Brad’s 2009 Mid-American Conference Predictions
Posted by deaconcat08 on August 17, 2009
MAC East
1. Buffalo (81)- The Bulls should be relatively good again under superstar coach Turner Gill. Should win the division again but think CMU will nose them out in the title game.
2. Temple (85)- I really want to pick the Owls to make their first bowl in 30 years, but I just can’t quite do it. Team will still be as good, if not better, than last year’s 7-5 squad.
3. Kent State (88)- This is really a shot in the dark, but I sense some real electicity coming out of the Flashes this year. I think they’ll challenge for their first bowl bid since ‘72.
4. Bowling Green (93)- With Sheehan back at QB, this squad could make me look silly for picking them 4th in the MAC East and not in a bowl game. Tough schedule is the problem.
5. Ohio (95)- Phil Steele made another ridiculous pick by ranking this team in his top 50. No one else, including me, is giving this team a chance to win the MAC East.
6. Akron (97)- Zips got close to making a bowl last year, and with more experience they could get over the hump. Tough interdivision/non-conference schedule will hurt them.
7. Miami-OH (116)- Another former MAC powerhouse who has fallen off the map in the last 5 years (also see Toledo). Still might give a bad UK team a game in the opener.
MAC West
1. Central Michigan (62)- Should win the MAC with LeFevour back for what seems like his 12th year as QB. Also, they should have an improved defense led by 10 returning starters.
2. Western Michigan (71)- Killer non-conference schedule with both Mich. And Mich. St. will hurt their overall record. Still, team should bowl and finish a solid 2nd to CMU in MAC West.
3. Northern Illinois (83)- I’m callling for the Huskies to barely sneak into bowl just like last year. Offense will be good but defense will struggle with only 4 returning starters.
4. Toledo (100)- Rockets looked like they were on their way to becoming a MAC powerhouse earlier this decade. Things have since gone south, but this squad should be better.
5. Ball State (108)- After a disappointing end to last season, Brady Hoke and 7 offensive starters, including Nate Davis, are all gone. Starting a freshman QB in the MAC is dangerous.
6. Eastern Michigan (114)- Bad returnees plus new coach/schemes could bring a winless season in Ypsilanti. Best change for a win is probably opener against Army.
Champion: Central Michigan
