxNtq">In the first matchup, MTSU outperformed the Rockets around the basket in several ways. Forwards Reggie Upshaw and JaCorey Williams combined for 34 points on an effective 15-of-24 shooting and the Blue Raiders outrebounded Toledo 40-32. </p>
<p id="5Ax1ow">The Rockets got a combined 17 rebounds from Steve Taylor Jr. and freshman Luke Knapke, the latter figuring in prominently for a MAC freshman. Aside from Taylor, the other four Rocket starters managed to combine for just three boards in 86 total minutes of play. </p>
<p id="yuzYvN">To give you an idea of how unafraid opponents are living around the bucket, Toledo’s opponents are shooting 3’s on just 20.6 percent of their shots. <em>As of Sunday night, literally no other team in the nation was having a lower percentage of their shots attempted against them from beyond the arc.</em> As Bone Crusher said, “I ain’t never scared.” It is early though, this could easily be an anomaly. </p>
<p id="cbZ4sY">The next time around (Saturday), Toledo kept things closer in a 73-70 overtime loss. JaCorey Williams still had 31 points on 12-of-17 shooting, but Toledo actually outrebounded MTSU 42-28. Taylor grabbed 17 of those alone. Jonathan Williams and Jaelan Sanford led the way with 15 points apiece.</p>
<p id="N2n6A8">Let’s get away from the Blue Raiders here though. </p>
<p id="Ie7rwg">The aforementioned Knapke had himself something of a mini-coming out party. The 6-11 235-pound frosh demonstrated his skills from inside and out in a chaotic 83-79 overtime win over Evansville Friday. Knapke made seven of his 12 shots, knocked down two from distance, grabbed seven boards, blocked two shots, assisted on three buckets and had two turnovers in 40 minutes of play. Toledo outpaced Evansville in overtime 20-16 as Jaylon Brown did all he could to keep the Aces in the thick of things with 39 points. </p>
<p id="kd2drv">Coming off of consecutive overtime games, the Rockets ran into a UNC-Wilmington buzzsaw Sunday. The Seahawks plastered a big ole 60 on the scoreboard in the second half of a 102-77 win over Toledo. </p>
<p id="LboPjq">UNCW harassed Toledo into 18 turnovers while the Seahawks themselves committed just 4. </p>
<p id="5qtkPO">The Rockets could not buckle down on defense once again, and allowed the Seahawks to shoot 56.7 percent from the floor. Seven different players scored at least 8 points for the Rockets’ opponent.</p>
<p id="0Xw5Ww">Another quick note on that Rockets defense. Teams are scoring effectively in transition against the Rockets and in the halfcourt. Opponents’ estimated field goal percentage (stat that bridges value of 2-pt and 3-pt shots) is 62.3. That’s not too good. Things actually aren’t so bad in the halfcourt. So again, I’ll keep this in mind when more data is available. </p>
<p id="LJ782L">In all, Toledo is sort of a weird team in that you don’t expect any one player to score a lot of points, but you know you can expect the like of Williams, Taylor Jr., and Sanford to score in the mid-teens. Other than that, have fun guessing where Knapke, Jordan Lauf and Nate Navigato and more are going to come in on a nightly basis. </p>
<p id="52Pl7d">Sitting at 3-4, I’m still thinking Toledo fares just fine in the West division that I’m no longer convinced will be run by Ball State. </p>
<p id="Y4LSW1"><strong>Looking forward to next week</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li id="TyjFqj">Buffalo will square off against one of the top offenses in the nation in Creighton on Tuesday. Not sure I’m too thrilled with the Bulls’ chances after early lapses on the defensive end against the likes of Xavier and Alaska-Anchorage (79, really though?). </li>
<li id="BwizoM">Ohio plays Marshall, the latter of which looked good down the stretch for much of last year and is 4-1 but is coming off a bad 41-point loss to Ohio State. </li>
<li id="JaF5dd">Saturday will be a doozy as Miami takes on the media darlings of late Fort Wayne, Buffalo plays the imposing backcourt of St. Bonaventure and Akron becomes of the second MAC team of the week to play at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha against the Bluejays. Think the Zips can shoot the 3-ball like Creighton has? Doubtful in that one. </li>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-basketball/2016/11/29/13762082/just-saying-toledo-rockets-steve-taylor-jonathan-williamsKaleb Carter2016-11-22T15:00:01-05:002016-11-22T15:00:01-05:00Just Saying: Feeling Keene on Central Michigan
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: MAC Conference Tournament-Buffalo vs Central Michigan" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6ET3Fw3hf3GubM4ox6eXgDhD8LA=/0x359:2682x2147/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51959627/usa_today_8445724.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Central Michigan continues to get buckets. </p> <p id="tOqQxW">Another week of MAC hoops has passed, and it hasn’t been all that impressive. Only a couple performances really stick out thus far.</p>
<p id="tmDo1T">That being said, Central Michigan’s Marcus Keene is torching nets, hammering rims and giving Chippewa fans a reason to be excited again.</p>
<p id="tkavU4">In what was supposed to be a down year (in the minds of us who didn’t know what a talent the Chips had in Keene), but CMU has reason to be having high hopes once more. </p>
<p id="TlDt2f">In defeating Pepperdine, a program that has established a good foundation over the last few years, Keene proved his scoring abilities that were demonstrated in three early wins were not a fluke.</p>
<p id="HtVIrI">Keene’s 36-point, 7-assist, 4-rebound, 14-of-22 shooting the type of effort that makes statisticians foam at the mouth. No one should think that Keene is going to maintain this level of insanely good play for an extended period of time, but boy has it been impressive. He won’t be able to shoot 43 percent from beyond the arc, and probably won’t finish tops in the nation in scoring like he currently is (at 30.3 per game). </p>
<p id="IdjP1N">He wasn’t the only one to fill it up against the Waves. Josh Kozinski demonstrated his sharpshooting prowess with a 5-of-8 effort from beyond the arc. Braylon Rayson kicked in 20 for good measure. </p>
<p id="01SEIZ">Rayson, who moved into fifth place in the school’s history in 3-pointers made according to CMU athletics, <a href="https://twitter.com/B_Rayson2/status/800912742991429633">seems to have no issue with playing second fiddle to Keene. The two are becoming quite the duo</a>. </p>
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<p id="LJc5Ou">With Luke Meyer slowly finding his way as a big and freshman David DiLeo coming off the bench for valuable playing time, the Chips have plenty to be excited about. </p>
<p id="Ld7rSn">This is especially the case after watching Eastern Michigan and Ball State struggle a bit this week in losses. </p>
<p id="ciDjzF">The Cardinals lost twice since last Tuesday, which included a not-too-competitive matchup with Alabama. The Alabama bench actually scored 59 points against the Cardinals in that one. Ball State then barely notched a win over an 0-6 Coppin State squad. </p>
<p id="TM0owB">Back to Keno and his Chips, (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-fTEsdfj8Q">whose highlights against Marygrove you should enjoy</a>).</p>
<p id="DdJfWm">With CMU leading the conference in points per game (99.5) scoring margin (34.5), free throw percentage (.768), field goal percentage defense (.375) and more, the Chips have a reason to be ecstatic moving forward. At the same time, CMU won’t be playing NAIA and low-NCAA talent moving forward, so that .321 3-point shooting percentage, ninth best in the MAC, won’t quite measure up to the shooting exploits of teams like Ohio. </p>
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<p id="LpH7CL">Before too long I’m sure I’ll be saying plenty of nice things about Michael Weathers, but some of that is pending. Say the horrible scenario plays out where Ohio loses in football and Miami wins and makes the MAC title game, not sure I’ll be able to stomach saying nice things about the RedHawks. </p>
<p id="SHC1mh">That being said, here are some of the games to watch out for this upcoming week. </p>
<ul>
<li id="g0rCQi">Central Michigan plays St. Bonaventure and its talented guards Jaylen Adams Matt Mobley and Little Rock Wednesday in both team’s last game of the Lone Star Showcase.</li>
<li id="geZSvf">There’s a battle for Illinois supremacy between UIC an NIU Friday. </li>
<li id="nFsWcY">Akron plays Air Force in the Savannah Invitational Friday. </li>
<li id="9Escct">Toledo goes toe-to-toe with Evansville Friday, Middle Tennessee Saturday and UNC Wilmington Sunday. Don’t get tired of the Rockets, because this could be a critical point of growth and identity for this team. </li>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-basketball/2016/11/22/13712402/just-saying-marcus-keene-central-michiganKaleb Carter2016-11-15T08:30:02-05:002016-11-15T08:30:02-05:00Just Saying: Reflections on 3 days of MAC hoops
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<figcaption>Kaleb Carter</figcaption>
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<p>The season is finally upon us. </p> <p>Three days of basketball involving Mid-American Conference teams leaves plenty of room for way too early takeaways. There's nothing better than making sweeping generalizations about teams and individuals after just one or two games.</p>
<p>If I weren't to do so, what kind of person would I be?</p>
<p>Anyway, to the action.</p>
<p>After only watching only around a combined 45 minutes of MAC basketball, I'm not going to claim anything outrageous.</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Miami has a couple Weathers brothers to look out for. Other than that, a close game against Muskingum at the half doesn't lend the RedHawks to optimism from their fans. </span></li>
<li><span>EMU battled Pittsburg to two OT's but looked tuckered out against SMU. It was the guard play of <span>Ty Toney</span> and Raven Lee that should give Eagle fans reasons to be hopeful for a MAC West title. James Thompson seemed to feel a bit disrespected by HB's ranking of him as No. 5 in our preseason player rankings. Here's his encouragement to ravage opponents in the post. </span></li>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/HustleBelt">@HustleBelt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_LaviniaE">@_LaviniaE</a> number 5 very disrespectful!!!!!</p>
— James Thompson (@J_T_IV300) <a href="https://twitter.com/J_T_IV300/status/796425909674901508">November 9, 2016</a>
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<li><span>Ball State is the other name that should be added to contention in the West. Not sure why some folks were sleeping on Whitford's bunch. It also seems that <span>Franko House</span> has added to his game with a 3-point shot. He hit all four of his tries from beyond the arc in a convincing win over St. Louis that the Cardinals led by 23 at the half. </span></li>
<li><span>Bowling Green competed against the likes of a Felder-less Oakland team and South Dakota but lost both by less than 10. Not sure who the go-to is there. Could be Wes Alcegaire. Could be <span>Rasheed Worrell</span>. I would ask what <span>Antwon Lillard's</span> deal has been, but saw this nugget listed below. It came after Lillard's one-game suspension. The Falcons need him to compete. He showed flashes of brilliance at Quicken Loans at the championships last year.</span></li>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wake up call</p>
— Antwon Lillard (@Lillard22_CCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lillard22_CCC/status/797982079090761728">November 14, 2016</a>
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<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Speaking of teams that lost to Oakland, Western Michigan is 1-1. 35.5 percent shooting won't quite cut it for you against the Grizzlies. </li>
<li><span>Central doesn't look bad. What gives? Transfer Marcus Keene, who came to Mount Pleasant after a successful sophomore campaign at Youngstown State in 2014-2015, has, you know, just put up a combined 62 points. Freshmen David DiLeo had a 17-point effort against Tennessee Tech. Braylon Rayson is playing fine. Juco transfer <span>Cecil Williams</span> has shown enough, and <span>Luke Meyer</span> has given reason enough to be excited about the Chips. </span></li>
<li>Speaking of flightless birds from Northeastern Ohio (something about that doesn't sound right because I'm not speaking about pheasants), Youngstown State took it to Akron on the offensive end. What? Imagine if Keene was still there. Not sure what the situation was that made him want to move, but hey, <span>Cameron Morse</span> doesn't seem to care. He had 27 points and five steals in YSU's 90-82 win over Akron. Allowing 54 points in the second half won't cut it, Zips</li>
<li>Buffalo was decent enough in a win over Niagara, but after good showing the last few years on the road against powerful opponents, a no-show of sorts Monday at Xavier couldn't have been fun. </li>
<li>Northern Illinois squeaked out an overtime-win over Indiana State and <span>Marin Maric</span> looked good. At some point the Huskies will need to establish several guys as consistent scorers. Until then, and for future reference, keep griding away defensive as you are prone to NIU. </li>
<li>Kent State is 1-0 after a win over Cleveland State. Check mark. I figured KSU was hiding a few guys on that roster that would slowly impress us all in time this year. Four guys went into double digits in scoring and <span>Jimmy Hall</span> had a career-high 18 rebounds in the win (per ESPN). </li>
<li>Toledo is 0-1 after just barely falling to St. Josephs. I have faith that Toledo will be able to compete at nearly the same level it did last year, with <span>Jonathan Williams</span> taking charge and a cast of others looking to step up. </li>
<li>Finally, Ohio struggled offensively in game one against last year's Southern Conference champs...Southern. Still got the win. Those same offensive struggles didn't carry over to the game with Sam Houston State. Ohio shot 52.5 percent from the floor, and 55.6 from beyond the arc against the Bearkats. Really interested to see how freshmen <span>Rodney Culver</span> and <span>Jason Carter</span>. i already know sophomores <span>Gavin Block</span> and <span>Jordan Dartis</span> can be asked to grow this year. </li>
</ul>
<div><span>As far as bigger takeaways go, I have no reason to doubt that bigs will fare well in the conference this seaosn, be it likes of <span>Antonio Campbell</span>, <span>Isaiah Johnson</span>, <span>Jimmy Hall</span>, <span>Franko House</span>, James Thomspon, <span>Marin Maric</span>, or maybe even Nick Perkins of Buffalo.</span></div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Strong guard play will drive the likes of Ohio and Akron, but can Ball State and transfer Tyler Persons or the athleticism of an EMU backcourt for instance give the two best in the MAC West a shot at competing at the top of the MAC? Debatable. I put my money on the Cards going forward because of the defensive edge.</div>
<h4>
<br>As for the coming week between now and next Tuesday, a couple game stick out.</h4>
<div><b><br></b></div>
<div><b>Ball State hosts Indiana State Tuesday and Youngstown State goes up against Toledo. </b></div>
<div><b><br></b></div>
<div><b>Thursday, Western goes up against...*Gulp* Nova. </b></div>
<div><b><br></b></div>
<div><b>Friday Ohio goes to the land of Donald Glover (Atlanta for those dirty jerks who fired Brian Gregory) and Ball State invaded Tuscaloosa to impede the progress of the Tide that rolls. </b></div>
<div><b><br></b></div>
<div><b>NIU vs. Cal State Northridge could be fun Saturday. Look out for that one. I suppose Toledo at Wright State too. </b></div>
<div><b><br></b></div>
<div><b>And Central plays Pepperdine in Texas Monday.</b></div>
<div><br></div>
<div><b>Green Bay goes to Bowling Green Sunday.</b></div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Welp, if you all need me, I'm probably sleeping or watching the Tip-Off Marathon.</div>
<div><br></div>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-basketball/2016/11/15/13633144/just-saying-mid-american-conference-mac-basketballKaleb Carter2016-11-14T16:00:02-05:002016-11-14T16:00:02-05:00Mid-American Mondays: Close games and looking ahead to College Gameday
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: College Game Day-Richmond at James Madison" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IHrV9we2s9Nf66MeBvMLqY8cljI=/0x102:2773x1951/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51830353/usa_today_8880485.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ji4qpW">What another interesting week we just had. For some reason, all of our teams decided to play close games. There was parity! And then we found out College Gameday is going to be rowing into Kalamazoo for Western Michigan’s game With Buffalo. So plenty to talk about this week in our chat.</p>
<p id="wfbIF6"><strong>Kaleb:</strong> JUSTIN. There were five MAC games this week. They were closely contested and there was a consistent amount of offense. What a fun week eh?</p>
<p id="kvkZX4"><strong>Justin: </strong>It wouldn't be MACtion in November without offense, now would it? This week was a bit of a relief from the usual feeling that the conference is having a down year. I'd say the conference looks just as healthy as ever, albeit amidst some lighter competition. What say you?</p>
<p id="0GcscZ"><strong>Kaleb: </strong>Lighter competition, for sure. Decreased expectations for teams we thought we'd be better? Sure. (Looking at you Akron and NIU.) Kent State was unsurprisingly the lowest scorer, but with 21 points. Not awful when trying to buck the Broncos. Were you shaking in your boots faced with that 14-0 deficit?</p>
<p id="OlHeBi"><strong>Justin:</strong> Yes and no. Of course it's always nerve racking when you're trailing in the midst of a rainstorm, having fumbled on your first play from scrimmage. But in football games, much like with the playoff committee, it pays to suck early, and not later</p>
<p id="1N8DGk"><strong>Kaleb: </strong>Well even after falling behind, WMY still scored the largest margin of victory in the 37-21 win. What all stuck out to you in a week where the competition was fierce across the conference?</p>
<p id="1qGhwP">Justin: <span>Brogan Roback</span>.</p>
<p id="wnK0Gh">The lad threw the ball 71 times, Kaleb. 71 times.</p>
<p id="s9e29m">WMU only ran 77 offensive plays that weren't punts.</p>
<p id="lBLKUg">For some perspective. </p>
<p id="BxwqW8"><strong>Kaleb:</strong> As weird as it sounds, EMU didn't even have the best statistical receiver in that game because <span>KeVonn Mabon</span> had 12 receptions for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns. EMU for its part, had 10 receivers make a catch</p>
<p id="iv7Axh">There were 1,164 offensive yards in all!!!</p>
<p id="WGTE87"><strong>Justin:</strong> We got a pretty good dose of MACtion the next night as well - in a baseball stadium no less!</p>
<p id="EyXpNX"><strong>Kaleb:</strong> In front of no one! (There’s today’s dose of needless cynicism)</p>
<p id="QT1y2k"><strong>Justin: </strong>Toledo trailed 14-3 at halftime, but eventually exorcised their NIU demons in Chicago. All this talk about <span>Cooper Rush</span> in the preseason made us completely forget about Logan Woodside. What do you think, is he the first team All-MAC quarterback at this point?</p>
<p id="wbJxY3"><strong>Kaleb: </strong>At this point, <span>Zach Terrell</span> is the only one who should compete with Woodside for that title. But yeah, props to Toledo for finally getting that elusive win against the Huskies, Wonderful response from the Rockets in the second half.</p>
<p id="OfA59O">Maddie out for the year too. What a nightmare campaign this has been for the Huskies.</p>
<p id="vEXzy8"><strong>Justin:</strong> I love <span>Zach Terrell</span>, but it's got to be Woodside with two weeks to play as the clear favorite for the best quarterback. Do I think Terrell is fully capable of putting up Woodside type numbers when called upon to throw that much? Absolutely, but when you're not in shootouts, the running backs put the games on ice for you</p>
<p id="MZM022">I feel like NIU has been blessed for a decade with durability at the quarterback position. <span>Jordan Lynch</span> was a punishing runner and <span>Chandler Harnish</span> was outstanding, but Hare and Maddie have not been able to stay healthy, and that's doomed the season for a team that would have definitely competed for a MAC title once again.</p>
<p id="8d3ynO"><strong>Kaleb:</strong> DEBATABLE. But a topic for the end of the season though.</p>
<p id="vnLbpq"><strong>Justin:</strong> Agreed. </p>
<p id="dcHjRv"><strong>Kaleb:</strong> Meanwhile, BG is a fun story right? And we probably agree that Akron's defense is sad at this point.</p>
<p id="Mmzoem"><strong>Justin: </strong>That sound you hear is Mike Jinks breathing a sigh of relief. He's officially one game better than P.J. Fleck was in his first year, which means #BG4CFP is on the horizon, of course.</p>
<p id="epn3ek">Because that's how things work.</p>
<p id="jxWfdp">Fun in the sense that THE FALCONS WON A GAME.</p>
<p id="COsBk1"><strong>Kaleb: </strong>Inevitable</p>
<p id="1OFUi6"><span>James Morgan</span> still is experiencing growing pains but <span>Fred Coppet</span> and <span>Donovan Wilson</span> picked up the slack plenty. Both rumbled their way to over 100 yards on the ground.</p>
<p id="HY0LiO">Also BIG shoutout to the Falcon D that forced six turnovers.</p>
<p id="Z3bDN5">For the sake of Akron, I hope you're quick to give <span>Ulysees Gilbert III</span> some helmet sticker love.</p>
<p id="ABLr00"><strong>Justin:</strong> I always do. He's made quite a few appearances on the list. The All MAC defensive team is especially tough this year. Gilbert is standing strong on an otherwise terrible rush defense. </p>
<p id="rzCSUz"><strong>Kaleb: </strong>But there are so many talented D-linemen to choose from this year! That's a plus.</p>
<p id="670LXy">And Miami has one of those guys: JT Jones. Oh yeah, Miami won again. I mean if the 'Hawks hadn't won I wouldn't know what to think about anything anymore.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="JT Jones" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l31Py6fFvCmu6Q-nYao6E1G62KI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7053255/DSC_0855.0.JPG">
<cite>Kaleb Carter</cite>
<figcaption>The defense celebrates after a big play by JT Jones and crew. Miami vs. Iowa, Kinnick Stadium Sep 3, 2016</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="VG306q"><strong>Justin:</strong> Oh, absolutely, but thankfully we're not having that conversation, and instead talking about the very real possibility Miami becomes the first team in college football history to start 0-6 and win its final six games</p>
<p id="ttA6HT">Barring a Ball State miracle, that's going to happen, by the way.</p>
<p id="q4tvlX"><strong>Kaleb:</strong> We're running that as the breaking news banner on the website if that happens. Book it.</p>
<p id="SUych0"><strong>Justin:</strong> As we should.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Battle at Bristol-Tennessee vs Virginia Tech" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mW1tIQiEu9l5yzIkOgJnXzT7n2A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7468331/usa_today_9531385.jpg">
<cite>Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<p id="P9hHc4">So we should talk about GameDay. GAMEDAY IS GOING TO KALAMAZOO.</p>
<p id="3COoXw">Where does this rank in terms of importance for the MAC in its history?</p>
<p id="0AQxfE"><strong>Kaleb:</strong> THE MOST IMPORTANTE</p>
<p id="6JMSFi">Actually, it's just really really cool.</p>
<p id="3hSqYn">Something I'd consider driving a few hours to see if perhaps I lived in a place like Northeastern Ohio...</p>
<p id="cR2qpx"><strong>Justin:</strong> It's the second time GameDay's been to a MAC campus, but it's been so long that P.J. Fleck was actually playing in the last game.</p>
<p id="aq0bzq">NIU and BG in 2003. Fleck played for the Huskies then. </p>
<p id="tPk9Xo"><strong>Kaleb: </strong>So this is rad. WMU has the opportunity to impress everyone with a tenacity for sign-making. You must not let us down Zoo folks. We need creative and semi-tasteful but brutal signs.</p>
<p id="9MtnEi"><strong>Justin: </strong>Yes. Don't mess this up, Kalamazoo. It's literally your only shot at this.</p>
<p id="CodQNr"><strong>Kaleb:</strong> Probably ever. If things go well even.</p>
<p id="SXV7ao">What do you imagine it will be like, Justin?</p>
<p id="57iHNu"><strong>Justin: </strong>The stadium's on East campus, and the gameday set will be on West campus, so I imagine it'll be a little awkward with students deciding whether to tailgate near the stadium instead of joining Corso and the gang, but who knows, this is pretty unique.</p>
<p id="3wv2MB"><strong>Kaleb: </strong> I would think they would want to join in the fun? I mean, surely kids will need to hold up signs asking their parents for money right?</p>
<p id="uouglk">Joint Resolution: We resolve that Western fans and anyone who can make it to the game does so, and we highly encourage you put on your thinking caps to come up with some of the best Gameday signs ever. We’re counting on you to make us proud Kalamazoo. </p>
<p id="7Wo5Rb"></p>
<p id="gHyJXs">On that note, check out this post where you can suggest sign ideas: <a href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/2016/11/14/13626474/espn-college-gameday-coming-western-michigan-hustle-belt-needs-sign-ideas-ncaa-football-wmu-broncos">http://www.hustlebelt.com/2016/11/14/13626474/espn-college-gameday-coming-western-michigan-hustle-belt-needs-sign-ideas-ncaa-football-wmu-broncos</a> </p>
<p id="r0D32Y">You can tweet them @hustlebelt as well. </p>
<p id="oxFZOm"></p>
<p id="QIF3HC"></p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football/2016/11/14/13627630/mid-american-mondays-college-gameday-western-michigan-buffaloKaleb CarterJustin Coffin2016-11-08T16:52:28-05:002016-11-08T16:52:28-05:00Introducing "Just Saying"
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZhLpLSULOyedndn4eOP0aHY-ZrQ=/0x0:4608x3072/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51729707/DSC_0315.0.0.JPG" />
<figcaption>Kaleb Carter</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A resident Ohio blogger takes a step away from Ohio blogging for adult things, but has every intention of sharing his love and observations of MAC shooty hoops. </p> <p>The past three years I have focused on Ohio Bobcats athletics in my role at Hustle Belt. Now, with a a real-life adult job that doesn't allow me to be in Ohio Bobcat circles outside of social media, I'm doing my best to stay involved and in-touch with MAC sports.</p>
<p>As some folks know about me, I'm all about college shooty hoops, specifically mid-major hoops.</p>
<p>The MAC is a great example of a conference that is generally not all that great, and is plenty endearing despite that.</p>
<p>It gives me joy to start writing a piece each week about things I've observed from the play of Mid-American Conference teams. So come here on Tuesday's for that.</p>
<p>With this coming weekend's slate of games approaching rapidly, I sit giddily in front of my computer, as ready for college basketball season as I have been for anything in recent memory.</p>
<p>There's oh so many things at the tip of the tongue that I could touch on, but the opening weekend of games will tell us more than I can probably say in one post.</p>
<p>MAC teams starting play Friday include:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Miami, who plays host to Muskingum</li>
<li>Eastern Michigan, who treks to Pittsburgh</li>
<li>Bowling Green who flies over to face the Grizzlies of Oakland</li>
<li>Northern Illinois aims to bark up the right tree in a home contest with the Indiana State Sycamores</li>
<li>Central Michigan brings to town IU-Kokomo</li>
<li>Marygrove College comes to Western Michigan</li>
<li>Ball State flocks to St. Louis to face the Billikens</li>
<li>Buffalo aims not to fall at Niagara</li>
</ul>
<div><span><b>And that's just Friday</b></span></div>
<div><br></div>
<div>On Saturday:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span>Southern comes north to Ohio</span></li>
<li><span>Kent State sets sail to the Beeghly center in Youngstown to face off with Cleveland State</span></li>
<li><span>Toledo aims to squash some Brotherly love at St. Joes</span></li>
<li><span>Akron faces off with an upstart Youngstown State squad in the Beeghly Center</span></li>
</ul>
<div>And then Sunday:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span>Eastern aims to get Moody at SMU</span></li>
<li><span>While BG travels to South Dakota</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<p>And Monday?</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>Buffalo takes a swipe at 7th-ranked Xavier</span></li>
<li><span>Roosevelt takes on NIU</span></li>
<li><span>The Bobcats host Sam Houston State</span></li>
<li><span>Western Michigan becomes the second MAC team to face the Grizzlies this weekend</span></li>
<li><span>CMU goes to Tennessee Tech</span></li>
</ul>
<div>I promise I won't make a habit of noting every single game, I just want you to know that there is so much to be stoked for, and plenty of action to get the feelings out for these teams early. If you're like me, you'll want to park your booty on the couch, kick back and watch television (football) while having your computer propped up with several windows of basketball games up.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>There's so much to look for from just these first four days.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Does Buffalo pick up where it left off as a solid program winning MAC tourney titles? We know Ohio and Akron are likely to be the two teams with the most talent on their respective rosters this season.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Has EMU set course to be the best squad in the MAC West like the coaches seem to think the Eagles are, or does James Whitford have his Ball State bunch ready to reign supreme in the west?</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>We will get a look at who steps up for Toledo, if John Cooper can finally pick up some momentum at Miami, who besides Braylon Rayson can contribute for CMU, and more.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Oh so many things are coming.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>I missed you college basketball.</div>
<div><br></div>
<h3><br></h3>
<div><br></div>
<div><br></div>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-basketball/2016/11/8/13560676/just-saying-a-new-tuesday-blog-post-about-mac-shooty-hoopsKaleb Carter2016-11-07T18:00:03-05:002016-11-07T18:00:03-05:00Mid-American Mondays: The Miami RedHawks show
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cjTYWtPNS3BXcsP6mCHzbY_queE=/0x0:1474x983/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51724831/DSC_0625_2.0.0.JPG" />
<figcaption>Kaleb Carter</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Everything is about Miami in this edition of Mid-American Mondays. Get over it. </p> <p>The legend of the RedHawks continues to grow. #GoGusGo</p>
<p>We can deny it no longer (I, Kaleb, was the only one denying it anyway). Miami is good y'all. At least, as far as the MAC is concerned. There are plenty of lunchables to unpack about Miami this week.</p>
<p>While yes, Central Michigan is falling apart at the seams, Miami is mowing through the competition in the MAC like 0-6 is nothing more than an afterthought.</p>
<p>I guess we can start with the question: Why the hell is Miami winning?</p>
<p><b>Kaleb: </b>No but really, it's unarguably impressive what the RedHawks have done the past four weeks. When I saw Miami at Kinnick Stadium in the Hawkeyes' home opener, I was impressed by what I saw from that team in terms of immeasurables like guts and glory. As far as actual substance? A competitive defense that was just outgunned, plenty of play-makers at each position group on defense and an offense with plenty of tools that has only gotten better under the leadership of the immaculate <span>Gus Ragland</span>.</p>
<p>Suffice to say, we are ALL surprised that the RedHawks still have a chance to win the MAC East, even knowing that is just bucket full of silly putty, but there are plenty of things to point to.<br> <br>Justin, what about this team has stuck out to you most?</p>
<p><b>Justin: </b>So here's the thing with Miami, they might actually just be a good football team that was hiding in plain sight.<br><br>They had close losses to WKU and Cincinnati (and yes, I understand they were brutally outgained in the latter) and outside of Iowa and Akron, they've never really been blown out of any games. Seems to me they were always one piece away from being a good football team and even a bowl eligible team, and <span>Gus Ragland</span> ended up being that piece.</p>
<p>And what has Ragland brought to the table?</p>
<p>He's taking care of the football.</p>
<p>In this four-game winning streak, the RedHawks have turned the football over just three times, and have zero multi-turnover games</p>
<p>The four games prior to that, obviously all losses, the Hawks gave the other team the football 12 TIMES. A bold strategy, cotton, and it did NOT pay off for them.</p>
<p>You combine more efficient football with the talent they have on defense, you basically have a mirror image of Ohio.</p>
<p><b>Kaleb: </b>With more talent in the secondary but not so much along the front seven. Don't get me wrong, Miami has plenty of that, but not so much as the leading run defenders in the conference.</p>
<p>But let's just take a look back at the last few games shall we?</p>
<p><b>Justin:</b> Let's.</p>
<p><b>Kaleb: </b>Akron was the last time we can say that Miami looked bad, and even in that game they were competitive early.</p>
<p><b>Justin: </b>Turnovers killed them. Couldn't turn Akron over, but gave it away three times in the second half alone. That's a good way to get beat.</p>
<p><b>Kaleb:</b> Right. Then the 'Hawks go into Kent and pull out an 18-14 lead that sort of just left us like "alright let's move on here, nothing to see but #HolleyTime" But the Hawks picked off Holley twice. You could brush that aside if you wanted to, but it paved the way to consistently winning the turnover battle which reminds us of, as you noted, Ohio's formula for victory</p>
<p><b>Justin:</b>I'm glad you brought up Holley Time.</p>
<p>Becauase there's a hint of that here in what's going on with Ragland. Part of Kent State's improved play of late is owed in part to the fact that they're simply running more plays through their quarterback. Ragland hasn't been gashing anybody on the ground, but the increased role of the quarterback seems to be contributing to the limited turnovers.</p>
<p>Simply, Ragland isn't throwing interceptions, which his predecessors <span>Noah Wezensky</span> and <span>Billy Bahl</span> couldn't seem to avoid.</p>
<p><b>Kaleb: </b>So then the 'Hawks go into Bowling Green against another team that is admittedly horrible.</p>
<p>And they run for over 200 yards as <span>Kenny Young</span> begins to demonstrate his prowess for the big play. Something that has happened a few times recently</p>
<p><span>James Gardner</span> is heightening his game big-time at this point, and the RedHawks force three INT's.</p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"><b> </b></p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"><b><b></b></b></p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"><b> </b></p>
<p><b style="font-weight: bold;">Justin: </b>This is all so surreal to me. This is a six-win football team and, look, I know everyone's on the P.J. Fleck and Chris Creighton hype train right now, but should we have some consideration for Chuck Martin as coach of the year, or is that giving too much credit to a guy that started 0-6 in the first place?</p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"><b> </b></p>
<p><b style="font-weight: bold;">Kaleb: </b>Can we have a latter-half COTY? Because Martin picks up that shiny half-hardware without competition. What Fleck is doing is being respected by all of us across the board because we know how much has gone into making that program great.</p>
<p>You probably have more thoughts than I on the Miami victory over EMU.</p>
<p><b>Justin: </b>You mean CMU??</p>
<p><b>Kaleb: </b>No we'll get to that.</p>
<p><b style="font-weight: bold;"> </b></p>
<p><b>Justin:</b> EMU was, to that point, the best game played by Miami all year. They gained 405 yards on one of the MAC's better defenses, and held the football for over 34 minutes</p>
<p>They even average over five yards per carry on a defense that just a few weeks ago was only allowing just over three per carry on the ground.</p>
<p>Oh, and they only had two penalties! You have a well coached team that isn't turning the ball over with some young talent and voila, road win!</p>
<p><b>Kaleb: </b>It would be easy to say something to the extent of "EMU showed its true colors" but I believe you would be incorrect in your assessment in such a case.</p>
<p>Miami is showing that the direction of its program is undoubtedly going up, and has thrown a metaphorical spear through the face of the doubters (Like the imagery?) A win over an upward trending EMU is nothing short of impressive. Miami jumped on top and showed on the road that the EMU offense wasn't fit to compete against the flying high Miami defense.</p>
<p><b>Justin: </b>You know what they say about assumptions, and operating under the one that treats Miami like a bad football team is a dumb one. This isn't a bad football team anymore, and hell, they may not have ever been all that bad (FCS losses aside).</p>
<p>So it should come as no surprise - and this is my favorite part of this conversation - that they completely dismantled Central Michigan on Friday. It was pure domination</p>
<p>I mean, Central didn't score in the second half</p>
<p>And <span>Kenny Young</span>. My lord what a jolt of energy he's been.</p>
<p><b>Kaleb: </b>Seriously though<br> <br>ALL HE DOES IS RIP OFF A BIG ONE AT LEAST ONE A GAME<br> <br>Ragland was so incredibly efficient in this game. 13-21 for four touchdowns, no interceptions. he ran for 75 yards too.</p>
<p><b>Justin: </b>Doesn't get much better than that. Buffalo and Ball State await. Pack your bags, RedHawks fans, you're going bowling.</p>
<p><b>Kaleb: </b>They better at this point.</p>
<p><b>Justin:</b> Regardless, got to be feeling great if you're a Miami fan. Future looks real bright.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"> </p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"> </p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"> </p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;"> </p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football/2016/11/7/13556924/mid-american-mondays-miami-redhawks-chuck-martinKaleb Carter2016-11-01T13:00:03-04:002016-11-01T13:00:03-04:00Three MAC BBallers drafted to D-League
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lkN4skqQAnzow5GnnNi_8dptG_Q=/0x289:3740x2782/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51605303/DSC_0075.0.0.JPG" />
<figcaption>Kaleb Carter</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Did your favorite MAC basketball stalwart not get hitched with an NBA franchise or head overseas? Well, a few were drafted to the NBA Developmental League Sunday. </p> <p>Okay, so your favorite MAC star wasn't drafted to an NBA team. Okay, so they weren't even signed as a free agent. Big whoop want to fight about it?</p>
<p>Take it easy, because some of your favorite MAC hoopsters were taken in the NBADevelopmental League draft on Sunday. Just a few though.</p>
<p><b> Round 2, pick 6: Chris Fowler of Central Michigan to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants</b></p>
<p>The encroachingly terringfyingly-named Mad Ants of Fort Wayne picked up the Chippewas Chris Fowler, who by all means has the skills to be a respectable pro backup. Fort Wayne is owned by the Pacers. Maybe Larry Legend has a plan in store for Fowler and his diverse array of offensive skills?</p>
<p>Fowler is CMU's all-time assists leader (686), a multiple time all-MAC first team member, and had an all-around diverse skill set. He averaged 16+ points per game each of his last three years with the Chips.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tdJkvZFSP1o" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><b>Round 3, Pick 6: Pat Forsythe of Akron to the Grand Rapids Drive</b></p>
<p>That guy who stuck around Akron for what felt like a while? No not Jake Kretzer (well, yes Jake Kretzer but whatever), the Akron big man gets his chance to play pro ball.</p>
<p>As you can see, he can do a decent enough job on the defensive end and does well enough on offense to justify picking the big fella up.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iu3ijHGhtJ8" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><b>Round 4, pick 2: Karrington Ward of Eastern Michigan to the Oklahoma City Blue</b></p>
<p><br>The Blue are an affiliate of the fighting Russeell Westbrooks. Karrington Ward could possibly get to perfect the fine art of not disrespecting Russ by ensuring that he gets high-fives at timeouts. Seriously though, Ward was a fun guy to watch and did some cool things in his time in Ypsi. Here's to hoping he can find some success in OKC, all the while paying witness to Westbrook and his attempt to murder teams by himself.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Ward is crazy athletic and definitely showed that off enough while in college to earn himself some serious respect. He might even get to show it off at the pro level now.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_YuKw4ZTQa8" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-basketball/2016/11/1/13475930/mac-nbadl-draftKaleb Carter2016-10-24T16:00:03-04:002016-10-24T16:00:03-04:00Mid-American Mondays: Expecting the expected?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q_b82AiCY5yncc0NELn64QE13oo=/0x35:3590x2428/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51516607/usa-today-8954961.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This week had us feeling a bit unsurprised. </p> <p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr">Did you leave this week of MAC football feeling a bit, I don't know, unsurprised? If so, that's just fine because we feel exactly the same way. Toledo and Western Michigan have seemingly cleared their toughest hurdles before facing off on November 25th, and the rest of the MAC standings have settled into their rightful place. In a sense, everyone is exactly who we thought they were going into the week - except for Miami, who I'm sure nobody would attach "team that scored 40 points" to their description. This week we'd like to take the opportunity to discuss some things that maybe you haven't been paying a lot of attention to.</p>
<h3>
<br>Justin - WMU Wide Receivers Not Named Corey Davis</h3>
<p>Obviously when discussing the Western Michigan receiving corps the conversation begins and ends with Corey Davis. And that's how it should be when you're one of the best pass catchers in the entire country and are quickly approaching school, conference and NCAA records. But isn't it funny how we've all kind of forgotten about the absence of Daniel Braverman? Before the season began, you knew which names were on the depth chart, but not which one would step up. Would it be Carrington Thompson, the senior from Houston, Texas? Would it be Michael Henry from Flint, Michigan taking over the workload? If you guessed both, then congratulations, you're exactly right.</p>
<p>Thompson is the Broncos' second leading receiver after his eight catch, 177 yards and two touchdown evening against Eastern Michigan, and his ability to get open for passes down the field is a huge reason the Bronco offense remains potent even while Davis is fighting off double coverage each week. Thompson averages 17.8 yards per catch, which leads the team, and is also second on the team with four receiving touchdowns. Early on in the season, Thompson was good for just two or three catches per game, but his role is evolving in the WMU offense as you can see from the Eastern Michigan game.</p>
<p>Michael Henry is one of Zach Terrell's more consistent targets - he has just one game where he caught fewer than four passes - with 40 receptions on the season, just nine fewer than Davis. Don't think it's just Thompson and Davis that can take over games, either. Against Georgia Southern, Henry caught eight passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns, including one from 37 yards out.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Justin - EMU's defense</h3>
<p>Times, they are a-changin'. A nobel prize winner sang that once, you know. Today that phrase applies to Eastern Michigan football in a way none of us thought possible. The Eagles are 5-3, and though they lost to rival WMU on Saturday, they did hold a lead at Waldo Stadium, something no team has done this year. It's the small things.</p>
<p>What isn't small is the improvement of EMU's defense. That's right, EMU is making strides on the side of the football you might least expect. Here's the comparison between EMU's 2015 defense* and the 2016 defense through 8 weeks of play:</p>
<p><span>
<div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><br></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0pt;" dir="ltr">
<table style="border: none; border-collapse: collapse;">
<colgroup>
<col width="166">
<col width="55">
<col width="83">
<col width="56">
<col width="83">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 0px;">
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>Statistic</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>Value</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>MAC Rank</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>Value</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>MAC Rank</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;">
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>Points</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>42.1</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>12</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>30.4</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>8</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;">
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>Total Yds</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>519.3</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>12</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>425.8</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>7</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;">
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>Yds Per Play</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>7.0</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>12</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>5.5</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>5</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;">
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>Passing Yds</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>202.8</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>2</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>283</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>10</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;">
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>Rushing Yds</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>316.6</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>12</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>142.8</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>3</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;">
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>Yds Per Rush</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>6.5</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>12</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>3.7</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>2</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;">
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>First Downs</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>26.8</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>12</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>25.4</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>10</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;">
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>Penalties</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>6.0</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>10</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>6.1</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>7</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 31px;">
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>Takeaways </span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>1.0</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>12</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>1.9</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 0px;">
<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span>3</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<span>*Ranks adjusted for UMass</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>EMU caused a ton of trouble for WMU's vaunted offense this weekend, and they were able to do so by throwing the Broncos out of balance by disrupting the run. A unit that gave up 6.5 yards per carry a year ago is now stifling opposing rushers at 3.7 yards per carry. That's a huge improvement, and it allows the Eagles to win close games and control the line of scrimmage.</p>
<p>You might be thinking, hey, the passing defense has gotten way worse, what gives? Well, the pass defending was probably awful last year too, but would you really throw against a defense giving you 6.5 yards on the ground? Probably not. Things are different this year. You have to beat the Eagles through the air, or else you won't beat them.</p>
<p>It's not like this defense should strike absolute terror into MAC offenses just yet, but it is disruptive, and I think we haven't spent enough time here giving credit to the Eagle defensive front. This defense is now picking its own poison, instead of letting the opposition select it for them. If Chris Creighton can bring in some strong defensive players on the recruiting trail, you could be looking at the MAC's best defense in a year or two.</p>
<h3>
<b><br></b><b>Kaleb - Miller Time</b>
</h3>
<p>Bowling Green: The success of a couple parts of the BG offensive machine have made the Falcons' MAC East games watchable despite the fact that the squad is still winless in conference play.</p>
<p>Sophomore stud Scott Miller in particular has been taking defensive backs hostage this year. Are non-BG fans even aware of his existence? Admittedly it took me a few weeks of outstanding play from the 5-10 165 pound receiver to take notice.</p>
<p>Against EMU, he grabbed 11 passes for 148. Against Toledo? Eight receptions for 149 yards and three TDs. Miami? 11 receptions for 178 yards and two trips to pay dirt.</p>
<p>Miller is becoming the guy in your pass-heavy air raid offense on the NCAA Football video game who you target every other play. He is far and away the team leader in receptions (MAC leader with 58), yards (798) touchdowns (9), all-purpose yards (1099) and like 27 other things.</p>
<p>While the BG offense isn't exactly "Falcon Fast" the Falcons do lead the MAC East in points per game since conference play started. Miller is a huge part of that.</p>
<h3>Kaleb - The play of the Ohio defensive line</h3>
<p>Homer time. Going into the season, Ohio fans knew that the defensive line was probably going to be the strength of this squad. What we didn't know was how disruptive the Bobcats would prove.</p>
<p>Three Ohio players, Tarell Basham, Casey Sayles and Kevin Robbins, are among the top 11 in the conference in sacks. Basham leads the MAC in sacks with eight, as he has surged to be arguably the best pass-rusher in the MAC at the moment.</p>
<p>The Bobcats' run defense is best in the conference due to the complementary nature of the strong defensive line and talented linebackers like Quentin Poling, Blair Brown and crew. Ohio's scoring defense is third-best. The secondary leaves a bit to be desired, but it would be getting burned repeatedly were it not for the talent and depth on the Bobcat line.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
<div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr"><br></div>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football/2016/10/24/13390416/mid-american-mondays-mid-american-conferenceKaleb Carter