Akron's Future Opponents

[Guest Scout]

10/9 - Buffalo 

Offense: This is an extremely experienced offense with more depth than it's ever had since coming to the D-I level. The running game will be the best head coach Jim Hofher has ever had running behind a very good MAC line. The passing attack has to improve to the point to where defenses have become a wee bit concerned.  

Defense: There's a ton of returning experience, and now there has to be some production after getting the doors blown off allowing 37.1 points and over 476 yards per game. The secondary has the potential to be good with fast young corners and experienced safeties. The line is as deeper than ever if everyone comes back healthy this fall. The concern is at linebacker where some playmakers need to be found. 

10/16 - at UCF

Offense: To put it bluntly, this was the most disappointing offense in America last year. That should turn around as the painfully young offensive line of 2003 is now a year older and more experienced and the receiving corps is busting with good, athletic playmakers. The running backs are strong thanks to Alex Haynes and what seems like his 13th year as a Golden Knight. With more of an emphasis on the running game, he should have a fantastic year. The one question is quarterback where Steven Moffett and Jon Rivera have to perform far better than they did last year. Under O'Leary, the emphasis is on a crisper, more up-tempo offense faster in and out of the huddle.

Defense: Forgetting all the off-the-field problems that hit the whole team hard, the UCF defense had a nightmare of a time last year because it couldn't stop the run. This is a woefully undersized defense relying on speed and quickness to make plays. The only problem is that the great athletes get steamrolled over. The secondary will be tremendous led by safeties Atari Bigby and Peter Sands..

10/23 - Ball State

Offense: The potential is there for the Cardinal offense to be really good after what seems like years of mediocrity, and it's all due to a fantastic receiving corps led by Dante Ridgeway. The line will be fine, but nothing special while the running backs are experienced and serviceable. The key will be the quarterbacks as five players will be battling it out this summer for the number one spot.

Defense: Only four starters return, but there shouldn't be too much of a drop-off in production from a defense that gave up 32 points per game. The safeties are the team's strength as the pass defense should be fine, but the concern is with a front seven that got pushed around last year and generated little to not pass rush. This group doesn't offer much hope for overall improvement.

11/6 - Marshall 

Offense: The Herd attack will explode on bad MAC teams, but struggle a bit with everyone else needing time to get the offensive line together and hoping for relatively unproven receivers to help out star Josh Davis. RB Earl Charles is a good enough back to revolve the offense around. QB Stan Hill should emerge as one of the MAC's best if he can stay on the field..

Defense: There's experience and depth to burn with as much talent as Marshall has ever had. The front seven has backups every bit as good as the established starters, while the secondary has the potential to be one of the MAC's best with a great pair of corners.

11/13 - at Ohio

Offense: The Bobcats are trying to change things up going from an option team to a spread attack, so the question is whether or not the pieces are there to fit the offense. The receivers can fly as Scott Mayle and Anthony Hackett are premier deep threats and the line, while geared towards running the ball, is experienced enough to change. Now it's up to Ryan Hawk and Austen Everson to get everyone the ball.  

Defense: The Ohio D was good last year at everything except keeping offenses out of the end zone allowing far too many big plays and dying down the stretch. The back eight will be excellent as SS Rob Stover and LB Dennis Chukwuemeka lead the way for what should be one of the league's top run defenses. The front three is average and won't get to the quarterback, but is big enough to hold firm against the run. 

11/20 - Miami University

Offense: Ben Roethlisberger was the leader of one of the nation's most explosive offenses, but don't look for the machine to stop now that he's gone. The receiving corps is loaded led by Martin Nance and Mike Larkin ready to make new quarterback Josh Betts look like a star. The line needed to replace some top producers, but it should be fine in time paving the way for the 1-2 rushing punch of Mike Smith and Luke Clemens. 

Defense: The defense surprised last year turning out to be almost as good as the high-octane RedHawk offense. The back seven should be air-tight with SEC-like speed at outside linebacker and corner. The only concern is at defensive end where Tranaine Sills and Jarrod Rich have to fill in some big shoes, but they should turn out fine.