FAVORITE TEAMS

MAC East will have their favorite while it’s Open Season out West again. Miami has a slew of experience on offense that’ll take them far and wide, but hopefully their defense can stay consistent after some replacements. The West favors Toledo with all that experience and solid recruiting, but their coach must bring it all together for the division title.

Who will challenge Miami (OH) for the reigns in the East?

Buffalo and Kent State could but the offense has work to do with new quarterbacks and stability on defense.

Watch out for Bowling Green. Coach Scot Loeffler was given every right to build the program from the ground up. Now, a 3-year seasoned roster could be ready to surprise the MAC.

Ohio hopes Kurtis Rourke, second year coach Tim Albin, and new-look Ohio will find a way to compete again like the Frank Solich days.

It remains to be seen where Akron’s at, so new coach Joe Moorhead should have this roster developed by next year before they’re ready to compete.

Who could deflect the Rockets before Toledo blows the West division sky high?

The West is open to any team in this division again. Northern Illinois aims to win the MAC again and their seasoned roster’s ready to repeat.

Central Michigan’s offense could be dangerous once again. If Kent State was able to win the division with subpar defense last season, so could the Chippewas.

Eastern Michigan has been on the MAC’s radar for a while thanks to coach Chris Creighton’s 8-year development. They could be the surprise in the West if their transfer quarterback gets comfortable quick.

Western Michigan goes through their new quarterback, but they may not have the same offensive roster to compete for the division title.

Ball State could bounce back this season, but it’s unlikely with Toledo, Northern Illinois, Central and Eastern Michigan battling for the division title with an upgraded, experienced unit.

Which MAC teams could play spoiler to the Power 5 teams this season?

It could be Miami (OH) if Kentucky stumbles out of the gate in the first game of the season.

Northern Illinois hosts Vanderbilt but lets wait and see if Vanderbilt can repeat their performance this weekend.

Central Michigan plays their first game at Oklahoma State. This is their third meeting and the average margin of victory is 7 points. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles moved on to Ohio State and all that defense that made the Cowboys dangerous last season are gone. Don’t be surprised if the Chips compete hard for another upset.

Eastern Michigan has a date with the Sun Devils in Arizona. Arizona State dealt with key players leaving and a recruiting scandal situation. If that doesn’t leave their minds to focus on football, there’s no telling what will happen when the Eagles fly in.

Western Michigan’s going through a new quarterback. Oh hey! So is Pittsburgh. Western Michigan lost Skyy Moore to the draft. Oh wait! Pittsburgh lost Jordan Addison to F-USC (you guys should know this by now.) If Western Michigan’s new quarterback comes together, then we got another interesting non-conference game on our hands.

Kent State could spoil Washington. No clue where the Huskies are at, but if they struggle offensively, it’ll be a long 60 minutes against a high-flying offense in the Golden Flashes.

It’s doubtful that Bowling Green can spoil Mississippi State but crazier things happened before. Take last year when the rebuilding Falcons upset Minnesota. Who da thunk???