Quarterback Brett Gabbert should challenge for all-conference honors, and go-to receiver Jack Sorenson is back after averaging 19.7 yards per catch in 2020. Strength: The RedHawks increased their per-play average from 4.9 to 5.97 last season and return the necessary pieces to keep this offense performing at a high level. Little separates the top of the MAC East, so expect Miami (Ohio) to be in the mix to win the division once again. The RedHawks only played three games last season, but coach Chuck Martin’s squad is just a year removed from winning the MAC. Related: Athlon Sports' College Football Top 2. The bulk of last year’s two-deep is back and plenty of experience is in place for coordinator Ron Collins to build on the ’20 performance.

Strength: Ohio has finished inside of the top four of the MAC in scoring defense in each of the last seven years and paced the conference by limiting teams to 16.7 points a contest in 2020. While Rourke and Rogers are both promising, neither has played for a full year of snaps with the Bobcats. Jackson should slide into the lineup at left tackle.Ĭoncern: Ohio’s offense needs to generate more big plays next season, and there’s room to improve in situational offense (third downs and red zone).

Three starters return up front, and Virginia Tech transfer T.J. De’Montre Tuggle (403 yards in 2020) is one of the MAC’s top running backs, and Isiah Cox headlines a capable group of receivers. Strength: The Bobcats return two intriguing quarterbacks in Kurtis Rourke and Armani Rogers.

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