MAC Week One Preview

The MAC is getting started with 12 games during Week One of the college football season with two G5 teams coming to town? I see the MAC going 5-7 in those 12 games.

September 3:

• Oklahoma State at Central Michigan: 6:00 PM, ESPNU/WatchESPN, Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI: The ingredients are there for the Chippewas to pull an upset in week one with an Oklahoma State team coming off of a disappointing season, a quality team back, and a home field advantage. Despite those factors in their favor, CMU will not be able to get this win. Oklahoma State wins 42-21.
• VMI at Ball State: 6:00 PM, ESPN3, Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN: Wins will be at a premium for the Cardinals this fall so this is a very important game to start the season. VMI is an average FCS team and should not pose too much of a hindrance for Ball State in this game. Ball State wins 41-17.
• Stony Brook at Toledo: 6:00 PM, ESPN3, Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH : The Rockets are going to be missing some important players in the this game but it should not matter as Stony Brook isn't exactly Ohio State. The Rockets should be able to score plenty of points and play good enough defense that hopes for a MAC title increase further. Toledo wins 48-14.
• Ohio at Idaho: 8:00 PM, ESPN3, Kibbie Dome, Moscow, ID: Ohio is clearly the better team among the two programs but making a Thursday night trip to Idaho is something no one should be subjugated to. The Vandals keep it close but are unable to overcome the MAC's Bobcats. Ohio wins 34-27.

September 4:

• Michigan State at Western Michigan: 6:00 PM, ESPNU/WatchESPN, Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI: While very unlikely, a win by the Broncos would not be as stunning as the ranking suggest. WMU returns stars at running back, quarterback, and wide receiver as well as a solid defense that can give the Spartans some trouble. I am not brave enough to call for the upset but I wouldn't blame those that call for the Broncos to win. Michigan State wins 34-24.
• Kent State at Illinois: 8:00 PM, BTN, Memorial Stadium , Champaign, IL: If it was almost any other team in the MAC, I would call for the upset win, but Kent State will not get the win. Illinois will show up and surprise some people with their play against Kent State after losing their head coach. Illinois wins 44-21.

Saturday, September 5:

• Old Dominion at Eastern Michigan: 2:30 PM, ESPN3, Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI: In a matchup of two teams that are not expected for compete for their conference titles, this game could be fun to watch just to see what each team brings to the table. The Monarchs have a lot to replace, especially on offense, and will look to prove they can compete this fall despite replacing one of the best quarterbacks in school history. Old Dominion should be able to outscore the Eastern Michigan offense for the win. Old Dominion wins 35-24.
• Albany at Buffalo: 2:30 PM, ESPN3, UB Stadium, Buffalo, NY: The battle of upper New York will commence with the Bulls hosting Albany. Am I the only one that thinks Buffalo missed out in not naming themselves the Buffalo Buffaloes? Anyway, the Bulls have a good offensive backfield and should score lots of points. Buffalo wins 48-14.
• Presbyterian College at Miami: 2:30 PM, ESPN3, Yager Stadium, Oxford, OH: Nothing short of Savannah State brings a win to your program faster than a visit from the Blue Hose. Miami will not be all that good this season but should be dominant in this season and home opener. Miami wins 42-6.
• Bowling Green at Tennessee: 3:00 PM, SECN/WatchESPN, Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN: Time for a bit of an aside before discussing this game. Why are there so many tickets available for this game? Shouldn't this be a sell out? BGSU is talented on offense and has an incredibly experienced offensive line but the lack of a solid defense will keep the Falcons out of a possible upset over Tennessee. Tennessee wins 38-17.
• Akron at Oklahoma: 6:00 PM, Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK: The Zips are right on the edge of breaking through to a .500 record this season and could help that cause with a win at Oklahoma. The biggest obstacle facing that is the fact that they are playing Oklahoma. Win #1 will not come in the season opener Akron. Oklahoma wins 45-17. 
• UNLV at Northern Illinois: 6:30 PM, CBSSN, Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL: UNLV is an interesting team for the simple fact that they brought up a high school coach to take over the head coaching duties. UNLV has a nice passing game but will struggle versus the rushing attack of Northern Illinois. Northern Illinois wins 38-17.