Mid-American Conference Football Weekly Release October 22, 2018
Football Contact: Ken Mather, Associate Commissioner for Media & Public Relations ([email protected]) Mid-American Conference, 24 Public Square, 15th Floor, Cleveland, Ohio 44113, 216-566-4622, GetSomeMACtion.com
Become a fan of the Mid-American Conference on Facebook (GetSomeMACtion). Follow the MAC On Twitter @MACSports, Snapchat (MACSports) and Instagram (MACSports) MAC Standings MAC Storylines Conference Overall • Week 9 features the start of midweek MACtion with two games WEST DIVISION W L Pct. Stk H A W L Pct. Stk H A on Thursday, Oct. 25th at 7:00 pm with a key West Division Western Michigan 4 0 1.000 W4 1-0 3-0 6 2 .750 W6 2-1 4-1 contest with Toledo traveling to Western Michigan (ESPN2) and Northern Illinois 4 0 1.000 W4 2-0 2-0 4 3 .571 W3 2-1 2-2 a crossover game with Ball State at Ohio (CBS Sports Network). Ball State 2 2 .500 L1 1-2 1-0 3 5 .375 L1 2-3 1-2 Eastern Michigan 2 3 .400 W2 1-1 1-2 4 4 .500 W2 2-1 2-3 • In MAC crossover games this season, the West Division leads Toledo 1 2 .333 L2 1-1 0-1 3 4 .429 L2 3-2 0-2 the East Division, 5-3. In each of the last eight consecutive years Central Michigan 0 4 .000 L4 0-3 0-1 1 7 .125 L4 1-4 0-3 (2010-2017), the MAC West Division has topped the East Division in regular season head-to-head crossover games. Conference Overall EAST DIVISION W L Pct. Stk H A W L Pct. Stk H A • The MAC will feature its final two non-conference games this Buffalo 4 0 1.000 W4 2-0 2-0 7 1 .875 W3 3-1 4-0 Saturday, Oct. 27 against FBS Independents. Army will travel to Miami 3 1 .750 W2 1-1 2-0 3 5 .375 L1 1-3 2-2 Eastern Michigan at Noon ET (CBS Sports Network) and Northern Ohio 2 1 .667 W1 1-0 1-1 4 3 .571 W1 3-0 1-3 Illinois will visit BYU at 3:30 pm ET/2:30 pm CT (ESPNU). The Akron 1 2 .333 W1 0-1 1-1 3 3 .500 W1 1-1 2-2 MAC has seven FBS wins this year. Kent State 0 4 .000 L4 0-2 0-2 1 7 .125 L6 1-2 0-5 Bowling Green 0 4 .000 L4 0-2 0-2 1 7 .125 L5 1-3 0-4 • Western Michigan (6-2) joins Buffalo (7-1) as teams from the MAC already bowl eligible after Week 8. Western Michigan’s 35-10 win at Central Michigan marked the Broncos sixth consecu- MIDWEEK MACTION BEGINS THURSDAY, OCT. 25TH tive win. The Broncos are bowl eligible for a program-record fifth Midweek MACtion begins this week with two games on Thursday, Oct. 25th at straight season. 7:00 pm ET with Toledo at Western Michigan (ESPN2) and Ball State at Ohio • Buffalo earned its first-ever win in the Glass Bowl in Toledo (CBS Sports Network). The MAC began midweek football in 1999 and this sea- with a 31-17 win. Buffalo improved to 7-1 overall on the season son marks the 20th year of playing during the week. During the 2018 season, the and 4-0 in the MAC East Division. MAC will have 16 games nationally televised on either ESPN2, ESPNU or CBS Sports Network on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday during the last five weeks This Week’s MAC Schedule of the regular season. Thursday, October 25 *Ball State at Ohio, 7:00 pm ET (CBS Sports Network) MAC WEEKLY NOTES *Toledo at Western Michigan, 7:00 pm ET (ESPN2) • Western Michigan earned a 35-10 win at Central Michigan to extend its winning Saturday, October 27 streak to six games and are tied for first-place in the West Division with NIU at Army at Eastern Michigan, Noon ET (CBS Sports Network) 4-0. Western Michigan rushed for 305 yards as a team as LeVante Bellamy led *Central Michigan at Akron, Noon ET (ESPN3) with 145 yards and one touchdown, while Jamauri Bogan added 97 yards and a NIU at BYU, 3:30 pm ET/2:30 pm CT (ESPNU) score and became the seventh player in school history to top 3,000 career rushing Tuesday, October 30 yards. This marks the third time in the last four years that Western Michigan has *Kent State at Bowling Green, 8:00 pm ET (ESPNU) begun MAC play 4-0. The Broncos are bowl eligible for a program record fifth *Miami at Buffalo, 8:00 pm ET (ESPN2) straight season. Wednesday, October 31 • With Western Michigan’s win at Central Michigan, the Broncos regain posses- *Ball State at Toledo, 7:30 pm ET (ESPN2) sion of the Cannon Trophy, claiming the trophy between the rivals for the fourth Thursday, November 1 time in the last five years. Western Michigan also won back theMichigan MAC *NIU at Akron, 7:00 pm ET (ESPNU/CBS Sports Network) Trophy, which is a trophy competed for between Western Michigan, Central *Ohio at Western Michigan, 7:00 pm ET (ESPNU/CBS Sports Michigan and Eastern Michigan and is awarded to the team with the best record Network) among the Michigan-based MAC schools. Saturday, November 3 • Buffalo defeated Toledo 31-17 for the program’s first-ever win at the Glass *Central Michigan at Eastern Michigan, Noon ET (ESPN3) Bowl. Buffalo turned a 17-7 first half deficit into a 31-17 final by scoring the game’s final 24 points. Buffalo quarterback Tyree Jackson threw for 326 yards Last Week’s MAC Games and two touchdowns and running back Jaret Patterson rushed for 90 yards and *Buffalo 31, Toledo 17 two touchdowns to lead the Bulls and improve to 7-1 overall. Army 31, Miami 30 (2OT) • Eastern Michigan earned a 42-20 win at Ball State to improve to 4-4 overall, 2-3 *Ohio 49, Bowling Green 14 in the MAC. Eastern Michigan quarterback Tyler Weigers led by throwing for *Eastern Michigan 42, Ball State 20 257 yards and three touchdowns on 22-28 passing. His 78.6 completion percentage *Western Michigan 35, Central Michigan 10 ranks second highest in a single-game in school history. Earlier this year Weigers *Akron 24, Kent State 23 (OT) set the single-game school record with a 85.7% clip on 18-21 passing in a 51-17 Bye: Northern Illinois win over Monmouth on Aug. 31, 2018. *Mid-American Conference contest • Ohio quarterback Nathan Rourke accounted for five touchdowns in a 49-14 win over Bowling Green. Rourke had 193 yards passing for a career-high four touchdowns, while rushing for 101 yards and one score. • Akron captured its fourth consecutive Wagon Wheel trophy with a 24-23 (OT) win at Kent State. Akron’s senior class has never lost a game to Kent State (4-0) The MAC has partnered with collegepressbox.com to continue and the four-game winning streak in the rivalry is the second-longest since the media services and provide access to information on the confer- Wagon Wheel competition began in 1946. Akron quarterback Kato Nelson led ence and our membership including rosters, bios, game notes, with 219 yards passing and one touchdown. depth charts, stats, quotes, flipcards, media schedules and more. Mid-American Conference Football OCTOBER 22, 2018
MAC PROGRAMS WITH SUSTAINED FOOTBALL SUCCESS Three MAC programs – NIU, Ohio and Toledo -- have sustained success over MAC Players of the Week a 10 and 15-year period and currently rank among the FBS leaders in the MAC and college football, while a fourth program, Western Michigan, joins these East Division MAC programs among the FBS leaders in college football and the MAC over the recent five-year period. Nathan Rourke, Offensive Player of the Week Ohio, Junior, Quarterback All four programs have been no stranger to college football’s postseason bowl system. NIU has received a bowl invitation in nine of the last ten seasons, Ohio junior quarterback Nathan Rourke (Oakville, while Ohio has been bowl eligible for each of the last nine consecutive years, Ontario, Canada) accounted for five total touch- with eight bowl invitations. Toledo has been bowl eligible for the last eight downs, throwing a career-high four touchdown consecutive years, with seven bowl invitations. Western Michigan has been passes and adding another on the ground in a 49- bowl eligible in each of the last four straight years, with three bowl invitations. 14 win over Bowling Green. Rourke completed of 8-of-12 passes for 193 yards and carried 10 times Most Wins in FBS – 15 years (2004-18) for 101 yards. FBS Rank MAC Program No. Wins t-23rd NIU 120 wins note: Toledo (111 wins) and Ohio (105 wins) during this time frame. Brad Koenig, Defensive Player of the Week; Miami, Senior, Linebacker Most Wins in FBS – 10 years (2009-18) Miami senior linebacker Brad Koenig (Ann Arbor, FBS Rank MAC Program No. Wins Mich.) had 23 tackles, one tackle for loss and a 14th NIU 89 wins forced fumble in a 31-30 (2OT) loss at Army. His t-24th Toledo 80 wins 23 tackles rank 11th all-time in Miami history as Note: Ohio (78 wins) during this time frame. the RedHawks held Army to zero passing yards for the game. Most Wins in FBS – 5 years (2014-18) FBS Rank MAC Program No. Wins t-14th Toledo 42 wins t-17th Western Michigan 41 wins Derek Adams, Special Teams Player of Week; Note: NIU (36) and Ohio (35 wins) during this time frame. Kent State, Junior, Punter Kent State junior punter Derek Adams (Manheim, TWO MAC RECEIVERS LEAD NATION IN RECEPTION STREAK Pa.) had a career-long 77-yard punt in the third The MAC has two of college football’s leading wide receivers with the lon- quarter, tying for the third longest punt in program gest current reception streak in the nation. Ohio’s Papi White (37 games) is history in his first game this season in a 24-23 (OT) third in the country, while Bowling Green’s Scott Miller (32 games) is tied loss to Akron. Late in the fourth quarter with the for 11th in the country. score tied, he flipped the field with a 73-yard punt. Adams averaged 46.4 yards on eight punts, none of White currently ranks seventh in Ohio career receiving yards with 1,935 yards. which were returned. In 2018, White has 35 receptions for 632 yards (18.1 avg.) and six touchdowns. Miller has 2,504 career receiving yards and has posted 10 games with 100 or West Division more yards receiving in a single-game. This season Miller has played in seven games with 48 receptions for 785 yards (16.4 avg.) and seven touchdowns. Tyler Wiegers, Offensive Player of the Week Eastern Michigan, Senior, Quarterback Toledo wide receiver Cody Thompson had his 36-game consecutive reception Eastern Michigan senior quarterback Tyler Wiegers streak come to an end in a 31-17 loss to Buffalo. Thompson currently ranks (Lake Orion, Mich.) registered 257 yards on 22-for- fourth in Toledo history in career receiving yards with 2,952 career receiving 28 passing and three touchdowns in stiff wind con- yards. This season Thompson has collected 19 receptions for 287 yards (15.1 ditions and ran for another in a 42-20 win at Ball avg.) and five touchdowns. State. Wiegers’ 78.6 completion percentage ranks second-best in Eastern Michigan single-game his- NFF RECOGNIZES SEVEN MAC STUDENTS AS SEMIFINALISTS tory, behind his 85.7 clip against Monmouth earlier The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) proudly this year. announced 179 semifinalists for the 2018 William V. Campbell Trophy®. The award recognizes an individual as the best football scholar-athlete in the nation. Alex Grace, Defensive Player of the Week; Western Michigan, Junior; Linebacker Representing the MAC are seven student athletes: senior offensive lineman Alex Joss (Ball State); senior defensive lineman Mitch Stanitzek (Central Western Michigan junior linebacker Alex Grace Michigan); senior defensive lineman Jeremiah Harris (Eastern Michigan); (Saginaw, Mich.) had a team-high 11 tackles, one senior linebacker Matt Bahr (Kent State); senior offensive tackle Max pass breakup and his first career interception in a Scharping (Northen Illinois); senior wide receiver Cody Thompson (Toledo); 35-10 win at Central Michigan. Grace’s interception and senior center John Keenoy (Western Michigan). was a key stop in the game as the Broncos had built a 21-0 lead at halftime, but Central Michigan was The NFF will announce 12-14 finalists on Oct. 31, and each of them will gaining momentum, outscoring the Broncos 10-0 in receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 60th NFF the third quarter. National Scholar-Athlete Class. The finalists will travel to New York City for Jake Julien, Co-Special Teams Player of Week; the 61st NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 4, where their accomplishments Eastern Michigan, Sophomore, Punter will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. Live during the event, one member of the class will be declared as the Eastern Michigan sophomore punter Jake Julien winner of the 29th William V. Campbell Trophy® and have his postgraduate (Barrie, Ontario, Canada) punted five times in a 42- scholarship increased to $25,000. 20 win at Ball State. Bailey Flint, Co-Special Teams Player of Week; Nominated by their schools, candidates for the awards must be a senior or Toledo, Sophomore, Punter graduate student in their final year of playing eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or sig- Toledo sophomore punter Bailey Flint (Melbourne, nificant contributor and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Australia) averaged 41.4 yards per punt under windy conditions in a 31-17 loss to Buffalo. Mid-American Conference Football OCTOBER 22, 2018
Statistical Leaders (TOP 25) -- Where they rank Other Top Performers (WEEK EIGHT) Nationally in Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Rushing Touchdowns: OFFENSE t-8th Jamauri Bogan- Western Michigan: 9 TDs, 458 yds., 98 attempts • Western Michigan RB LeVante Bellamy had 145 yards rushing t-30th Kevin Marks- Buffalo: 7 TDs, 579 yds., 112 attempts and one touchdown on 19 carries in a 35-10 win at Central Michi- t-30th Jaret Patterson- Buffalo: 7 TDs, 480 yds., 90 attempts gan. The Broncos had 305 yards rushing and it marked Bellamy’s fourth game this season with 100-plus yards. He leads the MAC Rushing Yards: averaging 102.6 yards per game and is 6th in the FBS with 821 6th LeVante Bellamy-Western Michigan: 821 yds., 122 attempts, 5 TDs total yards this season. 44th Kevin Marks- Buffalo: 579 yds., 112 attempts, 7 TDs • Miami QB Gus Ragland established a career-high 385 yards of Total Passing Yards: total offense in a 31-30 (2OT) loss at Army. Ragland completed 9th Jarret Doege-Bowling Green: 2,078 yds., 182-285 passing, 20 TDs 30-of-53 passes for 329 yards and a career-high four touchdowns, 14th Jon Wassink-Western Michigan: 1,980 yds., 149-241 passing, 16 TDs while adding 56 yards rushing on the ground.He completed passes 24th Tyree Jackson-Buffalo: 1,869 yds., 139-246 passing, 20 TDs to nine different receivers. 31st Riley Neal-Ball State: 1,841 yds., 187-320 passing, 10 TDs • Buffalo RB Jaret Patterson rushed for a game-high 90 yards and Passing Touchdowns: t-8th Tyree Jackson-Buffalo: 20 TDs, 1,869 yds., 139-246 passing two touchdowns in a 31-17 win at Toledo. With the Bulls trailing t-8th Jarret Doege-Bowling Green: 20 TDs, 2,078 yds., 182-285 passing 17-7 at the half, Patterson helped spark Buffalo’s comeback as he t-15th Jon Wassink-Western Michigan: 16 TDs, 1,980 yds., 149-241 passing rushed for 76 yards on 13 carries and scored two touchdowns in t-23rd Gus Ragland-Miami: 14 TDs, 1,769 yds., 160-264 passing the second half.
Passing Efficiency: • Akron QB Kato Nelson was 19-of-35 passing for 219 yards and a 9th Nathan Rourke-Ohio: 166.1 rating; 94-153 pass, 1,490 yds, 13 TDs touchdown in a 24-23 (OT) win at Kent State. He was also the Zips’ 13th Mitchell Guadagni-Toledo: 162.7 rating; 59-102 pass, 913 yds, 11 TDs leading rusher with a career-high 90 yards on 17 rushes, including a 34th Jon Wassink-WMU: 147.8 rating; 149-241 pass, 1,980 yds, 16 TDs career-long 55-yard run. Nelson tied the game at 17-17 in the third 34rd Tyler Wiegers-EMU: 147.8 rating; 107-161 pass, 1,268 yds, 8 TDs quarter with a 55-yard touchdown run. In overtime, Nelson threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to Andre Williams. Total Receiving Yards 7th Scott Miller-Bowling Green: 785 yds., 48 rec., 7 TDs • Toledo WR Diontae Johnson caught two passes for 97 yards and 14th K.J. Osborn-Buffalo: 696 yds., 40 rec., 6 TDs one touchdown in a 31-17 loss to Buffalo. Johnson had an 80-yard 23rd Papi White-Ohio: 632 yds., 35 rec., 6 TDs touchdown reception. 38th Riley Miller-Ball State: 582 yds., 44 rec., 3 TDs
Receiving Touchdowns DEFENSE t-10th Scott Miller-Bowling Green: 7 TDs • Eastern Michigan DB Brody Hoying tied a season-high with 11 t-20th Diontae Johnson-Toledo: 6 TDs t-20th K.J. Osborn-Buffalo: 6 TDs tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass defensed in a 42-20 win t-20th Jayden Reed-Western Michigan: 6 TDs at Ball State. The Eagles defense held Ball State’s offense below t-20th Cody Thompson-Toledo: 6 TDs its season average in points (25.7), passing yards (207.4), and total t-20th Quintin Morris-Bowling Green: 6 TDs yards (403.6), as well as third-down conversion percentage (48%). t-20th Papi White-Ohio: 6 TDs • Ohio LB Evan Croutch had seven total tackles, one intercep- Receiving Yards Per Game: tion and two passed defensed in a 49-14 win over Bowling Green. 5th Scott Miller-Bowling Green: 48 rec., 785 yds., 7 TDs, (112.1 avg.) Croutch picked off Bowling Green quarterback Jarret Doege and t-18st Papi White-Ohio: 35 rec., 632 yds., 6 TDs, (90.3 avg.) three plays later, Ohio’s Nathan Rourke found Andrew Meyer for 27th K.J. Osborn-Buffalo: 40 rec., 696 yds., 6 TDs, (87.0 avg.) a 24-yard touchdown pass to extend the Bobcats’ lead to 28-14. Receptions Per Game: • Buffalo LB James Patterson had nine tackles, one tackle for loss, 12th Scott Miller-Bowling Green: 48 rec., 785 yds., 7 TDs, (6.9 cpg) one forced fumble and a pass breakup in a 31-17 win at Toledo. He was part of a defense that held the MAC’s highest-scoring offense Scoring: to zero points and only 65 yards of total offense in the second half. 27th Jameson Vest-Toledo: 59 points, (8.4 ppg) • Akron DE Jamal Davis II recorded nine tackles and two tackles Points Responsible For: for loss in a 24-23 (OT) win at Kent State. In overtime, Davis had 7th Jarret Doege-Bowling Green: 136 points a tackle for a loss of four yards on the Flashes’ first touch, pushing t-8th Tyree Jackson-Buffalo: 132 points t-8th Jon Wassink-Western Michigan: 132 points them back to a 2nd-and 14 situation.
Total Tackles: • Toledo S Josh Teachey had nine tackles and three passes defensed 6th Khalil Hodge-Buffalo: 99 tackles, 12.4 tackles per game in a 31-17 loss to Buffalo. 9th Malik Fountain-Central Michigan: 98 tackles, 12.3 tackles per game t-22nd Brandon Harris-Bowling Green: 85 tackles, 10.6 tackles per game SPECIAL TEAMS Interceptions: • Akron K/P Nick Gasser converted a field goal and three PATs t-2nd Alvin Davis-Akron: 4 interceptions in a 24-23 (OT) win at Kent State. Gasser nailed a 25-yard field t-13th Cameron Lewis-Buffalo: 3 interceptions goal in the second quarter for a 10-3 lead. Gasser has now made t-13th Brandon Williams-Buffalo: 3 interceptions six consecutive field goals and 26 consecutive PAT. He also punted t-13th Brad Koenig-Miami: 3 interceptions eight times for 306 yards (38.2 average). Sacks: • Ohio P Michael Farkas kicked off eight times and punted once t-12th Sutton Smith-NIU: 7.0 sacks, 1.00 per game in a 49-14 win over Bowling Green. Farkas totaled 417 yards (52.1 t-19th Chuck Harris-Buffalo: 6.0 sacks, 0.86 per game average) on kickoffs. His lone punt of 47 yards came in the third quarter and was downed at the Bowling Green 11-yard line. Tackles For Loss: t-5th Sutton Smith-NIU: 13.0 tackles for loss, 1.9 per game 29th Maxx Crosby-Eastern Michigan: 10.0 tackles for loss, 1.4 per game Mid-American Conference Football OCTOBER 22, 2018
MAC MEDIA/TV TIMEOUT CLOCK MAC COLLABORATIVE REPLAY SYSTEM This marks the second season for the MAC with a Media/TV The 2018 football season is the first time the MAC is using a confer- Timeout clock. The MAC is the first FBS Conference to mandate ence-wide collaborative replay system. In conjunction with the Big this league-wide with a Media/TV Timeout clock visible in each Ten, all MAC stadiums will have two (2) monitors on the sideline stadium to assist with pace of play. The Media/TV Timeout Clock to assist with replay of game action during reviews, similar to the enhances the in-game experience for fans while also providing the NFL. The MAC experimented with sideline monitors the past two institutions a true stoppage time -- from beginning of the television seasons during select games at the University of Akron and Central commercial break to returning to play. Following the success of this Michigan University. The monitor allows the referee to view video pilot program, other FBS conferences have followed suit in 2018, while in conversation with the replay official. The decision is still including the Big Ten. The 2017 season saw the MAC’s average made by the replay official in the booth. The Big Ten and MAC are game time reduced to 3:20, shaving nearly five minutes from the the only FBS conferences utilizing this program. previous season MAC BOWL NOTES AND 2017 SEASON MAC WITH ONE NEW HEAD COACH FOR 2018 • Toledo won the 2017 Marathon MAC Football Championship Kent State named Sean Lewis as head coach on Dec. 21, 2017 to Game with a 45-28 win over Akron on Dec. 2, 2017. The win was replace Paul Haynes, who was Kent State’s head coach for five Toledo’s first championship since 2004 and the 11th football title seasons (2013-17). in program history. The Rockets have been a model of consistency in winning as Toledo has won at least nine games in six of the last Kent State: Sean Lewis: Kent State named Sean Lewis to lead seven years, and the 2017 record of 11-3 is the ninth time in Toledo the Golden Flashes on Dec. 21, 2017. Lewis became the 22nd history to win at least 10 games in a season. head football coach at Kent State after serving as the co-offensive • Five MAC programs received bowl invitations in the 2017 bowl coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Syracuse. His background season -- Toledo (11-3), Akron (7-7), Ohio (9-4), Central Michigan stretches from his four-year playing career at Wisconsin under Barry (8-5) and Northern Illinois (8-5). The MAC record for bowl invita- Alvarez, to winning the 2015 Marathon MAC Championship as the tions in a single-season is seven in both the 2012 and 2015 bowl co-offensive coordinator at Bowling Green. seasons. • Toledo (Dollar General Bowl), Akron (Cheribundi Tart Cherry Lewis’ ascension has led him to become the youngest Football Bowl Boca Raton Bowl), Ohio (Bahamas Bowl), Central Michigan (Fa- Subdivision (FBS) head coach in the nation at the age of 31. That mous Idaho Potato Bowl) and Northern Illinois (Quick Lane Bowl) distinction was previously held by Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley at represented the MAC in the 2017 bowl season. age 34. Lewis has spent his last six seasons alongside head coach • This marked the 10th time in MAC history to have five or more Dino Babers at Syracuse (2016-17), Bowling Green (2014-15) and programs receive a bowl invitation (2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, Eastern Illinois (2012-13). 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017) in a single-season. • In the previous seven bowl seasons, the MAC has a record of 12- Lewis’ coaching career began as the offensive coordinator for his 28 in 40 bowl games – 2017 (1-4); 2016 (0-6); 2015 (3-4); 2014 alma mater Richards High School in Illinois. He transitioned to the (2-3); 2013 (0-5); 2012 (2-5); 2011 (4-1) as all 12 MAC programs college level in 2010 as tight ends coach at Division II University of have appeared in a bowl game during this span (2011-17). Nebraska Omaha. He made his first MAC stop in 2011 as a gradu- • Akron (7-7, 6-2) won the MAC East Division for the first time ate assistant for the University of Akron. Lewis earned a bachelor’s since 2005. Akron secured its third MAC East Division title as the degree from Wisconsin in agricultural sciences in 2007. Zips were bowl eligible for the second time in the last three years, also a school record. MAC PROGRAMS IN BOWL GAMES • Over the last three seasons, the MAC has witnessed six different In the last six bowl seasons, every MAC football program has programs participate in the Marathon MAC Football Champion- received a bowl invitation. Leading the way are Toledo, Ohio and ship Game. In 2015 Bowling Green defeated NIU, 34-14, while Northern Illinois with bowl invitations in six of the last seven bowl 2016 witnessed Western Michigan with a 29-23 win over Ohio and seasons. Toledo defeated Akron, 45-28 in the 2017 Marathon MAC Foot- ball Championship Game. 2011-17 MAC Programs and Years Invited to Bowl Games • In 2017 the MAC had 11 FBS wins, including four wins over Northern Illinois (6): 2011; 2012; 2013; 2014; 2015; 2017 Autonomous Conferences with two wins vs. Big Ten opponents Ohio (6): 2011; 2012; 2013; 2015; 2016; 2017 (Nebraska, Rutgers) and two wins over Big 12 opponents (both Toledo (6): 2011; 2012; 2014; 2015; 2016; 2017 wins over Kansas). Central Michigan (5): 2012; 2014; 2015; 2016; 2017 Bowling Green (4): 2012; 2013; 2014; 2015 MAC 2017 BOWL RESULTS Western Michigan (4): 2011; 2014; 2015; 2016 • Cheribundi Tart Bowl Boca Raton Bowl (Boca Raton, Fla.) Florida Akron (2): 2015; 2017 Atlantic 50, Akron 3 Ball State (2): 2012; 2013 • Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Boise, Ida.) Wyoming 37, Central Buffalo (1): 2013 Michigan 14 Kent State (1): 2012 • Bahamas Bowl (Nassau) Ohio 41, UAB 6 Eastern Michigan (1): 2016 • Dollar General Bowl (Mobile, Ala.) Appalachian State 34, Toledo 0 Miami (1): 2016 • Quick Lane Bowl (Detroit, Mich.) Duke 36, Northern Illinois 14 former: Temple (1): 2011 MAC NON-CONFERENCE WINS Year; MAC Programs Invited to Bowl Games Entering Week Six, the MAC has seven FBS wins with wins over 2011: Northern Illinois; Ohio; Toledo; Western Michigan; Temple Purdue, Northwestern and Rutgers from the Big Ten Confer- 2012: Northern Illinois; Kent State; Ohio; Bowling Green; Ball ence; Temple (American Athletic Conference); Nevada (Moun- State; Central Michigan; Toledo tain West), Georgia State (Sun Belt Conference) and independent 2013: Northern Illinois; Bowling Green; Ball State; Ohio; Buffalo UMass. The MAC concluded its non-conference regular season 2014: Northern Illinois; Bowling Green; Toledo; Central Michigan; schedule last season with 11 FBS wins. The MAC record is 16 FBS Western Michigan wins in 2012, while the Conference posted 14 FBS wins in both the 2015: Bowling Green; Northern Illinois; Toledo; Western Michigan; 2016 and 2008 seasons. In 2017, the MAC also has four ‘Autono- Central Michigan; Ohio; Akron mous Conference’ wins over Nebraska and Rutgers (Big Ten) and 2016: Western Michigan, Ohio, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Central Kansas twice (Big 12). Among peer Conferences during the 2017 Michigan, Miami regular season, the MAC posted a 1-1 record against the American 2017: Toledo, Akron, Ohio, Central Michigan; Northern Illinois. Athletic, Mountain West and Sun Belt Conferences, along with a record 3-4 vs. Conference USA. Mid-American Conference Football OCTOBER 22, 2018
OHIO’S SOLICH THIRD ON MAC CAREER WINS LIST MAC 2018 BOWL PARTNERS Ohio head coach Frank Solich and his Bobcats finished 2017 with 2018 Bowl Season: a 9-4 overall record and a second-place finish in the East Division. • Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl/PlayStation Fiesta Bowl (College Foot- Ohio is 4-3 overall this year, 2-1 in the MAC. Solich continues ball Playoff Host Bowls) to rise up the MAC career head coaching win list with 101 wins, • Dollar General Bowl (Mobile, Ala.; vs. Sun Belt) which ranks third most in MAC history. • Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Boise, Ida.; vs. Mountain West) • Raycom Media Camellia Bowl (Montgomery, Ala.; vs. Sun Belt) Solich has been the model for consistency in coaching in the MAC. • Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl (Nassau, Bahamas; vs. Confer- Solich arrived in Athens, Ohio in 2005 and now is in his 14th sea- ence USA) son running the Bobcats program. Solich and the Ohio Bobcats • Frisco Bowl (Frisco, Texas; vs. American Athletic Conference) have garnered a bowl appearance in eight of the last nine seasons • Secondary to Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl (Boca and nine of his 13 seasons at Ohio. Solich has a 101-74 career Raton, Fla.) coaching record at Ohio. • Secondary to Quick Lane Bowl (Detroit, Mich.) • Secondary to ESPN owned and operated bowl games Most MAC Head Coaching Wins, Career 1. 110, Herb Deromedi, Central Michigan, 1978-93 2019 Bowl Season: 2. 108, Bill Hess, Ohio, 1958-77 • College Football Playoff Host Bowls 3. 101, Frank Solich, Ohio, 2005-present • Dollar General Bowl (Mobile, Ala.; vs. Sun Belt) • Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Boise, Ida.; vs. Mountain West) MAC VS BIG TEN OPPONENTS • Raycom Media Camellia Bowl (Montgomery, Ala.; vs. Sun Belt) Buffalo’s 42-13 win at Rutgers on Sept. 22, Akron’s 39-34 win at • Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl (Boca Raton, Fla.; vs. Northwestern on Sept. 15 and Eastern Michigan’s 20-19 win at American Athletic Conference) Purdue on Sept. 8, 2018, the MAC extended its streak of a regular • Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl (vs. Conference USA) season win vs. Big Ten opponents in each of the last 13 consecu- • Secondary to Quick Lane Bowl (Detroit, Mich.) tive seasons (2006-2018), the longest streak in MAC history. • Secondary to ESPN owned and operated bowl games
During this 13-year stretch, MAC teams have defeated 12 differ- ent Big Ten teams—Illinois (3); Indiana (5); Iowa (3); Maryland NIU’S SUTTON SMITH CONSENSUS ALL-AMERICAN (1); Michigan (1); Michigan State (1); Minnesota (2); Nebraska Northern Illinois defensive end Sutton Smith was a 2017 Consensus (1); Northwestern (3); Penn State (1), Purdue (6) and Rutgers (2) All-American, as determined by the NCAA. Smith became the ninth for a total of 29 wins during this span of time. MAC player earn Consensus All-American status. In 2017, the MAC had two wins vs. Big Ten opponents -- NIU’s To be selected as a Consensus All-American, a player must be named 21-17 win at Nebraska on Sept. 16, 2017 and Eastern Michigan’s to the first team of at least two of the five selected All-America 16-13 win at Rutgers on Sept. 9, 2017. teams, announced over the last week by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Associated Press, Football Writers 2006: Ohio beat Illinois Association of America (FWAA), The Sporting News and Walter 2007: BGSU beat Minnesota; WMU defeated Iowa Camp Foundation. Second team selections are used to break ties. 2008: WMU beat Illinois; CMU beat Indiana; Toledo beat Michi- Players who earned the honor were listed on the most first team gan; Ball State beat Indiana All-America teams, competing against players at that position only. 2009: NIU beat Purdue; Central Michigan beat Michigan State 2010: Toledo beat Purdue; NIU beat Minnesota Smith is actually one of five defensive linemen on the 2017 Consen- 2011: Ball State beat Indiana sus All-America team as he and Maurice Hurst of Michigan tied for 2012: Ohio beat Penn St.; Ball State beat Indiana; CMU beat Iowa the final spot. The St. Charles, Mo. native was named a first team 2013: NIU beat Purdue; NIU beat Iowa All- American by Walter Camp and the FWAA, and was a second 2014: BGSU beat Indiana; NIU beat NW; CMU beat Purdue team selection on the AP, AFCA and Sporting News teams. 2015: BGSU beat Maryland and Purdue 2016: WMU beat Northwestern and Illinois Smith is the fourth NIU player – joining Jordan Lynch, Jimmie Ward 2017: NIU beat Nebraska; Eastern Michigan beat Rutgers and Shuwan Lurry – to garner first team All-America recognition 2018: EMU beat Purdue; Akron beat Northwestern; Buffalo beat in the last five seasons, surpassing the total number of Huskie All- Rutgers Americans in the school’s FBS history. 2017 MAC ALL-AMERICANS Smith is the most decorated defensive player in NIU football history The MAC was represented in 2017 with All-American honors. and in addition to the five All-America teams mentioned above, was selected to six more All-America teams by media organizations. The Associated Press: • Second-Team All-American: Northern Illinois DE Sutton Smith Smith was the 2017 MAC Defensive Player of the Year was also a USA Today: finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s best defensive • First-Team All-American: Northern Illinois DE Sutton Smith end. He finished the season and led the MAC with 29.5 tackles for Sports Illustrated: loss and 16 sacks. He was 2.5 tackles for loss shy of the NCAA single • Second-Team All-American: Northern Illinois DE Sutton Smith season record of 32, set by Western Michigan’s Jason Babin in 2003. CBS Sports: • Second-Team All-American: Northern Illinois DE Sutton Smith MAC Consensus All-Americans Walter Camp Football Foundation: 1971 Mel Long, Toledo, DT • First-Team All-American: Northern Illinois DE Sutton Smith 1995 Brad Maynard, Ball State, P • Second-Team All-American: Western Michigan OT Chukwuma 1996 Brad Maynard, Ball State, P Okorafor 1997 Randy Moss, Marshall, WR The Sporting News: 2000 Dwight Smith, Akron, DB • Second-Team All-American: Northern Illinois DE Sutton Smith 2010 Eric Page, Toledo, KR/AP Football Writers Association of America (FWAA): 2012 Dri Archer, Kent State, KR/AP • First-Team All-American: Northern Illinois DE Sutton Smith 2016 Corey Davis, Western Michigan, WR • First-Team All-American: Western Michigan OT Chukwuma 2017 Sutton Smith, Northern Illinois, DE Okorafor American Football Coaches Association (AFCA): • Second-Team All-American: Northern Illinois DE Sutton Smith
FBS HEAD COACHES LEADING THEIR ALMA MATER The MAC has three of the 22 FBS head coaches that are leading their alma mater’s football programs this 2018 season. Western Michigan second-year head coach Tim Lester posted a 6-6 overall record during his first season in Kalamazoo. Lester joined Western Michigan after serving as quarterbacks coach at Purdue. Lester was a four-year starter at quarterback at Western Michigan from 1996-99, leading the Broncos to a Marathon MAC Football Championship game appearance his senior season.
Central Michigan fourth-year head coach John Bonamego was named the program’s 28th head coach on Feb. 9, 2015. Bonamego Mid-American Conference Football OCTOBER 22, 2018
MAC 2018 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS WINS OVER NON-CONFERENCE FBS OPPONENTS The 2018 football schedule will feature 16 nationally televised In 2017 the MAC earned 11 non-conference FBS wins. The MAC games during late October and November on ESPN2, ESPNU, set the Conference single-season record with 16 wins over FBS ESPN+, ESPN3 and CBS Sports Network as the conference race opponents during the 2012 season, and also posted 14 wins in both unfolds in both the East and West divisions. the 2008 and 2016 seasons. The regular season will conclude with the 22nd Marathon MAC Regular Season Wins vs. non-conference FBS opponents: Football Championship game on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7:00 pm ET Year: Wins; FBS Opponents Defeated: (ESPN2) in Detroit. This will mark the 15th Marathon MAC Foot- 2018: 7: Purdue, Temple; Northwestern; Rutgers; Nevada; Geor- ball Championship game at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, gia State; UMass Super Bowl XL, and 2009 NCAA Men’s Final Four. 2017: 11; Nebraska, Rutgers, Kansas (2); Charlotte, UAB; Ne- vada; Tulsa; Idaho; Florida Atlantic; UMass For the 11th year in a row, league schools will face a formidable 2016: 14; Northwestern, Arkansas State, Georgia State, Oklahoma non-conference slate of opponents from the following Football State, Kansas, Illinois, Fresno State, UNLV, Marshall, Charlotte, Bowl Subdivision conferences – ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, Army, Florida Atlantic, Georgia Southern, Wyoming SEC, Notre Dame and BYU. In addition, the Conference will also 2015: 12; Arkansas; Maryland; Iowa State; Purdue; FAU; Mar- face opponents from the American Athletic Conference, Confer- shall; Wyoming; UNLV; Idaho; Arkansas State; Louisiana; FIU ence USA, Mountain West Conference, Sun Belt Conference and 2014: 8; Purdue; Northwestern; Indiana; Idaho (2); UNLV, Pitt; Independents Army and UMass. Army 2013: 10; Iowa; Purdue; Virginia; UConn; Tulsa; Marshall; Army; MAC programs will face five non-conference foes that finished in North Texas; Idaho; Navy the final AP Top 25 poll: Penn State (9), Notre Dame (11), Miami- 2012: 16; Penn State; Wyoming; Idaho; New Mexico St.; Army Fla. (13), Michigan State (15) and Northwestern (17). (4); UConn; Marshall; Indiana; Iowa; South Florida; Kansas; Cin- cinnati; Rutgers A total of 12 non-conference games will feature a Big Ten oppo- 2011: 10; Indiana; Army (4); UConn; Idaho; New Mexico State; nent (Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Maryland; Michigan; Michigan State; Marshall; Maryland Minnesota; Nebraska; Northwestern; Penn State; Purdue; Rutgers). 2010: 7; Minnesota; Purdue; Marshall; Colorado State; UConn; The MAC will face foes from the ACC (5—Florida State, Georgia Army; Louisiana-Lafayette Tech, Miami (Fla.), Syracuse, Virginia), SEC (2—Kentucky, Ole 2009: 9; Michigan State; Purdue; Colorado; Florida International; Miss), Pac-12 (2-Oregon, Utah), Big 12 (2—Iowa State; Kansas); Troy; UTEP; North Texas; Army; Navy and Independent Notre Dame, BYU, Army (3 games) and UMass. 2008: 14; Navy; Indiana (2); Western Kentucky; Michigan; Idaho; Illinois; Syracuse; Army (3); Pittsburgh; Wyoming; UTEP The MAC will also face opponents from the American Ath- 2007: 10; Navy; Army (2); Idaho; Iowa State (2); Iowa; Minne- letic Conference (3— Cincinnati (2), Temple), Mountain West sota; Syracuse; La-Lafayette (3—Fresno State, Nevada, San Diego State), Conference USA 2006: 11; Temple (5); Kansas; Virginia; North Carolina State; (2—Marshall, Western Kentucky) and Sun Belt Conference (1— North Texas; FIU; Illinois Georgia State). The MAC will host 10 games against FBS non- 2005: 9; Army; Louisiana-Lafayette; Temple (4); Pittsburgh; Mid- conference opponents. dle Tennessee State; Cincinnati 2004: 3; Temple (2); Kentucky MAC WITH SIX STUDENTS PICKED IN 2017 NFL DRAFT 2003: 9; Kansas State; Northwestern; Colorado State; Cincinnati; The MAC had six draft selections in the 2018 NFL Draft. Western Purdue; Maryland; Alabama; Iowa State; Pittsburgh Michigan OT Chukwuma Okorafor was the highest player selected 2002: 10; Rutgers; Troy; North Carolina; Cincinnati; UConn; Mis- as the Pittsburgh Steelers made him a third-round selection, 92nd souri; Kansas; Wyoming; Wake Forest; UNLV overall. Also from the Broncos, DB Sam Beal was selected by the 2001: 11; UConn (2); Army; Cincinnati; Missouri; Temple (2); New York Giants during the July NFL Supplemental Draft. Minnesota; Northwestern; South Florida; Navy 2000: 9; Central Florida (2); Vanderbilt; Minnesota; UConn (2); In recent years the MAC had students selected among the top five Navy; Penn State; Iowa overall in the NFL Draft. In the last six years (2013-18), the MAC has had three players selected in the top five in the NFL Drafts. MAC HEAD COACHES IN HIGH DEMAND Football programs continue to take notice of MAC head coaches. In the 2017 NFL Draft, Western Michigan wide receiver Corey There are 11 former head coaches from the MAC in a current FBS Davis was selected as the fifth overall selection in the first round head coaching position–including three of the last four National by the Tennessee Titans. Davis’ selection was the highest ever for Champion’s with 2017 and 2015 Alabama’s Nick Saban (Toledo) Western Michigan and tied the second-highest in MAC history. and 2014 Ohio State’s Urban Meyer (Bowling Green), and nearly one-third of the ACC (four total). In 2014, Buffalo Bulls linebacker Khalil Mack was the fifth overall selection by the Oakland Raiders in the 2014 NFL Draft. Mack’s For the 2018 season, 23 of the 131 FBS coaches (17.6%) will be selection was the highest ever for the Buffalo program and the sec- either current or former MAC head coaches. The 23 current ond-highest ever selection for a MAC student-athlete. FBS coaches include the current 12 MAC head football coaches and 12 former MAC head football coaches. In 2013, Central Michigan offensive tackle Eric Fisher became the first MAC football player to be selected as the overall No. 1 selec- ACC – Steve Addazio-Boston College (Temple), Dave Doeren- tion in the NFL Draft. The Kansas City Chiefs selected Fisher as NC State (Northern Illinois), Dave Clawson-Wake Forest (Bowl- No.1 choice in the 2013 NFL Draft. The previous highest player ing Green), Dino Babers-Syracuse (Bowling Green). drafted from the MAC was Marshall quarterback Byron Leftwich, Big Ten – Urban Meyer-Ohio State (Bowling Green), P.J. Fleck- who was selected No. 7 overall by Jacksonville in 2003. Minnesota (Western Michigan). Big 12 – Matt Campbell-Iowa State (Toledo). MAC Students Selected In 2018 NFL Draft Ind. – Brian Kelly-Notre Dame (Central Michigan), Mark Whip- 3rd (92) OL Chukwuma Okorafor (Western Mich.) by Pittsburgh ple (UMass). 5th (157) TE Tyler Conklin (Central Michigan) by Minnesota SEC-Nick Saban-Alabama (Toledo). 5th (170) DB/KR Darius Phillips (Western Mich.) by Cincinnati Sun Belt – Doug Martin-New Mexico State (Kent State). 7th (227) LB Quentin Poling (Ohio) by Miami 7th (249) QB Logan Woodside (Toledo) by Cincinnati MAC Students Selected In 2018 NFL Supplemental Draft 3rd DB Sam Beal (Western Michigan) by the New York Giants Mid-American Conference Football OCTOBER 22, 2018
MAC MEDIA 2018 FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL ESPN+ TO FEATURE MAC EVENTS IN 2018 Earlier this summer members of the media selected Ohio and ESPN+ is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video ser- Northern Illinois to win the East and West Divisions respectfully in vice from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and the 2018 MAC Football Media Preseason Poll. Ohio was selected International (DTCI) segment in conjunction with ESPN. It offers to win the 2018 Marathon MAC Football Championship Game. fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital In the East Division, Ohio was selected first with a league-best networks. 140 total points. Following the Bobcats, the Buffalo Bulls finished second with 112 points, while the Miami RedHawks finished third Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per with 95 points. Defending MAC East Champion Akron Zips fin- year) through the ESPN App or ESPN.com. The ESPN App also ished fourth with 74 points, followed by Bowling Green and Kent provides fans separate access to all of ESPN’s “TV Everywhere” State. streaming of its linear television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ES- PNU, etc.) and ESPN3 – to fans with a pay TV subscription. In the West Division, Northern Illinois was selected first in the ESPN+ and ESPN’s authenticated streaming is also available on Division with 133 total points. Following the Huskies, defend- ESPN.com. ing West Champion Toledo finished second with 125 points, while the Western Michigan Broncos were third with 87 points. East- MAC fans who have any questions about the new ESPN App or ern Michigan ranked fourth with 67 points, followed by Central ESPN+, may contact ESPN customer care: Michigan and Ball State. • Online: support.espn.com 2018 MAC MEDIA Football Preseason Poll • Phone: 1-888-549-ESPN MAC East Division • ESPN App: Live Chat Feature Team (First Place Votes) Points • ESPN Customer Support Available: 9am-1am ET, 7 days a week 1. Ohio (21) 140 2. Buffalo (1) 112 FORMER MAC ALUM RANDY MOSS INDUCTED INTO 3. Miami (2) 95 PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME 4. Akron 74 Joining the list of MAC alum heading to the Pro Football Hall 5. Bowling Green 58 of Fame in Canton, Ohio, former Marshall wide receiver Randy 6. Kent State 25 Moss will increase this number to three, as Moss will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the 2018 Hall MAC West Division of Fame Class. Moss, who was named MAC Offensive Player of Team (First Place Votes) Points the Year in 1997, posted 78 catches for 1,709 yards and 28 touch- 1. Northern Illinois (15) 133 downs with Marshall in 1996 and added 96 receptions for 1,820 2. Toledo (7) 125 yards and 26 touchdowns in 1997. 3. Western Michigan (1) 87 4. Eastern Michigan 67 Moss was selected in the first round, 21st overall, of the 1998 NFL 5. Central Michigan (1) 58 Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Moss spent 14 seasons in the NFL 6. Ball State 34 with Minnesota, Oakland, New England, Tennessee and San Fran- cisco and amassed 982 career receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 MAC FOOTBALL COACHES PRESEASON POLL touchdowns and was selected to five Pro Bowls. Moss becomes MAC Head Football Coaches have provided their own 2018 Pre- the third former MAC football standout to be selected to the Pro season Poll and based upon voting by all 12 head coaches Ohio Football Hall of Fame. and NIU have been selected to win the East and West Divisions re- spectfully, with Ohio winning the Marathon MAC Football Cham- Moss joins Jason Taylor of Akron and former Kent State lineback- pionship Game. er Jack Lambert of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Moss was a member of the Marshall Thundering Herd, who competed in the MAC before In the East Division, a margin of 11 points separated first-place and departing after the 2004 season. second-place. Ohio was selected first with 70 total points followed by second-place Buffalo with 59 points. Miami was selected third MAC PART OF NEW COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF ERA followed by Akron, Bowling Green and Kent State. The 2018 college football season enters the fifth year of the current four-team playoff era with the College Football Playoff. The two In the West Division, the margin was also only one point as North- College Football Playoff Semifinals will be played in bowl games ern Illinois was selected in first-place with 61 points followed by this year (Capital One Orange Bowl; Goodyear Cotton Bowl Clas- second-place Toledo with 60 points. Western Michigan was picked sic) and the College Football Playoff National Championship will third followed by Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Ball be played in the Bay Area (Levi Stadium) on Jan. 7. State. The two Semifinals and four other premier bowl games AllState 2018 MAC HEAD COACHES Football Preseason Poll Sugar Bowl (Jan. 1), Rose Bowl presented by Northwestern Mutual MAC East Division (Jan. 1), PlayStation Fiesta Bowl (Jan. 1) and the Chick-fil-A Peach Team (First Place Votes) Points Bowl (Dec. 29) highlight the annual bowl season calendar. The 1. Ohio (10) 70 Semifinal games will rotate among these six different bowls. All 2. Buffalo (2) 59 MAC programs will join every FBS team in college football with 3. Miami 42 equal access to the playoff based upon its performance. No team 4. Akron 36 will qualify automatically. 5. Bowling Green 29 6. Kent State 16 The College Football Playoff Selection Committee will choose four teams for the playoffs based on body of work, strength of schedule, MAC West Division head-to-head results, comparison of results against common op- Team (First Place Votes) Points ponents, championships won and other factors. 1. Northern Illinois (5) 61 2. Toledo (3) 60 The highest ranked program by the Selection Committee from either 3. Western Michigan (1) 45 the MAC, American Athletic, Conference USA, Mountain West 4. Eastern Michigan (1) 35 or Sun Belt Conferences will play annually in one of the premier 5. Central Michigan (1) 33 bowl games. 6. Ball State (1) 18 Mid-American Conference Football OCTOBER 22, 2018
MAC Week Eight Quick Recaps: MAC Week Eight Quick Recaps: Buffalo 31, Toledo 17 -- Buffalo rallied to score 24 unanswered Western Michigan 35, Central Michigan 10 -- Western Michi- points and erase a 17-7 halftime deficit to defeat Toledo, 31-17, gan became bowl eligible for a fifth-straight season after defeating at the Glass Bowl on Saturday. It was Buffalo’s first ever win at in-state rival Central Michigan, 35-10, Saturday at Kelly/Shorts Toledo and improved the Bulls to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in the MAC, Stadium. Western Michigan (6-2) has rattled off six wins in a row while Toledo fell to 3-4 overall, 1-2 in the MAC. and is 4-0 in MAC play. The Broncos sit tied atop the MAC West standings with Northern Illinois and are one of three MAC teams It was a tale of two halves for the Bulls who struggled to get any- remaining without a conference loss. It’s the third time in the last thing going in the first thirty minutes. Buffalo uncharacteristically four years that Western Michigan has begun MAC play 4-0. turned the ball over and allowed a number of sacks that helped lead to the 17-7 halftime deficit. However, after regrouping in the With cold and rainy conditions, the Broncos dominated the run locker room, the Bulls came out and played like a totally different game as Western Michigan outrushed Central Michigan, 305-147, team in the second half. The Bulls defense held Toledo, the MAC’s and had 369 total yards compared to Central Michigan’s, 269. De- highest-scoring offense, to zero points and just 65 yards of total fensively the Broncos forced three turnovers with two intercep- offense in the second half. Buffalo’s offense did the rest. tions and a fumble recovery. Buffalo quarterback Tyree Jackson shrugged off a shaky first half Western Michigan running back’s LeVante Bellamy and Jamauri to throw for 326 yards and two touchdowns. Anthony Johnson, Bogan each had 19 rushing attempts. Bellamy had a game-high who had been limited in previous games with an injury, looked 145 yards and one touchdown, for his fourth 100-yard game this healthy and had four catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns. season. Bogan ended the evening with 97 yards and a touchdown K.J. Osborn tied a season high with seven catches for 90 yards. and became the seventh player in Western Michigan history to On the ground, Jaret Patterson led the Bulls with 90 yards and two eclipse 3,000 career rushing yards. touchdowns. Kevin Marks added 49 rushing yards. Western Michigan quarterback Jon Wassink had a career day run- Buffalo linebacker Khalil Hodge led with a game-high 13 tackles ning the ball, recording a career-high three rushing touchdowns and added a tackle for loss. Freshman James Patterson had the best on eight attempts. With tough weather conditions, Wassink went game of his young career with nine tackles, a tackle for loss and a 5-of-9 through the air for 51 yards. forced fumble that was recovered by Cameron Lewis. Akron 24, Kent State 23 (OT) -- In an ending fitting of the storied Army 31, Miami 30 (2OT) -- After a furious comeback that saw football rivalry between Akron and Kent State (1-7, 0-4 MAC), a the RedHawks erase a 14-point deficit with under five minutes to bobbled snap on an extra-point conversion in overtime proved to play, Miami eventually came up just short in a 31-30 double-over- be the difference in the ballgame as the Zips (3-3, 1-2 MAC) cap- time loss at Army West Point. The RedHawks slip to 3-5 on the tured a 24-23 overtime victory in the Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel season following the defeat, while Army improves to 5-2. Challenge on Saturday at Dix Stadium. Miami quarterback Gus Ragland racked up 329 passing yards with Akron sophomore quarterback Kato Nelson hit sophomore re- four passing touchdowns while adding 56 yards on the ground. ceiver Andre Williams for what proved to be the game-winning Jack Sorenson led the receiving corps with 75 yards, and Kenny touchdown on a 3rd-and-7 play from the eight-yard line to give Young and Jaylin Walker each added 71 yards. Defensively, Brad the Zips a 24-17 lead. After senior defensive end Jamal Davis II Koenig led the way with a career-high 23 total tackles. dropped Justin Rankin for a four-yard loss on the opening play of overtime for Kent State, Woody Barrett hit Rankin for a 29-yard In double OT, Army would start with the ball and find the end zone touchdown pass to move the Golden Flashes within one, 24-23. on a seven-yard run. On Miami’s possession, needing a touchdown On the extra-point conversion, Kent State holder Dustin Crum was to stay alive, the ‘Hawks found themselves having to convert a unable to cleanly handle the snap before Davis secured the triumph fourth-and-15. Ragland found Luke Mayock in the end zone to with the tackle. make it 31-30, pending the point after. The RedHawks would choose to go for two and the win. In a wild final play, Miami’s at- Eastern Michigan 42, Ball State 20 -- Eastern Michigan used tempt would fall short, sealing the 31-30 win for Army. a complete game effort to take down Ball State, 42-20, Oct. 20, at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Ind. Eastern’s six touchdown The Red and White outgained the Black Knights on the day, 406- scores were brought in by six different Eagles’ players, and a full- 347 and had 23 first downs to Army’s 20. Miami held Army to just throttle defensive effort propelled the Eagles through the 40 miles 12 yards in the fourth quarter while putting up 215 on offense. per hour winds of Muncie to spoil Ball State’s annual homecom- ing game. With the victory, the Eagles (4-4, 2-3 MAC) moved to Ohio 49, Bowling Green 14 -- Led by a five-touchdown day from .500 on the year, while earning their first MAC road victory. Mean- junior quarterback Nathan Rourke, Ohio bounced back in demand- while, Ball State dropped to 3-5 overall and 2-2 in the MAC. ing fashion, downing Bowling Green, 49-14, on a beautiful Home- coming afternoon inside Peden Stadium. Rourke finished the game Quarterback graduate transfer Tyler Wiegers registered 257 yards 8-for-12 with 193 yards and four touchdowns. On the ground, through the air on 22-for-28 passing. Wiegers 78.6 completion Rourke added 101 yards on 10 carries and one touchdown. percentage ranks second-best in Eastern Michigan single-game history, behind his 85.7 clip against Monmouth earlier this year. Ohio senior running back Maleek Irons led the game on the ground He targeted seven different receivers in the win, his favorite being with 116 yards on 12 attempts. Redshirt senior wide receiver Papi junior Arthur Jackson III, who recorded 59 yards on six receptions, White finished with two receiving touchdowns and 92 yards on including a touchdown catch in the third quarter. two receptions. White also finished the game with one rushing touchdown on one carry. Leading the receiving corps on the day was junior Line Latu, rack- ing up 86 yards on three receptions with a score. Junior Isaac Hold- Ohio wide receiver Andrew Meyer hauled in a team-high three er logged his best receiving performance of the season, adding 53 receptions for 52 yards and caught a touchdown -- his second re- yards on three receptions, highlighted by a 41-yard touchdown ceiving score in the last three games. Redshirt sophomore wide catch in the third. receiver Cameron Odom hauled in his second touchdown catch of the season. Redshirt senior running back Maleek Irons racked up a game-high 116 rushing yards, marking his second 100-yard rush- ing performance of the year. Mid-American Conference Football OCTOBER 22, 2018
Ball State (3-5; 2-2 MAC) at Ohio (4-3, 2-1; MAC) Thursday, October 25, 2018 • 7:00 pm ET • Athens, Ohio • Peden Stadium (24,000) CBS Sports Network Series: Ball State leads 15-9 Head Coach: Mike Neu Defense: Career: 9-23 (3rd year) at Ball State: 9-23 (3rd year) Tackles: LB Jacob White (59 tackles, 4.5 tfl, 1.0 sack) Contact: Mike Clark, 765-285-8904, [email protected] Sacks: LB Christian Albright (42 tackles, 5.0 tfl, 5.0 sacks) Int.: DB Ray Wilborn (53 tackles, 6.5 tfl, 2 INT) Offense: Rush: RB James Gilbert (124 att., 534 yards rushing, 5 TDs) Notes: Ball State lost 42-20 to Eastern Michigan on Oct. 20...QB Riley Pass: QB Riley Neal (187-320 passing, 1,841 yds., 10 TDs) Neal was 21-39 passing for 157 yards and one touchdown...WR Justin Rec.: WR Riley Miller (44 rec., 582 yds., 3 TDs) Hall led with 10 receptions for 81 yards and WR Riley Miller added four catches for 36 yards and one touchdown...RB Will Jones had an 80-yard touchdown run. Head Coach: Frank Solich Defense: Career: 159-93 (20th year) at Ohio: 101-74 (14th year) Tackles: LB Evan Croutch (47 tackles, 6.0 tfl, 1.0 sack, 2 INT) Contact: Mike Ashcraft, 740-593-1299, [email protected] Sacks: DL Kent Berger (21 tackles, 3.5 tfl, 3.0 sacks) Int.: S Javon Hagan (49 tackles, 2 INT) Offense: Rush: RB AJ Ouellette (107 att., 403 yards, 5 TDs) Notes: Ohio won 49-14 over Bowling Green on Oct. 20...Ohio scored Pass: QB Nathan Rourke (93-152 passing, 1,493 yds., 13 TDs) 35 points in the first half, it is the second time this season to score 35 Rec.: WR Papi White (35 rec., 632 yds., 6 TDs) points in one half (Sept. 29 vs. UMass)...QB Nathan Rourke threw for career-high four touchdowns...The last Bobcat quarterback to throw for four touchdowns was Greg Windom on Sept. 3, 2016 vs. Texas State. Toledo (3-4, 1-2; MAC) at Western Michigan (6-2, 4-0 MAC) Thursday, October 25, 2018 • 7:00 pm ET • Kalamazoo, Mich. • Waldo Stadium (30,200) ESPN2 Series: Toledo leads 43-30 Head Coach: Jason Candle Defense: Career: 24-11 (3rd year) at Toledo: 24-11 (3rd year) Tackles: DB Kahlil Robinson (47 tackles) Contact: Paul Helgren, 419-530-4918, [email protected] Sacks: DL Tuzar Skipper (38 tackles, 6.5 tfl, 5.0 sacks) Int.: DB Tycen Anderson (26 tackles, 1 INT) Offense: Rush: RB Shakif Seymour (78 att., 355 yds., 3 TDs) Notes: Toledo lost 31-17 to Buffalo on Oct. 20...Rockets defense Pass: QB Michael Guadagni (59-102 passing, 913 yds., 11 TDs) grabbed three interceptions, its most in a game since Sept. 26, 2015 Rec.: WR Diontae Johnson (24 rec., 434 yds., 6 TDs) against Arkansas State...Toledo’s 13 tackles for loss are the most since 2016 (11 TFL vs. Maine (Sept. 10) and Fresno State (Sept. 17)...Eleven Rockets were credited with at least 0.5 TFL. Head Coach: Tim Lester Defense: Career: 52-31 (8th year) at Western Michigan: 12-8 (2nd year) Tackles: LB Alex Grace (59 tackles, 8.0 tfl, 1.0 sack) Contact: Kristin Keirns, 269-387-4123, [email protected] Sacks: DL Ali Fayad (20 tackles, 7.5 tfl, 5.0 sacks) Int.: DB Anton Curtis (14 tackles, 2 INT) Offense: Rush: RB LeVante Bellamy (122 att., 821 yards, 5 TDs) Notes: Western Michigan won 35-10 at Central Michigan on Oct. 20... Pass: QB Jon Wassink (149-241 passing, 1,980 yards, 16 TDs) RB LeVante Bellamy had a game-high 145 yards and one touchdown, Rec.: WR Jayden Reed (38 rec., 551 yards, 6 TDs) for his fourth 100-yard game this season...RB Jamauri Bogan added 97 yards and one touchdown to become the seventh player in school history to eclipse 3,000 career rushing yards...QB Jon Wassink had a career- high three rushing touchdowns on eight attempts. Army (5-2, Independent) at Eastern Michigan (4-4, 2-3; MAC) Saturday, October 27, 2018 • Noon ET • Ypsilanti, Mich. • Rynearson Stadium (30,200) CBS Sports Network Series: Army leads 7-1 Head Coach: Jeff Monken Defense: Career: 67-44 (9th year) at Army: 29-28 (5th year) Tackles: LB James Nachtigal (43 tackles, 5.0 tfl, 5.0 sacks) Contact: Kat Castner, 845-938-7197, [email protected] Sacks: LB James Nachtigal (43 tackles, 5.0 tfl, 5.0 sacks) Int.: DB Jaylon McClinton (30 tackles, 1 INT) Offense: Rush: QB Kelvin Hopkins (110 att., 496 rushing yds., 7 TDs) Notes: Army won 31-30 (2OT) over Miami on Oct. 20...Army has won Pass: QB Kelvin Hopkins (27-56 passing, 605 yards, 4 TDs) 10 straight games at home...It is the longest winning streak at home Rec.: WR Kell Walker (7 rec., 130 yds., 0 TDs) since winning 14 in a row from the 1984 season to the 1986 season... Army is now 7-0 at home in over,me games in its history.
Head Coach: Chris Creighton Defense: Career: 158-84 (22nd year) at Eastern Michigan: 19-38 (5th year) Tackles: LB Kyle Rachwal (71 tackles, 8.0 tfl, 1.0 sack, 2 INT) Football Contact: Greg Steiner, 734-487-0317, [email protected] Sacks: DE Maxx Crosby (32 tackles, 10.0 tfl, 5.0 sacks) Int.: DB Kevin McGill (24 tackles, 1 INT) Offense: Rush: RB Shaq Vann (114 att., 432 yds., 4 TDs) Notes: Eastern Michigan won 42-20 at Ball State on Oct. 20...QB Tyler Pass: QB Tyler Wiegers (107-161 passing, 1,268 yds., 8 TDs) Wiegers was 22-28 passing for 257 yards passing...Wiegers’ 78.6 com- Rec.: WR Blake Banham (37 rec., 479 yds., 3 TDs) pletion percentage ranks second-best in Eastern Michigan single-game history...RB Shaq Vann led with 63 yards on 20 carries and one touch- down...LB Kyle Rachwal added seven tackles and one forced fumble. Mid-American Conference Football OCTOBER 22, 2018
Central Michigan (1-7; 0-4 MAC) at Akron (3-3; 1-2; MAC) Saturday, October 27, 2018 • Noon ET • Akron, Ohio • InfoCision Stadium -- Summa Field (27,881) ESPN3 Series: Central Michigan leads 16-9-1 Head Coach: John Bonamego Defense: Career: 22-25 (4th year) at Central Michigan: 22-25 (4th year) Tackles: LB Malik Fountain (98 tackles, 4.0 tfl, 1.0 sack, 1 INT) Football Contact: Rob Wyman, 989-774-3041, [email protected] Sacks: DL Mike Danna (38 tackles, 8.0 tfl, 6.0 sacks) Int.: DB Sean Bunting (25 tackles, 3.0 tfl, 2 INT) Offense: Rush: RB Jonathan Ward (72 att., 199 rushing yds., 0 TDs) Notes: Central Michigan lost 35-10 to Western Michigan on Oct. 20... Pass: QB Tommy Lazzaro (68-141 passing, 711 yds., 5 TDs) QB Tommy Lazzaro was 9-24 passing for 104 yards and was intercept- Rec.: WR Julian Hicks (20 rec., 211 yds., 3 TDs) ed twice...LB Malik Fountain led with 15 tackles...RB Romello Ross led with 69 yards rushing on 11 carries and a touchdown, which came on a 4-yard run in the third quarter. Head Coach: Terry Bowden Defense: Career: 174-109-2 (25th year) at Akron: 34-47 (7th year) Tackles: LB John Lako (55 tackles, 3.0 tfl) Contact: Cathy Bongiovi, 330-972-6106, [email protected] Sacks: LB Josh Ward (10 tackles, 4.5 tfl, 2.0 sacks) Int.: DB Alvin Davis (25 tackles, 4 INT) Offense: Rush: RB Van Edwards (69 att., 283 rushing yds., 2 TDs) Notes: Akron won 24-23 (OT) over Kent State on Oct. 20...Akron cap- Pass: QB Kato Nelson (95-181 passing, 1,199 yards, 8 TDs) tured its fourth consecutive Wagon Wheel trophy...QB Kato Nelson Rec.: WR Andre Williams (23 rec., 361 yds., 4 TDs) went 19-of-35 for 219 yards and a touchdown and was also the Zips’ leading rusher with a career-high 90 yards on 17 rushes, including a career-long 55-yard run...LB John Lako led with 13 tackles. Northern Illinois (4-3, 4-0; MAC) at BYU (4-3; Independent) Saturday, October 27, 2018 • 3:30 pm ET/2:30 pm CT • Provo, Utah • LaVell Edwards Stadium (64,045) ESPNU Series: First Meeting Head Coach: Rod Carey Defense: Career: 48-27 (6th year) at NIU: 48-27 (6th year) Tackles: LB Antonio Jones-Davis (71 tackles, 7.0 tfl, 3.0 sacks) Football Contact: Donna Turner, 815-753-9513, [email protected] Sacks: DE Sutton Smith (29 tackles, 13.0 tfl, 7.0 sacks) Int.: DB Trayshon Foster (32 tackles, 1 INT) Offense: Rush: RB Tre Harbison (90 att., 442 rushing yds., 3 TDs) Notes: NIU had a bye week and last played with a 24-21 win over Ohio Pass: QB Marcus Childers (118-214 passing, 949 yds., 8 TDs) on Oct. 13...NIU held an opponent scoreless in the first quarter for the Rec.: WR D.J. Brown (36 rec., 327 yds., 3 TDs) fifth time in seven games this season...QB Marcus Childers had169 yards rushing on 23 carries to earn his first 100-yard rushing game of his career...LB Sutton Smith had two sacks, 2.5 tfl and a forced fumble. Head Coach: Kalani Sitake Defense: Career: 17-16 (3rd year) at BYU: 17-16 (3rd year) Tackles: LB Sione Takitaki (46 tackles, 3.0 tfl) Football Contact: Brett Pyne, 801-422-4912, [email protected] Sacks: DL Corbin Kaufusi (34 tackles, 7.0 tfl, 6.0 sacks) Int.: LB Zayne Anderson (36 tackles, 1.0 tfl, 1 INT) Offense: Rush: RB Squally Canada (71 att., 334 rushing yds., 5 TDs) Notes: BYU had a bye week and last played with a 49-23 win over Pass: QB Tanner Mangum (112-182 passing, 1,042 yds., 5 TDs) Hawaii on Oct. 13...BYU scored in every quarter against Hawai’i...DL Rec.: WR Aleva Hifo (21 rec., 225 yds., 1 TD) Corbin Kaufusi recorded a career high two sacks and led with eight tack- les...BYU had four players score rushing touchdowns for the first time since 2015 vs. Wagner, and first time vs. FBS foe since 2009 (UNLV). Kent State (1-7, 0-4; MAC) at Bowling Green (1-7, 0-4; MAC) Tuesday, October 30, 2018 • 8:00 pm ET • Bowling Green, Ohio • Doyt L. Perry Stadium (24,000) ESPNU Series: Bowling Green leads 60-19-6 Head Coach: Sean Lewis Defense: Career: 1-7 (1st year) at Kent State: 1-7 (1st year) Tackles: LB Matt Bahr (65 tackles, 4.5 tfl, 1.0 sacks) Football Contact: Aaron Chimenti, 330-672-8468, [email protected] Sacks: DE Theo Eboigbe (18 tackles, 3.0 tfl, 2.0 sacks) Int.: DB Jamal Parker (56 tackles, 2 INT) Offense: Rush: RB Justin Rankin (109 att., 560 rushing yds; 4 TDs) Notes: Kent State lost 24-23 (OT) to Akron on Oct. 20...QB Woody Bar- Pass: QB Woody Barrett (173-286 passing, 1,748 yards, 8 TDs) rett was 16-30 passing for 188 yards and one touchdown, while adding Rec.: WR Isaiah McKoy (36 rec., 368 yds., 2 TDs) 16 carries for 81 yards and one score...RB Justin Rankin had 15 carries for 49 yards and one touchdown...Rankin added three receptions for 36 yards and one score. Interim Head Coach: Carl Pelini Defense: Tackles: LB Brandon Harris (85 tackles, 2.0 tfl) Football Contact: Jason Knavel, 419-372-7075, [email protected] Sacks: DL Roland Walder (19 tackles, 1.5 tfl, 1.0 sack) Int.: DB Marcus Milton (32 tackles, 2 INT) Offense: Rush: RB Andrew Clair (105 att., 495 rushing yds., 4 TDs) Notes: Falcons lost 49-14 at Ohio on Oct. 20...QB Jarret Doege com- Pass: QB Jarret Doege (182-285 passing, 2,078 yards, 20 TDs) pleted 19-24 passes for 214 yards and two touchdown passes...This Rec.: WR Scott Miller (48 rec., 785 yds., 7 TDs) marked his 12th-consecutive game that he’s accounted for multiple touchdowns...WR Scott Miller had six catches for 145 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown pass. Mid-American Conference Football OCTOBER 22, 2018
Miami (3-5; 3-1 MAC) at Buffalo (7-1; 4-0; MAC) Tuesday, October 30, 2018 • 8:00 pm ET • Buffalo, N.Y. • UB Stadium (29,013) ESPN2 Series: Miami leads 14-6 Head Coach: Chuck Martin Defense: Career: 92-45 (11th year) at Miami: 18-38 (5th year) Tackles: LB De’Andre Montgomery (53 tackles, 1.5 tfl, 1.0 sack) Football Contact: Dave Meyer, 513-529-4329, [email protected] Sacks: DL Doug Costin (40 tackles, 8.5 tfl, 5.0 sacks) Int.: LB Brad Koenig (72 tackles, 7.5 tfl, 3.0 sacks, 3 INT) Offense: Rush: RB Alonzo Smith (72 att., 342 yds., 2 TDs) Notes: Miami lost 31-30 (2OT) at Army on Oct. 20...QB Gus Ragland Pass: QB Gus Ragland (160-264 passing, 1,769 yds., 14 TDs) had 329 yards passing with four passing touchdowns while adding 56 Rec.: WR Jack Sorenson (32 rec., 499 yds., 2 TDs) yards on the ground...WR Jack Sorenson led the receiving corps with 75 yards, and Kenny Young and Jalen Walker each added 71 yards. De- fensively, Brad Koenig led the way with a career-high 23 total tackles. Head Coach: Lance Leipold Defense: Career: 129-30 (11th year) at Buffalo: 20-24 (4th year) Tackles: LB Khalil Hodge (99 tackles, 5.0 tfl) Football Contact: Jon Fuller, 716-645-6762, [email protected] Sacks: DE Chuck Harris (34 tackles, 7.0 tfl, 7.0 sacks) Int.: DB Cameron Lewis (18 tackles, 0.5 tfl, 3 INT) Offense: Rush: RB Kevin Marks (112 att., 579 yds., 7 TDs) Notes: Buffalo won 31-17 at Toledo on Oct. 20...QB Tyree Jackson Pass: QB Tyree Jackson (139-246 passing, 1,869 yards, 20 TDs) threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns...WR Anthony Johnson had Rec.: WR K.J. Osborn (40 rec., 696 yds., 6 TDs) four catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns...WR K.J. Osborn tied a season high with seven catches for 90 yards...LB Khalil Hodge led with 13 tackles and one tackle for loss.
SEVENTY-SEVEN (71) FORMER MAC STUDENTS ON NFL ROSTERS
NFL Team Yr. MAC School Indianapolis (1) Pittsburgh (8) Arizona (1) DE Tarell Basham 2 Ohio LB Keion Adams-PS 2 Western Michigan LB Gabe Martin-IR 2 Bowling Green DE Ola Adeniyi-IR R Toledo Jacksonville (2) WR Antonio Brown 9 Central Michigan Baltimore (1) LB Blair Brown 2 Ohio RB Jarvion Franklin-PS R Western Michigan WR Willie Snead 4 Ball State DB Barry Church 9 Toledo FB Roosevelt Nix 4 Kent State OL Chukwuma Okorafor R Western Michigan Carolina (1) Kansas City (4) QB Ben Roethlisberger 15 Miami (Ohio) OL Taylor Moton 2 Western Michigan OL Eric Fisher 6 Central Michigan DL L.T. Walton 4 Central Michigan RB Kareem Hunt 2 Toledo Chicago (1) OL Ryan Hunter-PS R Bowling Green San Francisco (2) LB Khalil Mack 5 Buffalo OL Andrew Wylie 1 Eastern Michigan OT Joe Staley 12 Central Michigan DB Jimmie Ward 5 Northern Illinois Cincinnati (2) Los Angeles Chargers (3) DB Darius Phillips R Western Michigan DB Jahleel Addae 6 Central Michigan Seattle (2) TE Mason Schreck 2 Buffalo LB Jatavis Brown 3 Akron WR Brandon Marshall 13 Central Florida TE Antonio Gates 16 Kent State OL Elijah Nkansah-PS R Toledo Cleveland (2) DB T.J. Carrie 5 Ohio Miami (2) Tampa Bay (3) LB Justin Currie-IR 2 Western Michigan LB Quentin Poling-PS R Ohio WR Sergio Bailey-IR R Eastern Michigan OL Josh Sitton 11 Central Florida DL Demone Harris-PS R Buffalo Dallas (3) DL Pat O’Connor-PS 1 Eastern Michigan S Kavon Frazier 3 Central Michigan Minnesota (3) LB Justin March-Lillard 4 Akron WR Chad Beebe-PS R Northern Illinois Tennessee (7) QB Cooper Rush 2 Central Michigan TE Tyler Conklin R Central Michigan WR Corey Davis 2 Western Michigan OT Storm Norton-PS 1 Toledo RB David Fluellen 2 Toledo Denver (1) P Brett Kern 11 Toledo K Brandon McManus 5 Temple New England (1) OL Josh Kline 6 Kent State WR Julian Edelman 10 Kent State WR Tajae Sharpe 3 UMass Detroit (6) LB Robert Spillane-PS R Western Michigan LB Nick Bellore 8 Central Michigan New Orleans (1) QB Logan Woodside-PS R Toledo WR Kenny Golladay 2 Northern Illinois WR Tommylee Lewis 3 Northern Illinois OL T.J. Lang 10 Eastern Michigan PS - Practice Squad; IR - Injured-Reserve List DB Rolan Milligan-PS 1 Toledo N.Y. Giants (4) (As of NFL Rosters on Sept. 6, 2018) K Matt Prater 12 Central Florida DB Sam Beal-IR R Western Michigan Currently there are 71 former MAC students on TE Michael Roberts 2 Toledo OL John Greco 11 Toledo rosters across the National Football League. WR Alonzo Russell-PS 1 Toledo Green Bay (4) DT Kristjan Sokoli-IR 2 Buffalo In the 2017 NFL Draft, Western Michigan WR RB Darius Jackson 3 Eastern Michigan Corey Davis was selected as the fifth overall selec- RB Joel Bouagnon-PS 1 Northern Illinois N.Y. Jets (1) tion in the first round by Tennessee. Davis marks DB Quinten Rollins-IR 4 Miami (Ohio) OL Brian Winters 6 Kent State DL Muhammad Wilkerson 8 Temple the third time in the last five years to have a MAC Oakland (2) student selected in the top five overall of the first Houston (1) DB Rashaan Melvin 6 Northern Illinois round. OL Greg Mancz 3 Toledo LB Tahir Whitehead 7 Temple Buffalo LB Khalil Mack was the fifth overall selec- Philadelphia (2) tion by Oakland in the 2014 NFL Draft. Central OL Brandon Brooks 7 Miami (Ohio) Michigan OT Eric Fisher became the first MAC DL Joe Ostman-PS R Central Michigan football player to be selected as the overall No. 1 selection in the NFL Draft. Kansas City selected Fisher as No.1 choice in the 2013 NFL Draft. Mid-American Conference Football OCTOBER 22, 2018
2018 Akron Zips (3-3, 1-2) Date Opponent Time Television Series/Results Sat., Sept. 1 at Nebraska 8:00 pm ET FOX Cancelled due to weather Sat., Sept. 8 Morgan State 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ W, 41-7 Sat., Sept. 15 at Northwestern 7:30 pm ET Big Ten Network W, 39-34 Sat., Sept. 22 at Iowa State Noon ET FSN L, 13-26 Sat., Oct. 6 * Miami 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ L, 17-41 Sat., Oct. 13 *at Buffalo Noon ET CBS Sports Network L, 6-24 Sat., Oct. 20 *at Kent State 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ W, 24-23 (OT) Sat., Oct. 27 *Central Michigan Noon ET ESPN3 CMU leads 16-9-1 Thur., Nov. 1 *NIU 7:00 pm ET ESPNU/CBS Sports Network NIU leads 9-5 Sat., Nov. 10 *at Eastern Michigan TBA TBA Akron leads 19-12 Sat., Nov. 17 *Bowling Green TBA TBA BGSU leads 16-8 Fri., Nov. 23 *at Ohio TBA TBA Ohio leads 20-13-1 *Mid-American Conference game 2018 Ball State Cardinals (3-5, 2-2) Date Opponent Time Television Series/Results Thur., Aug. 30 Central Connecticut State 7:00 pm ET ESPN+ W, 42-6 Sat., Sept. 8 at Notre Dame 3:30 pm ET NBC L, 16-24 Sat., Sept. 15 at Indiana Noon ET Big Ten Network L, 10-38 Sat., Sept. 22 Western Kentucky 3:00 pm ET ESPN3 L, 20-28 Sat., Sept. 29 *Kent State 3:00 pm ET ESPN+ W, 52-24 Sat., Oct. 6 *NIU 3:00 pm ET ESPN3 L, 16-24 Sat., Oct. 13 *at Central Michigan 3:00 pm ET ESPN3 W, 24-23 Sat., Oct. 20 *Eastern Michigan 3:00 pm ET ESPN+ L, 20-42 Thur., Oct. 25 *at Ohio 7:00 pm ET CBS Sports Network BSU leads 15-9 Wed., Oct. 31 *at Toledo 7:30 pm ET ESPN2 Toledo leads 23-19-1 Tue., Nov. 13 *Western Michigan 6:00 pm ET ESPN2 WMU leads 25-19 Tue., Nov. 20 *at Miami 7:00 pm ET ESPNU/ESPN+ Miami leads 18-12-1 *Mid-American Conference game 2018 Bowling Green Falcons (1-7, 0-4) Date Opponent Time Television Series/Results Sat., Sept. 1 at Oregon 8:00 pm ET Pac-12 Network L, 24-58 Sat., Sept. 8 Maryland 6:00 pm ET ESPN+ L, 14-45 Sat., Sept. 15 Eastern Kentucky 4:00 pm ET ESPN3 W, 42-35 Sat., Sept. 22 *Miami 3:00 pm ET ESPN+ L, 23-38 Sat., Sept. 29 at Georgia Tech Noon ET ACC RSN L, 17-63 Sat., Oct. 6 *at Toledo 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ L, 36-52 Sat., Oct. 13 *Western Michigan 3:00 pm ET ESPN+ L, 35-42 Sat., Oct. 20 *at Ohio 2:00 pm ET ESPN3 L, 14-49 Tue., Oct. 30 *Kent State 8:00 pm ET ESPNU BGSU leads 60-19-6 Sat., Nov. 10 *at Central Michigan TBA TBA BGSU leads 21-19 Sat., Nov. 17 *at Akron TBA TBA BGSU leads 16-8 Fri., Nov. 23 *Buffalo TBA TBA BGSU leads 11-4 *Mid-American Conference game 2018 Buffalo Bulls (7-1, 4-0) Date Opponent Time Television Series/Results Sat., Sept. 1 Delaware State 6:00 pm ET ESPN3 W, 48-10 Sat., Sept. 8 at Temple 3:30 pm ET ESPN3 W, 36-29 Sat., Sept. 15 *Eastern Michigan 6:00 pm ET ESPN+ W, 35-28 Sat., Sept. 22 at Rutgers Noon ET Big Ten Network W, 42-13 Sat., Sept. 29 Army Noon ET CBS Sports Network L, 13-42 Sat., Oct. 6 *at Central Michigan Noon ET CBS Sports Network W, 34-24 Sat., Oct. 13 *Akron Noon ET CBS Sports Network W, 24-6 Sat., Oct. 20 *at Toledo Noon ET Raycom/ESPN+ W, 31-17 Tue., Oct. 30 *Miami 8:00 pm ET ESPN2 Miami leads 14-6 Tue., Nov. 6 *Kent State 7:30 pm ET ESPNU Buffalo leads 12-11 Wed., Nov. 14 *at Ohio 7:00 pm ET/8:00 pm ET ESPN2/ESPNU Ohio leads 14-10 Fri., Nov. 23 *at Bowling Green TBA TBA BGSU leads 11-4 *Mid-American Conference game 2018 Central Michigan Chippewas (1-7, 0-4) Date Opponent Time Television Series/Results Sat., Sept. 1 at Kentucky 3:30 pm ET ESPNU L, 20-35 Sat., Sept. 8 Kansas 3:00 pm ET ESPN+ L, 7-31 Sat., Sept. 15 *at NIU 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ L, 16-24 Sat., Sept. 22 Maine 3:00 pm ET ESPN+ W, 17-5 Sat., Sept. 29 at Michigan State Noon ET FS1 L, 20-31 Sat., Oct. 6 *Buffalo Noon ET CBS Sports Network L, 24-34 Sat., Oct. 13 *Ball State 3:00 pm ET ESPN3 L, 23-24 Sat., Oct. 20 *Western Michigan 3:00 pm ET ESPN+ L, 10-35 Sat., Oct. 27 *at Akron Noon ET ESPN3 CMU leads 16-9-1 Sat., Nov. 3 *at Eastern Michigan TBA TBA CMU leads 60-29-6 Sat., Nov. 10 *Bowling Green TBA TBA BGSU leads 22-18 Fri., Nov. 23 *at Toledo TBA TBA Toledo leads 25-18-3 *Mid-American Conference game 2018 Eastern Michigan Eagles (4-4, 2-3) Date Opponent Time Television Series/Results Fri., Aug. 31 Monmouth 6:30 pm ET ESPN+ W, 51-17 Sat., Sept. 8 at Purdue Noon ET Big Ten Network W, 20-19 Sat., Sept. 15 *at Buffalo 6:00 pm ET ESPN+ L, 28-35 Sat., Sept. 22 at San Diego State 10:30 pm ET CBS Sports Network L, 20-23 OT Sat., Sept. 29 *NIU 6:00 pm ET ESPN+ L, 23-26 (3OT) Sat., Oct. 6 *at Western Michigan Noon ET ESPN+ L, 24-27 Sat., Oct. 13 *Toledo Noon ET ESPN+ W, 28-26 Sat., Oct. 20 *at Ball State 3:00 pm ET ESPN+ W, 42-20 Sat., Oct. 27 Army Noon ET CBS Sports Network Army leads 7-1 Sat., Nov. 3 *Central Michigan TBA TBA CMU leads 60-29-6 Sat., Nov. 10 *Akron TBA TBA Akron leads 19-12 Fri., Nov. 23 *at Kent State TBA TBA Kent State leads 17-13 *Mid-American Conference game Mid-American Conference Football OCTOBER 22, 2018
2018 Kent State Golden Flashes (1-7, 0-4) Date Opponent Time Television Series/Results Sat., Sept. 1 at Illinois 12:00 pm ET Big Ten Network L, 24-31 Sat., Sept. 8 Howard 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ W, 54-14 Sat., Sept. 15 at Penn State Noon ET FS1 L, 10-63 Sat., Sept. 22 at Ole Miss Noon ET SEC Network L, 17-38 Sat., Sept. 29 *at Ball State 3:00 pm ET ESPN+ L, 24-52 Sat., Oct. 6 *Ohio 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ L, 26-27 Sat., Oct. 13 *at Miami 2:30 pm ET ESPN+ L, 6-31 Sat., Oct. 20 *Akron 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ L, 23-24 (OT) Tue., Oct. 30 *at Bowling Green 8:00 pm ET ESPNU BGSU leads 60-19-6 Tue., Nov. 6 *at Buffalo 7:30 pm ET ESPNU Buffalo leads 12-11 Thur., Nov. 15 *Toledo 6:00 pm ET CBS Sports Network Toledo leads 25-21 Fri., Nov. 23 *Eastern Michigan TBA TBA KSU leads 17-13 *Mid-American Conference game 2018 Miami RedHawks (3-5, 3-1) Date Opponent Time Television Series/Results Sat., Sept. 1 Marshall 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ L, 28-35 Sat., Sept. 8 Cincinnati (at Paul Brown Stadium) 8:00 pm ET Raycom/ESPN3 L, 0-21 Sat., Sept. 15 at Minnesota 3:30 pm ET Big Ten Network L, 3-26 Sat., Sept. 22 *at Bowling Green 3:00 pm ET ESPN+ W, 38-23 Sat., Sept. 29 *Western Michigan 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ L, 39-40 Sat., Oct. 6 *at Akron 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ W, 41-17 Sat., Oct. 13 *Kent State 2:30 pm ET ESPN+ W, 31-6 Sat., Oct. 20 at Army Noon ET CBS Sports Network L, 30-31 (2OT) Tue., Oct. 30 *at Buffalo 8:00 pm ET ESPN2 Miami leads 14-6 Wed., Nov. 7 *Ohio 7:00 pm ET/8:00 pm ET ESPN2/ESPNU Miami leads 52-40-2 Wed., Nov. 14 *at NIU 7:00 pm ET/8:00 pm ET ESPN2/ESPNU NIU leads 9-7 Tue., Nov. 20 *Ball State 7:00 pm ET ESPNU/ESPN+ Miami leads 18-11-1 *Mid-American Conference game 2018 Northern Illinois Huskies (4-3, 4-0) Date Opponent Time Television Series/Results Sat., Sept. 1 at Iowa 3:30 pm ET/2:30 pm CT Big Ten Network L, 7-33 Sat., Sept. 8 Utah 7:30 pm ET/6:30 pm CT ESPNews L, 6-17 Sat., Sept. 15 *Central Michigan 3:30 pm ET/2:30 pm CT ESPN+ W, 24-16 Sat., Sept. 22 at Florida State 3:30 pm ET/2:30 pm CT ESPNU L, 19-37 Sat., Sept. 29 *at Eastern Michigan 6:00 pm ET/5:00 pm CT ESPN+ W, 26-23 (3OT) Sat., Oct. 6 *at Ball State 3:00 pm ET/2:00 pm CT ESPN3 W, 24-16 Sat., Oct. 13 *Ohio 3:30 pm ET/2:30 pm CT ESPN+ W, 24-21 Sat., Oct. 27 at BYU 3:30 pm ET/2:30 pm CT ESPNU First Meeting Thur., Nov. 1 *at Akron 7:00 pm ET/6:00 pm CT ESPNU/CBS Sports Network NIU leads 9-5 Wed., Nov. 7 *Toledo TBA ESPN2/ESPNU Toledo leads 31-14 Wed., Nov. 14 *Miami TBA ESPN2/ESPNU NIU leads 9-8 Tue., Nov. 20 *at Western Michigan 7:00 pm ET/6:00 pm CT ESPNU/ESPN+ WMU leads 24-19 *Mid-American Conference game 2018 Ohio Bobcats (4-3, 2-1) Date Opponent Time Television Series/Results Sat., Sept. 1 Howard 2:00 pm ET ESPN+ W, 38-32 Sat., Sept. 15 at Virginia 3:00 pm ET ACC Network Extra L, 31-45 Sat., Sept. 22 at Cincinnati Noon ET ESPNU L, 30-34 Sat., Sept. 29 UMass 2:00 pm ET ESPN3 W, 58-42 Sat., Oct. 6 *at Kent State 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ W, 27-26 Sat., Oct. 13 *at NIU 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ L, 21-24 Sat., Oct. 20 *Bowling Green 2:00 pm ET ESPN3 W, 49-14 Thur., Oct. 25 *Ball State 7:00 pm ET CBS Sports Network BSU leads 15-9 Thur., Nov. 1 *at Western Michigan 7:00 pm ET ESPNU/CBS Sports Network WMU leads 33-28-1 Wed., Nov. 7 *at Miami 7:00 pm ET/8:00 pm ET ESPN2/ESPNU Miami leads 52-40-2 Wed., Nov. 14 *Buffalo 7:00 pm ET/8:00 pm ET ESPN2/ESPNU Ohio leads 13-11 Fri., Nov. 23 *Akron TBA TBA Ohio leads 19-14-1 *Mid-American Conference game 2018 Toledo Rockets (3-4, 1-2) Date Opponent Time Television Series/Results Sat., Sept. 1 VMI 7:00 pm ET ESPN3 W, 66-3 Sat., Sept. 15 Miami (Fla.) Noon ET ESPN2 L, 24-49 Sat., Sept. 22 Nevada Noon ET CBS Sports Network W, 63-44 Sat., Sept. 29 at Fresno State 10:30 pm ET ESPNU L, 27-49 Sat., Oct. 6 *Bowling Green 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ W, 52-36 Sat., Oct. 13 *at Eastern Michigan Noon ET ESPN+ L, 26-28 Sat., Oct. 20 *Buffalo Noon ET Raycom/ESPN+ L, 17-31 Thur., Oct. 25 *at Western Michigan 7:00 pm ET ESPN2 Toledo leads 41-30 Wed., Oct. 31 *Ball State 7:30 pm ET ESPN2 Toledo leads 23-19-1 Wed, Nov. 7 *at NIU 7:00 pm ET/8:00 pm ET ESPN2/ESPNU Toledo leads 31-14 Thur., Nov. 15 *at Kent State 6:00 pm ET CBS Sports Network Toledo leads 25-21 Fri., Nov. 23 *Central Michigan TBA TBA Toledo leads 25-18-3 *Mid-American Conference game 2018 Western Michigan Broncos (6-2, 4-0) Date Opponent Time Television Series/Results Fri., Aug. 31 Syracuse 6:00 pm ET CBS Sports Network L, 42-55 Sat., Sept. 8 at Michigan Noon ET FS1 L, 3-49 Sat., Sept. 15 Delaware State 7:00 pm ET ESPN+ W, 68-0 Sat., Sept. 22 at Georgia State 2:00 pm ET ESPN+ W, 34-15 Sat., Sept. 29 *at Miami 3:30 pm ET ESPN+ W, 40-39 Sat., Oct. 6 *Eastern Michigan Noon ET ESPN+ W, 27-24 Sat., Oct. 13 *at Bowling Green 3:00 pm ET ESPN+ W, 42-35 Sat., Oct. 20 *at Central Michigan 3:00 pm ET ESPN+ W, 35-10 Thur., Oct. 25 *Toledo 7:00 pm ET ESPN2 Toledo leads 43-30 Thur., Nov. 1 *Ohio 7:00 pm ET ESPNU/CBS Sports Network WMU leads 33-28-1 Tue., Nov. 13 *at Ball State 6:00 pm ET ESPN2 WMU leads 25-19 Tue., Nov. 20 *NIU TBA TBA WMU leads 24-18 *Mid-American Conference game Mid-American Conference Football OCTOBER 22, 2018
2018 Non-Conference Opponents MAC Students on 2018 Preseason Watch Lists WALTER CAMP AWARD (Best College Football Player) ACC (5): (0-5) WR Diontae Johnson (Toledo) Florida State (NIU): L, 19-37 Georgia Tech (Bowling Green): L, 17-63 MAXWELL AWARD (Outstanding College Football Player) Miami (Toledo): L, 24-49 RB James Gilbert (Ball State) Syracuse (Western Michigan): L, 42-55 WR Anthony Johnson (Buffalo) WR James Gardner (Miami) Virginia (Ohio): L, 31-45 QB Nathan Rourke (Ohio) American Athletic (3): (1-2) CHUCK BEDNARIK AWARD (Defensive Player of the Year) Cincinnati (Miami; Ohio): L, 0-21; L 30-34 LB Ulysees Gilbert III (Akron) Temple (Buffalo): W, 36-29 LB Khalil Hodge (Buffalo) DE Maxx Crosby (Eastern Michigan) LB Sutton Smith (Northern Illinois) Big Ten (12): (3-8) Illinois (Kent State): L, 24-31 BILETNIKOFF AWARD (Top Wide Receiver) Indiana (Ball State): L, 10-38 James Gardner (Miami); Justin Hall (Ball State); Iowa (NIU): L, 7-33 Anthony Johnson (Buffalo); Diontae Johnson (Toledo); Maryland (Bowling Green): L, 14-45 Scott Miller (Bowling Green); Kwadarrius Smith (Akron); Michigan (Western Michigan): L, 3-49 Cody Thompson (Toledo) Michigan State (Central Michigan): L, 20-31 BRONKO NAGURSKI AWARD (Defensive Player of the Year) Minnesota (Miami): L, 3-26 DE Maxx Crosby (Eastern Michigan) Nebraska (Akron): Cancelled LB Ulysees Gilbert III (Akron) Northwestern (Akron): W, 39-34 LB Khalil Hodge (Buffalo) Penn State (Kent State): L, 10-63 DE Sutton Smith (Northern Illinois) Purdue (Eastern Michigan): W, 20-19 DICK BUTKUS AWARD (Best Linebacker) Rutgers (Buffalo): W, 42-13 Khalil Hodge (Buffalo) Big 12 (2): (0-2) EARL CAMPBELL TYLER ROSE AWARD (Top Offensive Player) Iowa State (Akron): L, 13-26 QB Jarret Doege (Bowling Green) Kansas (Central Michigan): L, 7-31 LOU GROZA AWARD (Outstanding Kicker) Jameson Vest (Toledo) Conference USA (2): (0-2) Louie Zervos (Ohio) Marshall (Miami): L, 28-35 Western Kentucky (Ball State): L, 20-28 TED HENDRICKS AWARD (Top Defensive End) Maxx Crosby (Eastern Michigan) Mountain West (3): (1-2) Sutton Smith (Northern Illinois) Fresno State (Toledo): L, 27-49 PAUL HORNUNG AWARD (Most Versatile Player) Nevada (Toledo): W, 63-44 RB Andrew Clair (Bowling Green) San Diego State (Eastern Michigan): L, 20-23 OT RB Malik Dunner (Ball State) WR Diontae Johnson (Toledo) Pac-12 (2): (0-2) Oregon (Bowling Green): L, 24-58 MANNING AWARD (Best Quarterback) Utah (NIU): L, 6-17 Nathan Rourke (Ohio); Tyree Jackson (Buffalo); Gus Ragland (Miami); Jon Wassink (Western Michigan) SEC (2): (0-2) JOHN MACKEY AWARD (Best Tight End) Kentucky (Central Michigan): L, 20-35 Nate Becker (Miami) Ole Miss (Kent State): L, 17-38 Nolan Givan (Ball State) Tyler Mabry (Buffalo) Sun Belt (1): (1-0) Giovanni Ricci (Western Michigan). Georgia State (Western Michigan): W, 34-15 DAVEY O’BRIEN AWARD (Top Quarterback) Tyree Jackson (Buffalo) Independent (6): (1-3) QB Nathan Rourke (Ohio) Army (3) (Buffalo; Miami; Eastern Michigan): L, 13-42; L, 30-31 (2OT) BYU (NIU) OUTLAND AWARD (Top Interior Lineman) Notre Dame (Ball State): L, 16-24 OG Luke Juriga (Western Michigan); C John Keenoy (Western Michigan); UMass (Ohio): W, 58-42 OG Jimmy Leatiota (Eastern Michigan); OT Joe Lowery (Ohio); OT Max Scharping (NIU) RIMINGTON TROPHY (Most Outstanding Center) FCS Opponents (I-AA) Andrew Poenitsch (Ball State); James O’Hagan (Buffalo); Dakota Tallman (Eastern Michigan); Danny Godlevske (Miami); Big South (1): (1-0) Luke Shively (Northern Illinois); John Keenoy (Western Michigan) Monmouth (Eastern Michigan): W, 51-17 RAY GUY AWARD (Best College Punter) Derek Adams (Kent State) Colonial Athletic (1): (1-0) Maine (Central Michigan): W, 17-5 JIM THORPE AWARD (Best Defensive Back) S Kyron Brown (Akron) MEAC (5): (5-0) S Javon Hagan (Ohio) Delaware State (Buffalo; Western Michigan): W, 48-10; W, 68-0 JOHNNY UNITAS GOLDEN ARM AWARD (Top Quarterback) Howard (Ohio; Kent State): W, 38-32; W, 54-14 Tyree Jackson (Buffalo) Morgan State (Akron): W, 41-7 Gus Ragland (Miami) Northeast (1): (1-0) DOAK WALKER AWARD (Top Running Back) Central Connecticut (Ball State): W, 42-6 LeVante Bellamy (Western Michigan); Jamauri Bogan (Western Michigan); Andrew Clair (Bowling Green); Ian Eriksen (Eastern Michigan); Ohio Valley (1): (1-0) Emmanuel Reed (Buffalo); Kenny Young (Miami) Eastern Kentucky (Bowling Green): W, 42-35 WUERFFEL TROPHY (Best Community Service) QB Riley Neal (Ball State); DL Mitch Stanitzek (Central Michigan); Southern (1): (1-0) OL Jeremy Hickey (Eastern Michigan); LB Matt Bahr (Kent State); VMI (Toledo): W, 66-3 WR James Gardner (Miami); OL Max Scharping (NIU); WR Cody Thompson (Toledo); RB Jamauri Bogan (Western Michigan); DB Justin Tranquill (Western Michigan)