Mid-American Conference football play has been intriguing this season, as teams are 4-17 against Power 5 opponents, and more than half are .500 or better in conference games.
With conference play beginning, the division races are tight. Miami University currently leads the East, and Toledo University is on top of the West.
The Rockets are the reigning MAC champions, and Miami’s last title came in 2019.
MAC East
Miami of Ohio: 6-2 overall (3-1 conference)
Miami has looked strong throughout its first seven games, only losing on the road to Miami (Florida). The RedHawks were the first MAC team to become bowl eligible this season. Quarterback Brett Gabbert has looked impressive, with fourteen touchdowns and four interceptions.
Ohio: 6-2 (3-1)
The Bobcats would love to take their 23-13 loss at Northern Illinois on Oct. 14 back, but they still control their destiny in the MAC.
Ohio has recorded a win at home over Iowa State, which is one of the best wins for any MAC team so far. The Bobcats will continue to lean on their defense, which only gives up about 13 points per game.
Buffalo: 3-5 (3-1)
The Bulls have not looked very strong, but their two conference wins have them tied for second in the MAC East. They had an overtime win against Akron Sept. 30 and a win against Central Michigan Oct. 7. Buffalo will have to be much better down the stretch if it wants to compete for the MAC East, as the team averages just 26 points per game, giving up 32.
Bowling Green: 4-4 (2-2)
The most impressive win for the Falcons this season, and probably for any MAC team so far, is their 38-27 win at Georgia Tech back in Week 5.
Besides that game, Bowling Green has not looked good, only picking up wins against Eastern Illinois and Buffalo. Former Missouri and Indiana quarterback Connor Bazelak has not been impressive, recording just four touchdowns and six interceptions.
Akron: 1-7 (0-4)
Once again, the Zips have been unbelievably disappointing. Their only win came against subdivision Morgan State, thanks to a last-minute scoop and score. The Zips have looked miserable all year, and the only game that appears winnable for them the rest of the way is the Nov. 1 game against Kent State.
The only balance the Zips have had this year is that they have had 53 first downs gained by passing and 53 by rushing.
Kent State: 1-7 (0-4)
Living with Akron in the basement of the MAC East are the Golden Flashes of Kent State.
Kent State sits alone at the bottom of the conference in many offensive statistics – the most notable being the team’s ten touchdowns in eight games. For reference, in a Week 2 game, Toledo scored ten touchdowns against Texas Southern. The Flashes are the only MAC team that hasn’t scored 100 points.
MAC West
Toledo: 7-1 (4-0)
The Rockets are in control of the MAC West again, looking to return to Detroit for another conference championship. They have lived off an impressive 36 points per game, while their defense has been sufficient, holding opponents to 20 points per game.
The biggest games left for Toledo are on Oct. 28 at Miami in a possible conference championship preview and their final game of the regular season Nov. 24 at Central Michigan.
Northern Illinois: 4-4 (3-1)
Alongside Central Michigan, the Huskies are also trying to chase down Toledo. They had an overtime win at Boston College Sept. 2 and a loss to Southern Illinois Sept. 9.
More impressive than the Boston College win is the team’s win against Ohio, which is NIU’s only conference loss through Week 8. The Huskies lean on their run game, averaging 159.7 rush yards per game.
Central Michigan: 4-4 (2-2)
The Chippewas have a record that isn’t one to complain about, considering their non-conference schedule – but all of their wins have been by one score. They’ll have to step it up if they want to make a push for the MAC West crown.
They average a loss by about four-and-a-half points per game when facing other MAC teams.
Eastern Michigan: 4-4 (2-2)
The Eagles are tied with Central Michigan and Northern Illinois. The two MAC wins for the Eagles have come against two of the MAC’s worst, Ball State and Kent State. This makes Eastern Michigan’s 2-1 record questionable, especially considering the team only gains 270.7 yards per game.
Ball State: 2-6 (1-3)
After losing four consecutive game, the Cardinals got back in the win column for the second time this season, defeating Central Michigan 24-17. They haven’t been able to find any momentum at all throughout the season. They are getting outgained by about 79.4 yards per game.
Western Michigan: 2-6 (1-3)
The jury is still out on the Broncos. Western Michigan fans may be disappointed with the 2-5 record, but they have endured a difficult schedule consisting of three Power-5 teams and both MAC division leaders. Western Michigan is tied for fourth in the MAC in points per game with 24.9.
Demetri Manousos is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].
