The Mid-American Conference is transitioning to a new format for the conference this upcoming football season, per a conference press release.

There will no longer be East and West Divisions, instead four pods of three teams will take its place, with the two best teams in the conference (based on winning percentage) facing off in the championship game.

“After significant study and discussion, our membership has made the decision to eliminate divisions in football,” said MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. “A primary goal in our discussions centered around ensuring the scheduling methodology utilized facilitated the best opportunity to put the two best teams into the championship game. The new model will protect rivalries while facilitating a more even rotation of teams through each institution’s schedule.”

Each pod contains one protected rivalry, and include:

• Akron, Kent State, Buffalo
• Bowling Green, Toledo, Northern Illinois
• Miami (OH), Ohio, Ball State
• Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Central Michigan

With the change, players will play a home and an away game against every school during their career.