Can FAMU get back to respectability?
The last MEAC team to win a playoff game has struggled by its standards over the last half decade. Since winning a share of the 2010 MEAC title, the program has had just one winning season (going 7-4 in 2011). They’ve got a new AD, new coach and new QB…will it be the same old song for the Rattlers?
Is Hampton ready for a title run?
Just like FAMU, Hampton has fallen from its perch among the MEAC elite in the last decade or so. HiU President William Harvey spent a lot of money to lure Connell Maynor from Winston-Salem State prior to last season, and while the team finished strong with an upset over Bethune-Cookman, expectations will be high coming into 2015.
Can Latrell Scott replicate his success at Virginia State in Norfolk State?
Like Connell Maynor at Hampton, Scott came to the MEAC after conquering the CIAA. He turned Virginia State from an average team to a CIAA Champion in two seasons, dethroning Winston-Salem State and winning a playoff game before bolting back to the FCS. Norfolk State hasn’t had much success in the FCS, save for their 2011 MEAC Championship, so it’ll be interesting to see if the former Richmond head coach can turn the team into a powerhouse.
Can Tarik Cohen carry North Carolina A&T?
The past two seasons have been North Carolina A&T’s best in the last decade, and Cohen has been a big part of that. The 5’8, 170lb running back from North Carolina A&T has rushed for 2,488 yards and 23 touchdowns in just 22 career games. North Carolina A&T’s quarterback situation may be shaky, but as long as they have a healthy Cohen, they’ll be a factor in the race for the Celebration Bowl.
Were Morgan and NCCU one-year wonders?
No one was talking about either of these teams last summer. At that point, Morgan State hadn’t won a MEAC title since 1979 and NCCU was trying to pick up the pieces after firing Henry Frazier the year before. Both schools went with former FBS assistants (Lee Hull at Morgan and Jerry Mack at NCCU) that had never ran their own programs. All both coaches did was guide their teams to their first MEAC titles since the 1970s, upsetting conference bluebloods like South Carolina State and others. Now that the won’t be able to sneak up on teams, will they be able to build on their hot starts?
How will Howard replace Greg McGhee?
Howard hasn’t had a lot of success as a team recently, but one thing it has always been able to count on is getting production from quarterback Greg McGhee. The QB from Pittsburgh finished his career as the MEAC’s all-time leader in all-purpose yardage. How will they replace that production?
Will Kenny Carter be the next first-year coaching wonder?
Both Hull and Mack set the bar high for coaches coming into MEAC programs. Could Delaware State’s new man be the next to work his magic his first season?
How many wins will it take Ernest Wilson to keep his job?
No coach has lasted more than three seasons at Savannah State since the early 1990s. The former Hampton offensive coordinator heads into his third season at the helm of the Tigers with a 1-23 record in two seasons. How many does he have to get to break through and get an extension.
How much longer will Buddy Pough be at South Carolina State?
Pough is the longest-tenured coach in the conference by far, having coached his alma mater since 2002. He’s been in the coaching business for over 40 years, however, so from here on out there will always be a question as to how much longer he’ll stick around. Having won at least a share of the MEAC title five out of the last seven years, however, he’ll likely be able to stick around as long as he wants too.
Can BCU maintain without Jenkins at the helm?
Bethune-Cookman has had a good program historically, but the Brian Jenkins’ era was especially fruitful. BCU won at least a share of the MEAC title four out five seasons during his tenure, including the last three years in a row. Now that he’s moved on to Alabama State, will BCU still strike fear into the hearts of its opponents?