After a week or two of few upsets in the Mid-American Conference, Saturday and Wednesday’s slate of games brought some of the biggest upsets of the season. Ohio handed Central Michigan its third loss of the season Saturday, but fell to Toledo on Wednesday. Bowling Green also snapped its 10-game losing streak and found its first MAC win of the season after defeating Buffalo on Wednesday.
Here’s what The Post’s MAC power rankings look like after the upsets:
1. Miami (18-4, 9-2)
The RedHawks survived two close calls this week and defeated Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green — two of the most inconsistent teams in the conference — by single-digit points, but kept the top spot in the power rankings with Ohio’s loss. Miami should add to its eight-game winning streak when it plays Akron on Saturday.
Up next: Feb. 16 at Akron
2. Ohio (20-3, 9-3)
The Bobcats deserved the top spot after they defeated Central Michigan on Saturday, but a 26-point loss to Toledo on Wednesday crushed those hopes. Ohio’s potent offense only scored 50 points against Toledo’s top-ranked defense, and the setback prevents the Bobcats from taking the No. 1 spot.
Up next: Feb. 16 vs. Western Michigan
3. Central Michigan (17-6, 8-3)
The Chippewas still hold first place in the West Division after their loss to Ohio, but now Toledo, who defeated Central Michigan in January, is one game behind. Another loss from the Chippewas could be costly.
Up next: Feb. 16 at Buffalo
4. Toledo (15-7, 7-4)
The Rockets have a win against Central Michigan and a one-point loss to Miami. Their win against Ohio on Wednesday proved that they belong inside the top 5, and if it wasn’t for a logjam at the top of the conference, Toledo could be in the top 3.
Up next: Feb. 16 at Northern Illinois
5. Buffalo (16-6, 8-3)
The Bulls were on the wrong side of the biggest upset to date in the conference when they lost to Bowling Green on the road Wednesday. On a night where Ohio lost and Buffalo could have taken a share of the lead in the East Division, the Bulls instead found their worst loss of the season and moved into third place.
Up next: Feb. 16 vs. Central Michigan
6. Kent State (12-9, 6-5)
The Golden Flashes have only three wins in their last eight games, but could find a winning streak with easy games against Bowling Green and Western Michigan next week.
Up next: Feb. 16 vs. Bowling Green
7. Northern Illinois (14-9, 6-5)
The Huskies have won three of their last four games, but face a tall test against Toledo this week. A loss will give the Huskies a .500 MAC record and end any hope of the Huskies claiming the top spot in the West Division.
Next up: Feb. 16 vs. Toledo
8. Akron (14-8, 5-6)
The Zips are fresh off a 30-point win against Ball State and wrap up their three-game home stretch with a difficult game against Miami this week. No matter what they do the rest of the season, this season has already been a success compared to last year when they finished in last place and won only three conference games.
Next up: Feb. 16 vs. Miami
9. Bowling Green (8-14, 1-10)
The Falcons earned their first conference win and made the MAC’s biggest upset of the season with their win over Buffalo on Wednesday. It’s been a long time coming for Bowling Green, who have six single-digit losses since the start of MAC play.
Next up: Feb. 16 at Kent State
10. Eastern Michigan (10-12, 3-8)
The Eagles scored a season-low 43 points against Toledo on Saturday and have lost six of their last seven games. They can rebound in their next three games against Akron, Ball State and Western Michigan, who have all been inconsistent in MAC play.
Next up: Feb. 16 vs. Ball State
11. Western Michigan (8-13, 2-8)
The Broncos have won once in their last nine games and face a tough test on the road against Ohio this week.
Next up: Feb. 16 at Ohio
12. Ball State (7-16, 2-9)
The Cardinals are on a five-game losing streak and hit rock bottom after a loss to Akron on Wednesday. Besides March 2 against Western Michigan, the Cardinals will be hard pressed to find another win this year.
Next up: Feb. 16 at Eastern Michigan
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect the results of Wednesday night’s games.
