MAC Preview

Stewart Mandel's Projected Records (Projected overall record in parentheses)    East Division 1   Marshall    7-1  (8-3) The Thundering Herd, headed for C-USA after this season, have a talented QB, Stan Hill, and a dominant defense. 2   Miami (OH)    6-2  (7-4) QB Josh Betts replaces Ben Roethlisberger, but the RedHawks still return the core of last year's 13-1 title team. 3   UCF    5-3  (5-6) Proven winner George O'Leary should have an instant impact on the Golden Knights, who tumbled to 3-9 last year. 4   Kent State    4-4  (5-6) The Golden Flashes could be a surprise team if flashy QB Joshua Cribbs can put his offseason legal woes behind him. 4   Akron    4-4  (5-6) Skilled QB Charlie Frye is being billed as a Heisman hopeful, but he'll be working with all new rushers and receivers. 6   Ohio    1-7  (2-9) The Bobcats are making a Nebraska-like transition from the triple option to a passing offense, which could be rocky. 7   Buffalo    1-7  (1-10) One of the worst programs in the country since rejoining I-A, the Bulls are hoping experience will pay dividends.    West Division 1   Toledo    8-0  (10-1) With QB Bruce Gradkowski leading a phenomenal offensive attack, the Rockets could be this year's Miami. 2   Bowling Green    6-2  (8-3) Replacing dynamic QB Josh Harris won't be easy, but the presence of 17 returning starters should ease the transition. 3   Northern Illinois    6-2  (7-4) The Huskies' defense is ferocious, but they'll need to find a capable replacement for RB Michael Turner. 4   Western Mich.    4-4  (5-6) Gary Darnell's Broncos, with little offensive firepower, have lost the swagger from their late-'90s division-title teams. 5   Ball State    2-6  (2-9) Brady Hoke has things on the right track, but there isn't enough talent yet to make a move up the standings. 6   Eastern Mich.    1-7  (3-8) First-year coach Jeff Genyk inherits a down-on-its-luck program that hasn't had a winning season in nine years. 7   Central Mich.    1-7  (2-9) Reigning Division II national title coach Brian Kelly looks to right a team that's won 16 games the past five years.

Cream of the Crop

Myths, realities of title teams What does it really take to win a national championship? By Stewart Mandel Applying the formula Five teams that fit the mold in 2004, and three "contenders" that don't. By Stewart Mandel Profile of a Champion: A statistical breakdown of the 12 national champions from the past 10 years. • Athlon 2004 Previews: All 117 I-A teams • TV Guide: 10 games to watch in '04 • National TV schedule | '04-'05 bowl schedule  And much more ... 8/5  Return of the RBs 8/6  The true freshmen 8/10  SI's Top 25 8/11  ACC preview 8/12  Big 12 preview 8/13  Big East preview 8/16  Big Ten preview 8/17  Pac-10 preview 8/18  SEC preview 8/19  C-USA, Mt. West, MAC 8/20  Inds., WAC, Sun Belt 8/23  SI's All-Americans 8/24  SI's Heisman Preview 8/25  Bowl Projections 8/26  SI.com's Crystal Ball 8/30  Power Rankings

Bruce Gradkowski, QB, Toledo: One of the nation's most efficient passers, he completed 71 percent of his throws in '03 for 3,210 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Martin Nance, WR, Miami: Roethlisberger's top target last year, Nance finished third nationally with 1,498 yards on 90 receptions.

Charlie Frye, QB, Akron: Entering his fourth year as a starter, Frye has a 63.6 career completion percentage to go with 72 touchdowns.

Others: Joshua Cribbs, QB, Kent State; Anthony Sherrell, Eastern Michigan; Atari Bigby, S, UCF; Lance Moore, WR, Toledo; Jerry Seymour, RB, Central Michigan.

Poised for a Breakout

A.J. Davis, RB, Northern Illinois: Prolific rusher Michael Turner was a bruiser; his successor, Davis, is a back with breakaway speed.

Others: Josh Betts, QB, Miami; Omar Jacobs, QB, Bowling Green; Scott Mayle, WR, Ohio.