Well the MAC is back to 12 teams, and I can’t say anyone is missing UMass who had a less than stellar run as a member.  The long term members are probably happy to be back with more regular meetings between those in the other division.  This year looks to again feature a wild 4 way race in the West, and another East title for Frank Solich’s Ohio team.

MAC West

1. Western Michigan – Broncos – 10-2 / 7-1: The Broncos have been close the last two year, and this year they will finally return to championship form.  They have a great shot at getting a win in Champaign in September, then breaking it out after a final Friday game with Toledo that will tell the difference between a trip to the CCG or again falling a game short.
2. Toledo – Rockets – 9-3 / 7-1: The Rockets are going to be on a trip to that collision in Kalamazoo on Nov. 25^th.  They will have one shot at the headlines with a trip to Provo on Sept 30^th.
3. Northern Illinois – Huskies – 8-4 / 6-2: The Huskies are still in reload mode, but they are a step below their great run in 2011-14.  They have a shot, but will probably fall short of the division title.
4. Central Michigan – Chippewas – 9-3 / 6-2: CMU is on the build, but with trips to Oklahoma State, Northern Illinois, and Toledo on the schedule they will lose a few games this year.  It will also be likely they finish a game out of the division lead.
5. Ball State – Cardinals – 3-9 / 2-6: The cardinals are in a down swing, and this is not the year they get it turned around.  The talent is coming back, but they’re stuck behind the four best teams in the league.
6. Eastern Michigan – Eagles – 2-10 / 0-8: EMU will do what they do best; lose.  The school seriously considered giving it up, but were forced to continue.  They may be looking like they did give it up.

MAC – East

1. Ohio – Bobcats – 8-4 / 5-3: The Bobcats look to pull off another MAC-East title, and again lose to the MAC-West champ in the CCG.  Just continued solid play, and getting Bowling Green in Athens will put them in the title game.
2. Bowling Green – Falcons – 7-5 / 5-3: The Falcons will be flying but not nearly as high as they did last year.  The trip to Ohio will clip their wings, and keep them in 2^nd
3. Buffalo – Bulls – 5-7 / 3-5: The Bulls will again have largely forgettable season, but at least with 5 wins they won’t be wishing they could forget it.
4. Miami – Redhawks – 4-8 / 3-5: It’s a long way back from 0-12.  This will be year number 4 and getting 4 wins would be a solid year for the Redhawks.
5. Kent State – Golden Flashes – 4-8 / 2-6: Nothing flashy here, and a couple of lower level FCS schools to pad the win total.
6. Akron – Zips – 2-10 / 1-7: The Zips will have no zip this year.  After 3 decent years they’re back to hoping they don’t pull an O’fer.