Akron Zips
2000 overall record: 6-5
Conference record: 5-3 (t-1st in East)

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 6
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Brandon Payne* (1,108 yds)
Passing: Butchie Washington (2,319 yds)
Receiving: Lavel Bailey (876 yds)
Tackles: Rich Reliford (80)
Sacks: Dwayne LeFall* (4.5)
Interceptions: Dwight Smith (10)

What's new
The Zips will have to find a new quarterback after the departure of four-year starter Butchie Washington, who had been behind center for their last 38 games. He was a dependable, athletic playmaker and holds almost all of the school's passing records. The search for his replacement is far from over.
Battling it out
None of the top three contenders at quarterback attempted a pass last season. Coming out of the spring, the leader is sophomore Nick Sparks, who is a good athlete in the mold of Washington. Sparks sat out last year after transerfing from West Virginia. He holds a slight edge over both Ryan Uhlenhake, who didn't play last year after breaking a bone in his ankle, and redshirt freshman Charlie Frye.
Eye catcher: FB Dan Basch
Basch was one of the premier recruits in last year's signing class but played mostly on special teams as a true freshman. This season, however, he will see a lot of time on offense. In the spring, he showed himself to be versatile and talented as a blocker, a strong inside runner and a good receiver out of the backfield.
Budding star: DE Dwayne LeFall
After breaking into the starting lineup halfway through last season, he went on to lead the team with nine tackles for loss, which included 4.5 sacks. He has an amazing combination of size, strength and speed and has all the tools to be a dominant defensive end. In fact, he was so dominant during spring drills that some folks in Akron are already whispering comparisons to Jason Taylor.

Ball State Cardinals
2000 overall record: 5-6
Conference record: 4-3 (t-3rd in West)

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 9
Kickers: 0

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Marcus Merriwather* (1,004 yds)
Passing: Talmadge Hill* (1,455 yds)
Receiving: Sean Schembra* (484 yds)
Tackles: Lorenzo Scott* (96)
Sacks: Mark Zackery* and Cornelius Bowick* (3 each)
Interceptions: Lorenzo Scott* (2)

What's new
At this time last year, the Cardinals had a 17-game losing streak and very little excitement about putting the pads on again. It's amazing what five wins in the last seven games will do to change an attitude. After that strong finish to last season, the energy around the program is now at the other end of the spectrum. Led by a sophomore QB, a winning season is well within reach at Ball State.
Battling it out
The top six wideouts return from last year's team, which always makes for a very competitive spring. Corey Parchman had great spring and gained ground on Sean Schembra and David Westbrook, who led the squad in catches last season. Senior Jamar Cottee will also factor into this race. The passing game will be the strength of this offense, and the depth will be utilized in multiple receiver formations.
Eye catcher: TE/LB Brent Walker
In his first three seasons, Walker saw limited time on defense. But with inside linebacker Lorenzo Scott playing on the baseball team this spring, he took the opportunity to show what he could do. Walker played on both sides of the ball and drew equal attention at each position. After that spring showcase, he is now listed as No. 2 on the depth chart at both tight end and linebacker.
Budding star: QB Talmadge Hill
As a redshirt freshman last year, Hill made his starting debut on an 0-4 team with a 21-game losing streak. All he did for the rest of the season was go 5-2 as a starter and earn MAC Freshman of the Year honors. He is a versatile quarterback who excels as both a runner and passer and gives the BSU offense an ever-present threat to opposing defenses.

Bowling Green Falcons
2000 overall record: 2-8
Conference record: 2-5 (6th in East)

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 9
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: John Gibson* (514 yds)
Passing: Andy Sahm* (1,490 yds)
Receiving: David Bautista* (915 yds)
Tackles: Khary Campbell* (95)
Sacks: Brandon Hicks* (8)
Interceptions: Janssen Patton* (4)

What's new
Urban Meyer is the new head coach of the Falcons after most recently coaching the receivers at Notre Dame. He brought in Gregg Brandon from Colorado as offensive coordinator, and they put in a one-back offense to help spark a group that finished last in the MAC in total offense a year ago. With eight returning starters, expect them to make some significant progress.
Battling it out
At quarterback, Andy Sahm and Josh Harris finished the spring in a dead heat. Sahm is the more experienced of the two, with 17 career starts, but Harris is a tremendous athlete who just needs to improve his throwing accuracy. As a true freshman last year, he was a backup QB and also saw time at running back, wide receiver and as a kick returner.
Eye catcher: WR Robert Redd
Redd returned to the team in the spring after sitting out the 2000 season because of disagreements with the previous coaching staff. He is now back in good favor after an excellent series of workouts that concluded with 10 catches for 162 yards and 2 TD in the spring game. He is a quick, playmaking talent who completes a strong trio of receivers for BG's new offense.
Budding star: LB Khary Campbell
Entering his third year as a starter, Campbell has proven his ability through continued improvement and leads a defense that finished fourth in the MAC last season. He led the team in tackles, including five games with 10 or more, and is also solid in pass coverage (eight pass break-ups and an INT in 2000). With a repeat effort, Campbell could establish himself as one of the top linebackers in the conference.

Buffalo Bulls
2000 overall record: 2-9
Conference record: 2-6 (5th in East)

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 5
Kickers: 0

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Marquis Dwarte* (611 yds)
Passing: Joe Freedy* (2,060 yds)
Receiving: Andre Forde* (590 yds)
Tackles: Chris Gray (99)
Sacks: Duane Williams* (9)
Interceptions: Mark Graham* (3)

What's new
After eight seasons as head coach at Cornell and three as an assistant at Syracuse, Jim Hofher gets his first I-A head coaching job at Buffalo. His assignment is to turn around a program that has gone 2-20 in its first two seasons of Division I-A competition. Both wins came in conference play last year, though, so there is something positive to build on.
Battling it out
Joe Freedy has started every game at quarterback for Buffalo over the last two seasons, but he is being challenged for his starting job by redshirt freshman Randall Secky. They had to learn a new offensive scheme this spring, and Hofher said both improved over the course of the workouts. He would not name a leader at the position entering fall practice.
Eye catcher: DE Chris Shelly
The fifth-year senior had started 28 games at both inside and outside linebacker before making the switch to defensive end this year. It required somewhat of an adjustment for the senior, who had not been asked to spend much time in the offensive backfield as a linebacker. He had an outstanding spring camp at his new position, though, and is listed as the starter entering the fall.
Budding star: TE Chad Bartoszek
He learned the ropes last year as the backup to second-team all-MAC selection Brandon Shaughnessy and seems ready to take over that role this fall. Bartoszek is a big (6-5, 240) but athletic tight end with great hands. A strong work ethic has helped him develop into a complete player. He has made plays when given the chance, as two of his six catches last season went for touchdowns.

Central Michigan Chippewas
2000 overall record: 2-9
Conference record: 2-6 (6th in West)

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 9
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Vince Webber* (458 yds)
Passing: Derrick Vickers* (1,059 yds)
Receiving: David Hannah (411 yds)
Tackles: Brian Leigeb (147)
Sacks: Marvin Smith* (3)
Interceptions: Tedaro France* (5)

What's new
There should be several new faces on the field for CMU this fall, despite losing only six starters from the 2000 squad. Only six true freshman played last year, which means 15 freshmen redshirted. All of those redshirts are currently battling for a starting spot.
Battling it out
The top two receivers from last year are gone, which has opened competition to tremendous levels. Between five returning wideouts and several incoming freshmen, there could be as many as 10 players vying for playing time this fall. Steve Messam is the statistical leader of this group after catching 22 passes as a true freshman last season. Rob Turner probably had the best spring of the veterans and put himself in a good position to start fall camp.
Eye catchers: RBs Kenan Lawhorne and Terrence Jackson
Central Michigan was one of the worst rushing teams in the nation last year and hopes to get a big boost this season from a pair of sophomores. Lawhorne and Jackson both played as true freshmen in 2000 and totaled just 114 yards between them, but they had excellent springs and gave the coaches a reason to be optimistic about a turnaround. Jackson is listed as the starter at fullback but can play both positions. Lawhorne is listed No. 2 at halfback.
Budding star: CB Tedaro France
Entering his fourth year as a starter, France is lacking recognition for an outstanding career but looks to make this season his best. He was second-team All-MAC as a freshman and has continued to improve with no accolades since. He led his team in interceptions and pass break-ups last year and is now the leader of a very experienced defensive secondary.

Eastern Michigan Eagles
2000 overall record: 3-8
Conference record: 2-5 (t-3rd in West)

Returning starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 7
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: John White (561 yds)
Passing: Walter Church (2,326 yds)
Receiving: Kenny Christian (808 yds)
Tackles: Ken Philpot* (108)
Sacks: Philpot* and Scott Russell* (5 each)
Interceptions: Three players with 2 each

What's new
Instead of playing two games against major conference opposition, EMU changes its scheduling philosophy this season and will play a pair of Div. I-AA opponents. The emphasis is now on winning games above collecting a paycheck. Rather than opening the season in someone else's 80,000-seat stadium, the Eagles will begin at home against Southeast Missouri State.
Battling it out
Over the last several years, EMU has used a pocket passer at quarterback but should shake up that trend with either Troy Edwards or Jeff Crooks this season. Both have similar size and athleticism and are comfortable rolling out or even running with the ball. Edwards played quite a bit two years ago and has experience, which gives him an edge. Crooks just enrolled in January as a junior college transfer.
Eye catcher: P David Rysko
Rysko redshirted last year after transfering from Grand Rapids CC, and coaches hoped he would take charge of the vacated starting spot at punter. He did not disappoint. Rysko had a very solid spring and will be the starter this fall. He was named the MVP of the specialists for spring practice.
Budding star: WR Kevin Walter
Despite 55 catches last year, he was overshadowed by teammate Kenny Christian on the receiving corps. He was primarily a wideout last season but should line up in the slot more often in 2001. Has very good hands and should be a major focal point in the Eagles' offense.

Kent State Golden Flashes
2000 overall record: 1-10
Conference record: 1-7 (7th in East)

Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 9
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Chante Murphy* (800 yds)
Passing: Zach Williams (1,120 yds)
Receiving: Matt Curry* (511 yds)
Tackles: James Harrison* (101)
Sacks: Three players with 3 each
Interceptions: Six players with 1 each

What's new
The Golden Flashes will switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 alignment on defense this season because of increased strength at linebacker. There are two returning starters, plus two promising talents who have not yet played. James Harrison and Rashan Hall give Kent State plenty of experience, and we will soon be introduced to Anthony Henriquez, who is academically eligible after missing last season, and Pierre Wilson, a transfer from Michigan State.
Battling it out
A trio of sophomores will be vying for the starting quarterback job this fall, led slightly by Ben McDaniels, who emerged in the spring as a good leader and decision-maker. Jeff Valentino missed some practice time with foot injury but showed ability in three starts last year. Adam Frederick saw limited action in 2000 and did not have any completions, but he has thus far shown that he belongs in this race. Don't be surprised if two incoming freshmen also enter the battle in August.
Eye catcher: OT Joel Reikowski
He started at tight end last year and made 11 receptions, but the offensive line needed to find two new starting tackles for this season. The coaches moved him in the middle of the spring, and Reikowski played well enough to be listed as the top left tackle. He doesn't have great size for that position (6-5, 255) but is more experienced than the other candidates.
Budding star: CB Jacon Avery
He originally came to the program as a walkon and played on special teams as a freshman. Avery became a starter at corner last year and was a very quiet but productive performer, making 77 total tackles. He is the team's best cover man and continues to improve, being named by the coaches as one of the co-defensive players of the spring.