The Toledo Rockets are seeking a rare consecutive victory in the MAC. While they are clear favorites in the West Division, the competition in the East is much tougher. Nine of the MAC’s 12 teams won at least five games in ’22, and Toledo, Ohio, and Miami (Ohio) are expected to be the top contenders. The middle of the standings will likely see teams battling to reach the minimum six wins for bowl eligibility. In this article, Doc’s Sports provides an in-depth analysis of the MAC conference.
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The Favorite: Toledo (+170)
Toledo, returning 16 starters, aims to become repeat conference champions. The last team to achieve that in the MAC was Northern Illinois in 2010-2011. Quarterback Dequan Finn, who contributed 32 total touchdowns last season, will lead the offense. The team’s top two receivers and all five linemen are also back, which should help the offense flourish. With seven starters returning, the defense, which allowed the fewest yards per play in the MAC last season, is expected to maintain its solidity. Toledo faces a tough road game against Miami (Ohio), but they are a good bet to repeat as champions.
The Challenger: Ohio (+280)
Ohio’s hopes lie on the recovery of quarterback Kurtis Rourke from ACL surgery, which he underwent late in the ’22 season. Rourke, who threw for 3,256 yards and 25 touchdowns before the injury, was establishing himself as one of the top QBs in college football. The Bobcats also have a 1,000-yard rusher in Sieh Bangura and arguably the MAC’s best receiving corps. If the defense can improve from allowing 28.3 points per game in 2022, the potent offense could lead Ohio to a MAC Championship.
The Dark Horse: Buffalo (+650)
Buffalo finished last season with a 7-6 record, including a 34-27 upset victory over eventual MAC champion Toledo. The defense forced timely turnovers and had a total of 26 takeaways. They also ranked fourth in the MAC in fewest points allowed with an average of 26.7. With quarterback Cole Snyder, running backs Mike Washington and Ron Cook, and three starting linemen back, the offense is expected to improve and make strides forward.
The X-Factor: Miami Ohio (+800)
Miami (Ohio) makes an interesting case for the top spot in the MAC East, but faces the challenge of playing Toledo in Athens. The return of quarterback Brett Gabbert, who missed almost the entire ’22 season due to injury, will be a significant boost for the RedHawks. The defense, which allowed an average of 22.6 points per game last season, could be the conference’s best unit. Miami of Ohio is a solid choice for winning the MAC title.
The Disappointment: Akron (+3500)
Akron struggled in head coach Joe Moorhead’s debut season, finishing 2-10. The offensive line allowed 56 sacks, and the defense surrendered an alarming 33.5 points per game. Improvement in these areas will determine how much Akron can climb in the MAC East standings.
The Rest
Eastern Michigan (+850)
After making just one bowl appearance from 1987-2015, Eastern Michigan has played in five postseason contests since 2016. The offense lost three starting linemen and its top two receivers from 2022. On defense, eight starters return, but the unit needs improvement after allowing 28.5 points per game last season.
Northern Illinois (+1400)
After winning the MAC in 2021, Northern Illinois experienced a disappointing 3-9 season due to injuries. The return of starting quarterback Rocky Lombardi should boost the offense, which features one of the league’s finest running backs in Antario Brown. The defense needs to improve after ranking 10th or worse in points allowed for three consecutive seasons.
Central Michigan (+1800)
Last season, Central Michigan fell short of expectations and finished with a 4-8 record, mainly due to struggles at the quarterback position. Turning the ball over 28 times was a significant issue that needs to be addressed. However, the Chippewas return nine defensive starters who held opponents to an average of 5.2 yards per play. If the offense can improve and rely on the defense, they have a chance to become bowl eligible.
Bowling Green (+2500)
Bowling Green showed improvement last season by making their first bowl game since 2015 and finishing with a 6-7 record. However, five of their wins came by a narrow margin, leaving little room for error. With four starting linemen returning on offense and playmakers like running back Terion Stewart and receiver Odieu Hiliare, Bowling Green could be a team to watch in 2023.
Ball State (+3000)
After two consecutive bowl game appearances in 2020 and 2021, Ball State faced a disappointing season last year. Their return to the postseason will heavily rely on transfer quarterback Layne Hatcher and running back Marquez Cooper. Ball State won three MAC games but lost four others by a narrow margin. Improvement is needed on defense, especially against the run, as they ranked last in the conference in that category.
Western Michigan (+5000)
With many uncertainties surrounding the squad, Western Michigan is expected to be at the bottom of the standings. First-year head coach Lance Taylor will face challenges, especially with uncertainty at the quarterback position. The defense, with only two returning starters from last year’s unit, will need to step up. It could be a long season for Western Michigan.
Kent State (+15000)
Anticipate Kent State to finish at the bottom of the standings. They have zero offensive starters returning and only four starters back on defense. The road ahead looks tough for them.
Projected MAC Standings
East
1. Ohio
2. Miami (Ohio)
3. Buffalo
4. Bowling Green
5. Akron
6. Kent State
West
1. Toledo
2. Eastern Michigan
3. Northern Illinois
4. Central Michigan
5. Ball State
6. Western Michigan
Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
