With four weeks of football in the books, teams are getting better clarity on where they stand, but there’s a reason to be optimistic for all 12 teams in the Mid-American Conference.
1. Buffalo Bulls
2018 Record: 4-0, 1-0 MAC
The Bulls are coming off their first win against a Big 10 team in program history, a 42-13 beat down at Rutgers. The duo of Tyree Jackson and Anthony Jackson have yet to disappoint. The two have connected for three touchdowns. Led by Khalil Hodge, Buffalo's defense ranks 36th in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 20 points per game.
This week: at Army.
2. Toledo Rockets
2018 Record: 2-1
After an offseason of fretting over the replacement of Logan Woodside, it seems like the Rockets have moved on. Quarterback Mitchell Guadagni is now at the helm of the Toledo offense and is 23rd in the country in passing touchdowns with nine. He’s also responsible for 66 points, which puts him at 22nd.
This week: at Fresno State
3. Akron Zips
2018 Record: 2-1
Coach Terry Bowden had the Zips in last season’s MAC Championship Game thanks to a win over Ohio. But this season, Akron has started strong, including a win over Big 10 foe Northwestern. Safety Alvin Davis is No. 2 in the country with three interceptions. Quarterback Kato Nelson has seemed to find his footing after only starting the past five games of the 2018 season.
This week: Bye
4. Northern Illinois Huskies
2018 Record: 1-3, 1-0 MAC
This was a toss-up between the Huskies and Bobcats, but at the end of the day, NIU has the better defense. As the old saying goes, defense wins championships. The preseason pick to win the MAC West, the Huskies have forced nine turnovers on the season, best for seventh in the country. Linebacker Sutton Smith has 8.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.
This week: at Eastern Michigan.
5. Ohio Bobcats
2018 Record: 1-2
After two straight weeks of losses on national television, the Bobcats will have to refocus this week. Nathan Rourke’s rushing touchdown numbers aren’t through the roof like last season, but he’s found success throwing the ball, including for 114 yards to Cameron Odom against Cinncinati. His top target, Papi White, was held to just two receptions, but White still has two touchdowns and is averaging more than 100 receiving yards per game.
This week: UMass.
6. Eastern Michigan
2018 Record: 2-2, 0-1 MAC
If there is a dark horse that ends up in Detroit playing for a MAC title, it’s the Eagles. A win at Purdue and an overtime loss to San Diego State is impressive. What’s even more impressive is the No. 2 red zone defense in the country. EMU has allowed just three touchdowns in nine attempts.
This week: Northern Illinois.
7. Western Michigan
2018 Record: 2-2
In season two under coach Tim Lester, the Broncos have won their last two games after losses to Syracuse and Michigan. Running back LeVante Bellamy has rushed for 389 on 50 attempts for three touchdowns. WMU’s defense also has 28 tackles for loss this season, averaging seven per game.
This week: at Miami.
8. Kent State Golden Flashes
2018 Record: 1-3
Four games into the tenure of Sean Lewis, the Golden Flashes seem to be rejuvenated. In three games against Power Five opponents, Kent State has hung around with each, thanks in part to quarterback Woody Barrett, an Auburn transfer, . In the past few seasons, Kent hasn’t had a true quarterback on its roster last the entire season, but Barrett seems to be capable with four passing touchdowns so far in 2018.
This week: at Ball State.
9. Miami RedHawks
2018 Record: 1-3, 1-0 MAC
Miami finally found its first win of the season last week against Bowling Green. Coach Chuck Martin’s team struggled to close out games last season, and in Week 1 against Marshall, the RedHawks couldn’t close out. Still, with quarterback Gus Ragland, Miami has scored on 25 of its last 26 red zone trips, dating back to last season. Of those 26 trips, 20 have resulted in touchdowns (76.9 percent). This season, Miami is a perfect 9-for-9 in the red zone with seven touchdowns.
This week: Western Michigan.
10. Ball State Cardinals
2018 Record: 1-3
A season after injuries ruined the Cardinals season, coach Mike Neu is now in his third season with Ball State. Neu has taken over play calling duties, and running back James Gilbert has rushed for 302 yards and two touchdowns so far this season. He also ranks eighth on the Ball State all-time rushing list.
This week: Kent State
11. Central Michigan Chippewas
2018 Record: 1-3, 0-1 MAC
The Chippewas have struggled to find bright points this season, but their secondary is one of them. Ranking fifth in the country in passing yards allowed, they also have the 36th best defense in the nation.
This week: at Michigan State
12. Bowling Green State Falcons
2018 Record: 1-3, 0-1 MAC
For a defense that’s struggling to stop opponents, the Falcons offense hasn’t had trouble scoring points. They’re averaging 25.8 points per game and are producing 330 yards per game.
This week: at Georgia Tech
