Week seven for the Mid-American Conference (MAC) not only saw a comeback in the biggest rivalry all season in the ‘Battle of I-75’ with the Bowling Green Falcons (3-3, 1-1) stealing the win late against the Toledo Rockets (3-3, 1-2) 28-23, but it would also give an idea of the names that will be in the race for Detroit, Michigan for the conference title.
Here are some of the names to look out for as the road continues Around The MAC.
Ohio
Despite being absent the past weekend, the defending champion Ohio Bobcats (3-3, 2-0) remain one of the MAC’s elite in terms of offense. Senior quarterback Parker Navarro has stayed inside the top two in passing yards, averaging 211 yards per game.
Ohio also leads the MAC in receiving, with senior receiver Chase Hendricks having 37 receptions, accumulating 15.8 yards per reception, and four touchdowns so far this season.
While the overall defense currently sits sixth amongst the conference, Ohio’s secondary leads in interceptions with senior corners Michael Mack II and Cameron Hollobaugh with two apiece, which included a 71-yard pick six in week five against Bowling Green from Hollobaugh.
Western Michigan
What a turnaround it has been for the Western Michigan Broncos (4-3, 3-0), from earning their fourth straight win against the Ball State Cardinals (2-4, 1-1), 42-0, their first shutout against a conference opponent since 2016, to now being on top of the standings at the halfway point.
Coincidentally, it is also the first time since the 2016 season that Western Michigan has won its first three conference games.
The Broncos’ most recent success stems from their defensive style of play, as they currently rank second overall while leading the MAC in sacks with 28 and forced fumbles with eight. Senior defensive end Nadame Tucker leads the team in tackles for loss with 10 solo and five assisted.
Buffalo
The Buffalo Bulls (3-3, 2-0) have had an intriguing first half to the year, being the first out of the 13-team conference to earn a MAC victory against the Kent State Golden Flashes (2-4, 1-1) in week three, 31-28.
The Bulls remain in the top three in offensive scoring, averaging 25.2 points per game with senior quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson and junior receiver Victor Snow leading the charge.
Flipping over to the defensive side of the ball, senior linebacker Red Murdock leads the MAC in overall tackles with 26 solo and 44 assisted.
Miami
Having an appearance in the title game last season, the Miami RedHawks (3-3, 1-1) are displaying an identical start to last season, losing their first three matchups but winning the next three to remain at a .500 record.
Head coach Chuck Martin prevails with having experience in getting to Detroit, leading the RedHawks to two out of the last three seasons, earning the title in 2023 against Toledo.
Miami has also been shown to have some firepower of its own on offense, with junior receiver Kam Perry sitting behind the aforementioned Hendricks with just 80 receiving yards separating the top two.
