Preview of other MEAC schools

BETHUNE-COOKMAN

The big whistle Alvin Wyatt, 11th season at Bethune-Cookman (77-44)

The big boys WR Corey Council led the MEAC in kick return average (26.7 yards) last year and was sixth in all-purpose yards (1,218). The offense will need some octane – given QB McKinson Souverain is the possible starter despite having thrown for just 402 yards in 10 games last season and the team’s leading returning rusher, Phillip Kirkland, carried 24 times last season.

The big game

Sept. 27 vs. Norfolk State. The Spartans should be heavily favored but haven’t won in Daytona Beach since 1996.

The bottom line The Wildcats, 5-6 last year and sixth in the MEAC, will be hard-pressed to duplicate that effort.

Web site www.bccathletics.com

DELAWARE STATE

The big whistle Al Lavan, fourth season at Delaware State (29-14)

The big boys QB Vashon Winton (20-3 vs. the MEAC) completed more than 59 percent of his passes with a career-best 12 TDs last year to lead his team to the MEAC crown and its first playoff appearance. Among the other 13 starters returning: RB Kareem Jones (705 yards on 169 carries) .

The big game Nov. 1 vs. South Carolina State. The preseason 1-2 picks in the MEAC square off .

The bottom line The Hornets were perfect in the conference last year by the skin of their teeth; five victories were decided by a touchdown or less. If they live, rather than die, by the edge again, they could repeat as MEAC champs.

Web site www.dsuhornets.com

FLORIDA A&M

The big whistle Joe Taylor, first year at Florida A&M, 26th year overall (197-76-4)

The big boys Three wins shy of 200, Taylor is the biggest name on this roster after leaving Hampton. RB Philip Sylvester (858 yards) was the MEAC Rookie of the Year in 2007 . QB Curtis Pulley could make things interesting if he works out after transferring from Kentucky.

The big game Nov. 15 vs. Hampton. What a treat: Taylor’s old team visits Taylor’s new team.

The bottom line Sylvester might not be enough to bring FAMU into contention this year and, if Pulley learns the system quickly, he’ll beef up the offense. More likely, Taylor will be starting his master plan this fall but won’t have the Rattlers in contention until a year from now.

Web site www.thefamu rattlers.com

HOWARD

The big whistle Carey Bailey, second season at Howard (4-7)

The big boys LB Endor Cooper is this year’s MEAC preseason Defensive Player of the Year. The senior had 87 tackles and three forced fumbles. Just like last fall, two backs should share the load: Terry Perry (432 yards) and Karlos Whittaker (412).

The big game Sept. 13 at Hampton. The Bison, who lost their first three last season, had the Pirates all but beaten a year ago before falling by a touchdown .

The bottom line They might not win the MEAC but, just like last year, the ball-control Bison is a team no opponent looks forward to facing.

Web site www.howard-bison.com

MORGAN STATE

The big whistle Donald Hill-Eley, seventh season at Morgan State (30-37).

The big boys The secondary, ranked first vs. the pass in the MEAC, returns CBs Darren McKhan and Willie Hardemon and SS Gary Albury. LB Jarrell Guyton made the Bears potent on defense, with his league-best 15.5 tackles for loss. Four offensive line starters return, as does QB Mario Melton (758 yards, three TDs), who likely faces a losing battle with Carlton Jackson, a transfer from Akron, for the starting spot.

The big game Oct. 25 vs. Delaware State. The Hornets won this controversial game last year, but the deciding call was later ruled by the MEAC to have been incorrect. The Bears haven’t forgotten.

The bottom line Morgan State had close losses to the top four last year, including two in overtime .

Web site www.morganstate bears.com

NORTH CAROLINA A&T

The big whistle Lee Fobbs, third season at A&T (0-22)

The big boys RB Michael Ferguson (1,169 yards on 182 carries) is the second-leading returning rusher in the MEAC . LB Andre Thornton has led the Aggies in tackles the past two years.

The big game Aug. 30 vs. Johnson C. Smith. A win against this Division II foe is a must for the Aggies to set the tone for change .

The bottom line Fobbs guaranteed the Aggies will win some games this season but, after putting together the longest losing streak in Division I or I-AA (0-27), seeing is believing.

Web site www.ncataggies.com

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE

The big whistle Buddy Pough, fifth season at S.C. State (47-21)

The big boys Will Ford, MEAC preseason Offensive Player of the Year, is the league’s leading returning rusher, having amassed 1,389 yards lass fall. Honorable mention All-American center Raymond Harrison anchors the offensive line. LB and leading tackler Tony White returns .

The big game Oct. 11 vs. Norfolk State. First up NSU, then it’s Hampton and Delaware State. SCSU lost to the Spartans and Hornets last year and, if they are to live up to their preseason ranking, cannot slip here.

The bottom line Just like last year, the Bulldogs are picked to win the MEAC, something Pough hasn’t done. This time, they’ll be asked to do it minus departed QB Cleve McCoy, so why exactly are they the preseason favorites?

Web site www.scsusports.com

WINSTON-SALEM STATE

The big whistle Kermit Blount, 15th season at WSSU (87-69-3)

The big boys Brandon McRae led the team in rushing two years ago and returns after breaking his wrist last September .

The big game Sept. 6. vs. North Carolina A&T. Nobody wants to lose to the Aggies, but the Rams are vulnerable.

The bottom line The Rams do not return a player with a single passing yard, nor do they have any returnees on the defensive line. It will be tough to improve on last year’s 6-5 mark.

Web site www.wssurams.com