Mid-American Conference play can never be truly predicted, and while some of the games this week may seem like they will be blowouts, a few matches could produced unexpected upsets.
Toledo vs Bowling Green
The “Battle of I-75” between Toledo and Bowling Green has been dominated by the Rockets over the past five seasons. They've won every matchup. This trend looks as if it will continue this year, as Toledo is favored by 30.5 points.
Coach Jason Candle knows this game is important for his team, and the community as a whole.
“Certainly a huge game, ultimately a big game for our game for the community in Toledo, certainly the game in Northwest Ohio,” Candle said. “It’s not just an extra game, it’s not another game, it’s not another week, it’s different.”
With Bowling Green’s struggles thus far, this season, it may be hard for the Falcons to contain Toledo’s high-powered offense, led by running back Kareem Hunt. He has 554 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
“They’re as explosive as anybody in the conference," Bowling Green coach Mike Kinks said. "They can run it, they can throw it."
Even with the line being over four scores, Jinks thinks his Falcons have a chance.
“We’ll be in it," he said.
No. 24 Western Michigan vs Akron
In its first game as a ranked team in the AP Top 25 Poll, Western Michigan will look to, as coach P.J. Fleck likes to say, “row the boat."
A potential MAC Championship Game preview will be played Saturday if Akron could take advantage of an Ohio slip up in conference play.
Akron will also look to stop Western Michigan’s undefeated season, but coach Terry Bowden knows that it will be a huge challenge.
“They’ve done a great job," Bowden said. "They’re well coached, as good as a coach as I’ve seen all year. Their athletes are at the top level of this conference, they’ve got stars at every position.”
With this game being a potential matchup in the MAC Championship Game, Bowden knows how important this game will be.
“Every conference game counts as one win or one loss,” Bowden said. “But, this will give us a big barometer.”
