JoePa's MID AMERICAN CONFERENCE Preview

[joepa66]

EASTERN MICHIGAN -

Eastern Michigan scored 108 points in its final two games of 2008. That offensive explosion was enough for just one win in two conference games. It was obvious EMU could move the football last year, especially through the air. The defense, however, had issues.

MAC stats showed Eastern No. 1 in passing offense with an average of 296.6 yards per contest. The Eagles were fourth in total offense (415.4 ypg). Defensively, however, they were last in both total defense (440 ypg) and scoring defense (39.6 ppg). Overall, Eastern Michigan mustered three wins in 12 games while going 2-6 in conference play. New coach Ron English has 15 starters returning in 2009 but winning will still be a challenge.

With senior Andy Schmitt returning at quarterback, the Eagles should still be able to move the ball and score some points. Finding enough quality receivers is the challenge facing EMU. WR Jacory Stone is the lone starter returning to a receiver position. He was third among MAC receivers in receptions per game (7.33 rpg). If the Eagles can plug in some decent replacements, the aerial success might well continue.

There is plenty of room to grow in the EMU running game. The Eagles (118 ypg) were 11th out of 13 teams in MAC play rushing stats. Senior Terrence Blevins and junior Dwayne Priest should give EMU some power and speed. Blevins (6-1, 238) has the power and Priest (5-9, 186) is the speed. Eagles runners, as well as Schmitt, will benefit from an experienced offensive line that returns four starters – tackle Bridger Buche, center Eric Davis, and guards Andy Fretz and Stephen Johnson.

There is good and bad on the defensive side. While the unit has a number of experienced players returning, the Eagles struggled against the full throttle MAC West opponents. EMU has picked up several junior college transfers who may help in the short term, but LB Daniel Holtzclaw, the Eagles leading tackler and an All-MAC Second Team selection is gone. Seniors Andrew Hatchett and Jermaine Jenkins return to their OLB positions. The LBs had plenty of opportunites to make tackles last year as the team yielded an average of 5.2 yards per rush. Just two starters return from the D-Line.

[BUNK MORELAND]

CENTRAL MICHIGAN - MAC West Champs

CMU ended last season with three losses--- they dropped the final two regular season games and lost to Florida Atlantic in the Motor City Bowl 24-21---and start this year with a juggernaut non-conference schedule (Arizona, Michigan State and Boston College). However, the Chipps come into 2009 with a bundle of returning skilled position players ready to challenge for the MAC West and Conference titles once again.

Taken down by a late season swoon described by what Coach Butch Jones a team “decimated with injuries”……”seven starters out on defense”...... “a major flu epidemic at the bowl game”…... he said the Chipps simply survived. And this season he should expect nothing short of a resurrection.

CMU (433.1 ypg) was 2nd to Ball State (459.5 ypg) in total offense last year, and they have a legit shot at another MAC title and bowl bid with the senior QB Dan LeFevour back to run the offense. LeFevour will not only shatter MAC QB passing and rushing records, but will have the chance to lead his school to four consecutive bowl games….a conference first for current schools. LeFevour, who is also a dangerous runner lead the MAC in total offense (306.9 ypg).

LeFevour, has thrown for 2,500+ yards in each of his first three seasons and has some veteran receivers back as well. WR Antonio Brown ranks second at CMU in career receptions (195) while Senior TE Bryan Anderson and junior WR Kito Poblah also caught numerous passes in 2008. There is plenty of experience on offense, but the Chipps must find a replacement for RB Ontario Sneed.

On defense, CMU returns 10 starters. The bad news is they finished near the bottom of MAC total defensive rankings, yielding 428.2 yards per game just ahead Eastern Michigan who pulled out an 56-52 upset win over the Chipps in the last game of the season. LB Nick Bellore (148 tackles, 73 solo) and DL Frank Zombo (9 sacks) will provide the muscle up front, but the Chipps porous secondary allowed opponents a 63% pass completion rate.

Central Michigan will give AZ,MICHIGAN ST and BC fits IMO .. Could be a good team to ride for a few weeks getting double digits in all these games ....

[FlyersFan]

Who cares about the dumb MAC....i want a preseason report on Stubenville....:beerbang:

Honestly i think that it is hard to say what is going to happen in the MAC this year with all of the coaching changes. I think you can pencil in CMU as a front runner and BU as well, but i will be anxious to see if a school like EMU does anything different under a guy like English. Don't forget, he's a defensive guy and if he can at least make that defense respectable they may win a couple of conference games.

Miami just sucks. They did nothing to build on the Rothlesaccusedraper era at Miami. Radebaugh sucks.

I think CMU has a very good chance BTW of beating Arizona as Arizona has to replace their QB and top WR.

Any thoughts on the skyline shootout this weekend?....:beerbang:

Colerain/Elder is going to be a huge matchup in week 2.

[joepa66]

BUFFALO –

Just a few years ago, the idea of Buffalo winning a MAC East title would have drawn more laughter than votes. How times have changed! Despite some key losses the Bulls have enough talent returning to make a run on what would be a third straight MAC East crown and second MAC championship! "EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!"

QB Drew Willy, who rewrote the Buffalo passing records, is the most significant loss from last year’s title team. His 139.32 efficiency rating was the highest in school history. Willy’s likely replacement is Zach Maynard, a sophomore who appeared in eight games last year but threw just three passes. The sophomore will get the chance to throw plenty of passes this time around, and he also has the ability to run the ball (e.g. a 41-yard run against Miami).

Lining up behind Maynard will be 6-2, 211-pound James Starks. The senior finished third among MAC rushers with an average of 111.1 yards per game. He had 16 TDs while running for 1,333 yards in 2008. Possessing both speed and power, the All-MAC first team selection ran for over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons – coincidentally seasons in which the Bulls have finished atop the MAC East. Should Starks need a breather or get banged up, the Bulls still have plenty of talent and experience to put in play. Senior Mario Henry (5-9, 213) is a quick back and junior Brandon Thermilus (5-11, 224) runs with power.

Graduation did take a toll along the offensive line, where three starters departed. If the line can keep opponents off of Maynard, he should be able to connect with some quality receivers. Senior Naaman Roosevelt (6-1, 187) easily led the MAC in touchdown receptions (13) and finished second with 7.43 catches per contest. The Buffalo native ranked among the top 10 receivers in the nation in both receptions and receiving yards. He had three touchdown receptions in the MAC championship game win over previously undefeated Ball State.

Another senior, Brett Hamblin (6-1, 190) is a great compliment to Roosevelt. Hamblin thrives as an “underneath” receiver who helps keep the chains moving. Tight end Jesse Rack ((6-3, 236, Sr.) will be starting for the third consecutive year.

Buffalo was “middle-of-the-pack” in most MAC defensive categories in 2008. One important stat, however, pointed to a critical area which helped the Bulls generate several key wins. Buffalo was No. 1 in the MAC (third nationally) in turnover margin (+20, 1.43 per game, all games). Eight starters return to that ball-hawking defense, with one of the strongest areas being the secondary. Davonte Shannon (All-Mac first team) and Mike Newton (All-MAC second team) combine to form one of the strongest safety duos in the league. Junior DT Anel Montanez (5-11, 290) is the only returning starter.

[joepa66]

AKRON -

There is a sense of optimism before every football season, but for the Zips have the added anticipation of opening a new stadium. With nine returning starters on offense, including QB Chris Jacquemain, the Zips have a powerful offense that can lead the way to a successful inaugural year at InfoCision Stadium.

For 68 years the Zips called the Akron Rubber Bowl home. This season they move back to campus in the first on-campus stadium built in the MAC since Miami’s Yager Stadium’s in 1983. A new stadium can change everything from recruiting, pride in the program, and support from the community. And Brookhart is going to need support along with wins if he wants to continue on as coach of the Zips after 2009.

With the opening of a new stadium, there are also expectations. Since 2005 when the Zips won the MAC East Division title and then defeated Northern Illinois in the MAC Championship game, Akron has gone 14-22 over the last three campaigns.

In the off-season, Brookhart hired two new offensive coaches. Former Miami,OH head coach Shane Montgomery, will guide the Zips offense this season, and one-time University of Pittsburgh and Stanford head man Walt Harris will coach the quarterbacks and coordinate the passing attack.

Jacquemain. was the signal caller for the entire 2008 season, completing 57.9 percent of his passes (231-for-399) for 2,748 yards with 20 touchdowns. He has registered at least one scoring toss in 12 of his last 13 games, dating back to the end of the 2007 season. Coming into 2009, Jacquemain ranks among the top six in Akron career records for passing yards (4,371-fourth), passing touchdowns (31-fourth), pass completions (385-fourth), pass attempts (674), and total offense (4,371). To be successful, Jacquemain will have to bring down his 2008 interception total. He threw 14 picks, including three games where he threw at least three (Ball State, Kent State, and Temple). Starting with more experienced receivers this time around may help.

The receiving corps is led by WR Deryn Bowser, who posted a team-best 64 receptions for 785 yards, and four touchdowns last season. Bowser had eight catches for 117 yards in the loss to Ball State, 10 catches against Big East Conference champ Cincinnati, and five receptions for 77 yards and the tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter in the Zips double-overtime win at Kent State. In all, Akron returns four of the top five receivers from a season ago in Andre Jones (47 rec., 678 yds., 7TD.), Jeremy Bruce (29 rec., 345yds.,TD), and Dashan Miller (16 rec.,187yds., 2TD)..

As for the running game, the Zips lost Dennis Kennedy (1,321 yards rushing, 17 TDs, 314 receiving yards on 31 catches),and Andrew Johnson, who averaged 5.0 yards per carry. Alex Allen is the top returning rusher with 152 yards, but played just three games after injuring his hip in the Ball State game. He had a career-best 103 yards and two touchdowns in the Zips win at Syracuse last September. Another possible impact player is DeVoe Torrance, a redshirt freshman from fabled Massillon Washington (OH) who originally signed with Ohio State but decided to stay close to home. The offensive line will be anchored by four returning starters.

The Zips were near the league bottom in several defensive categories during a 5-7 (3-5 MAC) season. With five returning starters the Zips must stop opponents from scoring, as they allowed 36.1 ppg. in MAC competition. DE Almando Sewell had 62 total tackles, (37 solos) including 13 stops in the four-overtime heartbreaking the loss to Buffalo. DL Shawn Lemon had 34 tackles (18 solos), five tackles for loss, and forced two fumbles. He played in all 12 games and started in six. Mike Thomas is the sole returning starter at linebacker and had 85 tackles a season forced fumbles, and recovered two.

The secondary is one the Zips strengths with three starters. CB Miguel Graham had 70 tackles, three interceptions and three recovered fumbles. He was third in passes defended (MAC) with 11. Junior S Jalil Carter recorded 48 tackles (42 of which came in the final seven games of the season). Carter also had four pass breakups, a forced fumble, an interception, and a blocked punt. Senior FS Wayne Cobram, had 63 tackles including three pass breakups and a forced fumble.

The Zips open the season September 5 at defending Big Ten champion Penn State. Akron’s previous two visits to “Happy Valley” resulted in losses of 70-24 and 34-16.

[joepa66]

TEMPLE –

There are plenty of questions when it comes to the Temple football team, particularly on offense. After finishing 4-4 in the MAC (5-7 overall) in 2008, Al Golden and his staff are looking for some answers as the big opener against Villanova approaches.

The Owls’ offense used four freshmen along the line, and really struggled to find the end zone during the first half of last season. Temple did finish strong, however, piling up 82 points to win the final two games of the season. In fact, had they pulled out what became a 33-27 loss to Navy, the Owls could have posted a 4-1 mark over the final five games.

One of the key ingredients to success, quarterback Adam DiMichele, is gone. DiMichele was a good fit for a young line, because his mobility and decision making ability. Sophomore Chester Stewart took over for the injured DiMichele last season and will battle junior Vaughn Charlton for the QB spot. Charlton took a redshirt year in 2008, but filled in when DiMichele was lost to injury in 2007. Both are pocket passers however, and do not have the running ability of DiMichele.

Besides settling the quarterback situation, the Owls must develop a better running game. They ranked last among MAC teams in rushing (105.6 ypg., MAC) and total offense (310.2 ypg., MAC) in 2008.

It could also take a while to sort out the running back position, but at least the Owls are much healthier at that position than they were just one year ago. True freshman Kee-ayre Griffin, led the team in rushing, and returns along with several other players who will be competing at tailback. Among them is redshirt senior Lamar McPherson. The 5-11, 185-pounder started out his Temple career at linebacker. He moved to fullback last year and is in the tailback mix for this year.

Whoever carries the ball will likely appreciate the fact that this year’s line has more experience – even with three sophomores in the bunch. Guard Wayne Tribue got the most starts (9) among last year’s freshmen.

[joepa66]

OHIO –

2008 might best be remembered as the Year of the Turnover for the Bobcats. OU coughed up 32 turnovers last year and forced 19. That was a league worst -13 in turnover margin, and it contributed to a next-to-last finish in the MAC East. By contrast, eastern division champ Buffalo was a +34 in turnovers. To make matters worse, Ohio also committed a league-worst 79 penalties. OU has seven starters returning on each side of the ball, which may help with consistency.

The Bobcats scored a total of 90 points while finishing last season with a pair of wins (versus Akron and Miami). Coach Frank Solich would love to see his team build on that momentum, and he has the quarterbacks to get things started. Theo Scott started last season, but after completing 26 of 35 passes for 224 yards, one TD and one interception, Scott suffered a broken collarbone in the Bobcats’ second game.

Boo Jackson, also a senior, started the final 10 games and set school single-season records with 19 touchdowns passes and 2,688 total yards of offense. He also picked up a school single-game record with 413 yards of total offense against Central Michigan. With Scott healthy, Ohio will have two dangerous and talented QBs at their disposal.

Senior RB Chris Garrett (5-8, 185) is a dual threat and finished sixth in the MAC in all-purpose yardage (131.5 ypg) rankings. Another back who should see his share of action is sophomore Dante Harden (5-11, 181). He had three starts and rushed 87 times for 454 yards with two TDs before sustaining an injury against Kent State.

WR Taylor Price (6-1, 212) brings a veteran presence to the receiving corps. He started 11 games and led Ohio with 51 catches in 2008. One offensive area with some question marks is the line. Right guard Michael Philbin (6-4, 299, Sr.) is the only returning starter. He had an 84 percent overall grade over 477 snaps last year and was flagged for a penalty just once.

The Bobcats ranked middle-of-the-pack to slightly better in a number of defensive categories. Solid defense begins up front, and OU has experience along the line. While the Bobcats will miss All-MAC selection Jameson Hartke, they have three returning starters along the line, along with both returning linebackers. Noah Keller led the team with 104 stops while Renfro was second with 83.

[joepa66]

KENT STATE –

When Kent went to Miami,OH in late October and beat the Redhawks (their first win in Oxford since 1988,) it started a five-game stretch in which the Flashes won three of five, including a road win in the season finale at MAC Eastern Division champion Buffalo. And although they return a total of 15 starters, the Golden Flashes still have their work cut out for themselves.

The Flashes rode the arm and legs of QB Julian Edelman who passed and ran for a total of 3,190 yards. He finished second in MAC rushing stats with 1,370 yards (114.2 ypg) but is now in training camp with the New England Patriots, so Kent will likely have a more conventional look at QB with senior Anthony Maguzu and sophomore Giorgio Morgan battling for the starting spot as pocket passers.

While it might be tough to repeat as the MAC’s top rushing team (230 ypg – all games) in 2009, KSU fans can once again enjoy a healthy Eugene Jarvis. The 5-5, 170-pound senior earned All-MAC second team honors despite missing the better part of four games due to a sprained ankle, he still managed 801 yards and nine touchdowns. The fifth-year senior from Pittsburgh is just the fourth player in Kent State history to rush for over 3,000 yards in his career. His 3,268 yards as the season begins is second among active players in the entire FBS. He is also third in all-purpose yards (4,025), seventh in rushing touchdowns (22) and ninth in total touchdowns scored (26).

Jarvis, however, is one of the few veterans in the so-called skilled positions. Derek McBryde is a senior receiver, but underclassmen are likely to fill out the receiving spots. Nine players listed on the depth chart caught a total of 39 passes in 2008. One is sophomore Kendrick Pressley, a transfer from Virginia Tech became eligible for the Akron game last season and had eight catches for 57 yards against the Zips before breaking his leg while preparing for the Miami game. TE Jameson Konz, a senior who also is coming back from an injury (ankle), is penciled in at H-Back.

The offensive line is led by senior RG Mike Roder and junior RT Pat Reedy. Three other line spots will be young with two sophomores (left guard Michael Fay, center Chris Anzevino) and a redshirt freshman (tackle Kent Cleveland), but Fay and Anzevino are returning starters.

The Flashes play a 3-4 defense, and two seniors, NT Sam Frist and DT Aaron Hull, anchor the line. Frist, a fifth-year senior from Southern Pines, South Carolina had his best season in 2008 with 38 tackles (27 solos) and recorded a team-leading 10 ½ tackles for losses, along with a forced fumble and recovery. Hull, a native of Goldvein, Virginia made 34 stops (13 solos), which included four tackles for loss, one-and-a-half quarterback sacks and a forced fumble.

LB Derek Burrell, who registered a team leading 119 tackles, was lost to graduation, so look for Cobrani Mixon, to step up as he did a season ago. The fourth-year LB a transfer from Michigan, had 73 tackles (37 solos), as well as five tackles for losses, two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Mixon will have help from seniors Kevin Hogan (43 tackles, 8 1/2 for losses, 5 quarterback sacks) and Anthony Mirando. Mirando had a career high 27 tackles in 2008 (along with two fumble recoveries)

The Kent State secondary is led by second-team All-MAC free safety Brian Lainhart, a fourth-year junior from Cincinnati who had 106 tackles (48 solos) which was second on the team. He also had four tackles for losses, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and six interceptions. Three of the picks came against rival Akron and propelled Lainhart to MAC East Defensive Player of the Week honors. Joining Lainhart will be fifth-year senior Danny Sadler (43 tackles), junior Dan Hartman (42 tackles), and sophomore Josh Pleasant (22 tackles).

The Flashes have both of their kicking specialists returning with seniors Nate Reed and sophomore Matt Rinehart. Reed was 33-for-36 on PAT’s and is now third in career field goals (27) and fourth in PATs (62). Rinehart, a sophomore from Dover, Ohio, averaged 40 yards per punt in 2008 (sixth best in the MAC) and put 18 of his kicks inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.

The Flashes look to build on the momentum from their season-ending win over Buffalo as they open 2009 with three of their first four games in Dix Stadium. It all starts with Coastal Carolina (Big South Conference, FBS) on Thursday night, September 3. After a trip to Boston College, the Flashes return home for another attempt to shock Iowa State.

[joepa66]

MIAMI,OH -

In a league with many question marks, Miami University figures to be one of the schools most in need of answers. Answers, that is, in the form of players who can execute in the systems being installed by new coach Mike Haywood and his staff.

Haywood comes to Oxford via Notre Dame, for which he was both a player and assistant coach. The combined experiences not only helped mold Haywood as a coach, they provided him with contacts. A number of those contacts are now members of a coaching staff that is intent on returning the RedHawks to their more traditional role as a perennial MAC contender.

As senior QB Daniel Raudabaugh pointed out during a MAC media day interview, players are drawn to Miami, in part, because of its winning tradition. That tradition, however, was hardly evident in 2008 when the RedHawks won just one conference game during an abysmal 2-10 season. What made it more surprising was that Miami entered 2008 with high hopes based on the availability of experienced offensive and defensive units. Nonetheless, the MUOH was near the bottom of national rankings in a number of offensive and defensive categories. They were 107th in scoring, 101st in scoring defense and 110th in turnover margin.

You know it has been that kind of year when a former walk-on punter is named most valuable player. Granted, Jake Richardson was the MAC’s leading punter and set a Miami single season punting record with a 45.38 yard average and he could well be punting on Sundays this fall. The award nonetheless reflects the team’s struggles.

The team’s poor performance in the red zone last year was in no small part related to a very inconsistent ground game. Miami returns several experienced running backs, led by Junior Thomas Merriweather who logged 565 yards (3.9 ypc) and four touchdowns in 2008. J.R. Taylor averaged 4.9 yards per carry and had two 100-yard performances last season. Senior Andre Bratton, a valuable receiver out of the backfield (33 catches, 246 yards) is also in the mix. A new face who eventually could make a significant contribution to the ground game is Quincy Landingham a 6-0, 228-pound sophomore running back is a transfer from Wisconsin.

Whoever gets the ball to start the season, he will likely receive the handoff from quarterback Daniel Raudabaugh. Radabaugh took some heat last year while Miami’s offense finished just one spot from the MAC’s bottom in total offense (all games), but the senior actually connected on 58.6 percent of his passes,. He did however but throw nine interceptions versus 8 TDs in 2008. Redshirt freshman Zac Dysert and sophomore Clay Belton, who started three games last year are backups along with a huge piece of the quarterback picture. Freshman Austin Boucher, who turned down a scholarship offer from Ohio State and won Most Valuable Offensive Player honors in the prestigious Big 33 Game All Star Game (Ohio vs. Pennsylvania) is now at Miami.

While Miami lost a good pair of tight ends, the RedHawks benefit from experience at the wide receiver position. Chris Givens (6-2, 204, jr.) led Miami in touchdown receptions (seven) and yards per catch (14.7 ypc.) in 2008 and also returned kickoffs. Jamal Rogers and Eugene Harris are bonafide TD threats with each reception and also excel at punt returns.

One of the biggest concerns might be the offensive line. Three starting linemen are gone. Left to anchor the 2009 front are junior Bob Gulley (6-4. 308) and sophomore Brandon Brooks (12 starts as a freshman)who is both big (325 pounds) and athletic (36-inch vertical jump and the strongest RedHawk in two weight-lifting categories).

Miami enters 2009 much less heralded, but with a lot to prove. One goal will be to prove 2008 was an aberration for a program that has produced nationally-ranked defenses. Haywood took a major step toward moving the RedHawks defense in a more proactive direction when he brought in Carl Reese as defensive coordinator. “Bull” Reese has 38 years of coaching behind him, including stops at Texas and LSU, both of which fielded a nationally-ranked defense.

Senior Caleb Bostic is the lone returning linebacker and had a breakout season in 2007 when he recorded 103 tackles. After slipping to 40 tackles in nine games last season, Bostic has one final campaign to move past potential and make his mark. Like the offensive line, Miami’s defensive front will need to answer some questions. It yielded a MAC-worst 2,500 yards rushing to 12 opponents.

[joepa66]

BOWLING GREEN -

Fourth-quarter failures were the downfall of the Falcons in 2008. The Falcons couldn’t finish games when it counted, and that cost them a chance at the Mid-American Conference East championship and a possible bowl game as BG finished 6-6 overall and 4-4 in the MAC East. Fourth quarter fizzles cost head coach Gregg Brandon, as well. He lost his job after six years, even though there were three years remaining on his contract. Dave Clawson, a successful D2 head coach and offensive coordinator at Tennessee last year, was hired to replace Brandon.

With an increased emphasis on strength and conditioning, the coaching staff and players hope to put the fourth quarter woes behind them. Clawson said every player on the team was given goals for strength. Another benefit of increased conditioning is the ability to develop some depth and give the regulars a break at times during the game.

In five of their six 2008 losses, the Falcons were either ahead or within one score entering the fourth quarter. Four of those losses came at home and three were against conference foes.

The defense will see some changes as the coaching staff is searching for replacements for two starting cornerbacks, two starting inside linebackers and all-conference DE Diyral Briggs. Senior safeties — P.J Mahone, BG’s leading tackler in 2008 with 95 stops, and Jahmal Brown, who was third on the team with 83 tackles — are keys to the defense.

On offense, Tyler Sheehan a two-year starter at quarterback, returns. Sheehan has thrown for over 6,000 yards in his career with 43 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. WRs Freddie Barnes and Jimmy Scheidler, with seven touchdown receptions on only 17 total catches, anchor the receiving corps.

[fitter]

good info as always JoePa

did I read Starks is done for the season in Buffalo? Man, if that is true, that may really hurt them up there..any thoughts? BOL this season, and am looking forward to your info again this year. Have a good one JoePa, and watch out for that Illinois team this year, they could surprise some teams. Keep 'em fired up coach, let's win the Big 10 and try to win a bowl this year.

[Underdog88]

Great read JoePa, thanks for your efforts & BOL this season :beerbang:

did I read Starks is done for the season in Buffalo? Man, if that is true, that may really hurt them up there..any thoughts?

He's done indeed. Quite a big blow but Thermilus should be able to do some damage and they still have a great wr in Roosevelt...

[joepa66]

did I read Starks is done for the season in Buffalo?

YEP! Same day I posted the preview this following story was posted on the UB website!


Starks To Miss Senior Season
Shoulder surgery will force Niagara Falls native to miss 2009 season

BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo senior tailback James Starks will miss his final season after a labral tear was discovered in his shoulder. As a fifth-year senior, Starks WILL NOT have any eligibility remaining.

“The doctors did an MRI that revealed James had a labral tear that required surgery,” said head coach Turner Gill. “He tried rehab and practices but it was too painful for him to play. Therefore he will have the surgery now and miss the season. It will be a 4-6 month recovery period. Doctors have told me that they anticipate he will make a complete recovery and I believe he will have an opportunity to play at the next level.

“On behalf of the staff and his teammates we want to thank James for all of his outstanding contributions to the University at Buffalo football program, the University and the Western New York community. He is scheduled to graduate in December, and of course, will remain a part of this program.”

Starks is the school’s all-time leading rusher with 3,140 yards and 34 rushing touchdowns. He has scored the most points (222) of any player in UB's history and ranks fifth in all-purpose yardage with 3,830 yards. Starks had been named to the pre-season watch list for the Doak Walker Memorial trophy, given to the nation's top running back.

“Injuries are, and will always be, a huge part of football,” said Gill, “but this one is particularly painful because of what James has meant to this program and community. However, this is an incredible opportunity for a group of very talented running backs that we have to step up and help us achieve our goals this season.”

[joepa66]

I feel bad for Starks but they won' suffer too much, Thermilus is quite a load and a very hard nosed runner with some speed and his dad is Alonzo Highsmith....nice pedigree there! Here are his stats from last year....


THERMILUS, Brandon RB..... 100 carries for 454 yards (that's 4.5 yards per carry) and 7 TDs His high game was 16 carries for 102 yard and 2 TDs vs. UTEP.....and he also caught 16 passes for 117 yards out of the backfield last season.

[joepa66]

Here's a bio on Thermilus.....

Brandon Thermilus #27
Running Back
Senior/Junior * 5-11 * 224
Flower Mound, TX
Marcus HS


HOOF PRINTS
Powerful running back can play both the tailback and fullback positions...has become a nice compliment to James Starks...son of NFL running back Alonzo Highsmith...chose Buffalo for the “academics (what he probably said was "if DanAnderson can graduate from UB then anybody can....", the players and the coaching staff."

SOPHOMORE (2008)
Appeared in all 14 games and started once...ranked second on the team in rushing with 454 yards and rushing touchdowns with seven...had 16 receptions for 117 yards...ran for a career-best 102 yards and two touchdowns against UTEP (8/28)...ran for 20 yards and a score against Pittsburgh (9/6)...rushed for 42 yards and a touchdown against Temple (9/13)...ran for 59 yards and a touchdown against Army (10/18)...added a career-best five catches for 48 yards against the Cadets...ran for 73 yards, including a career-long 39-yarder, and scored a touchdown against Ohio (10/28)...had 59 yards on only eight carries against Akron (11/13)...had six kick returns for 125 yards on the season.

REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2007)
Appeared in all 12 games as reserve running back…played both the tailback and fullback positions…ranked third on the team in rushing with 85 yards on 23 carries…scored three touchdowns…also had eight receptions for 65 yards…had nine rushes for 41 yards and a touchdown against Temple (9/8)…had four carries for 10 yards and a touchdown and a 14-yard reception against Ohio (10/4)…scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime against Kent State (11/24)…had one kick return for 17 yards on the season.

FRESHMAN (2006)
Redshirted in his first season at Buffalo.

HIGH SCHOOL
Suffered through an injury-plagued senior season, but was still a Texas Class 5A All-District selection and set a school-record with 251 yards rushing in one game...he averaged 5.5 yards per rush and scored 11 touchdowns for coach Randy Mayes...he has also lettered three times in track and field.