It was a pretty successful first season for new head coach Dave Clawson, as he led the Bowling Green Falcons to a solid third-place finish in the MAC East and a 7-6 record overall.

This year Clawson  will have just eight starters back from last season, but there is still plenty of talent to put together a winning season. Here is a quick breakdown of what the Falcons will bring to the table on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they will finish the year in the MAC.

Offense

The Falcons need to find a replacement for 2009 starting quarterback Tyler Sheehan. Heading into the 2010 season it looks as though a couple of freshman will battle for the starting job in Matt Schilz and Kellen Pagal. Regardless of who wins the job, the Falcons should take a big hit in the passing game this year.

At running back the Falcons return senior Willie Geter, who led the way with 705 yards and nine touchdowns in 2009. Geter is also very capable of catching passes out of the backfield, as he hauled in 42 passes for 407 yards and one additional touchdown. Sophomore Josh Pettigrew and red-shirt freshman Erique Geiger figure to battle for the primary backup role behind Geter.

Senior Tyrone Pronty will return to the starting lineup, after playing in just one game in 2009. Pronty will more than likely be the go to guy this season if he can stay healthy. Added to the starting mix will be senior Calvin Wiley and junior Kamar Jordan. Also keep an eye out for red-shirt freshman tight end Alex Bayer,

The Falcons are going to be very inexperienced on the offensive line, and that has to be a big concern for this team heading into the start of the season. The Falcons have just two starters back and the only senior expected to start is senior right tackle Tyler Donahue. How well this unit adjusts will go a long way in determining just how good the Falcons will be.

Defense

The Falcons had just three starters return to the defensive side of the ball in 2009, and they ended up giving up 55 yards and four points more a game. The Falcons will have just four starters back in 2010, but they do get a lot of help back up front on the defensive line. Junior Kevin Alvarado and sophomore Chris Jones return in the middle at the defensive tackle spots, while senior Angelo Magnone returns at defensive end.

All three starters must be replaced at linebacker this season for the Falcons, and this unit will be a big concern for the Falcons. Sophomore Dwayne Woods is expected to take over in the middle, while seniors Calvin Marshall and Eugene Fells are expected to make their way into the starting lineup at the two outside spots.

Junior cornerback Adrien Spencer is the only starter back in the secondary, so it is pretty safe to say that this unit is going to be down a few notches in 2010. Senior Robert Lorenzi is expected to take over at the other starting corner spot, while juniors Keith Morgan and Jovan Leacock take over at the two open safety positions.

MAC East Prediction: Fifth

I think it will be interesting to watch just how the Falcons perform this season, as they are one of the most talented young teams that the MAC has to offer. Right now I think they are going to struggle , but if they get on a roll and get the confidence flowing they could surprise a lot of teams this year. I have them going 5-7 and missing out on a bowl game this year.

For a complete look at how the conference will finish up this season, check out our complete 2010 MAC Predictions.

If you are interested in making some money betting on the college football odds this season, be sure to stop back each week for our expert NCAA football picks each week.