The Mid-American Conference, otherwise known as the MAC, will be a breath of fresh air when its six-game season kicks off in November. It is not because the conference is stocked with future first-round draft picks, but because it will be the most competitive conference in the nation.
Last year saw two teams finish with 6-2 records and four finish with 5-3 records. One or two plays in a few games could have drastically altered how the conference finished. This year, the competition is supposed to be just as intense.
Teams will play the other teams in their division and one from the other. According to the oddsmakers at BetRivers.com, the race is going to be close:
Mid-American Conference Winner 2020/2021 Odds:
- Buffalo +250
- Ohio +350
- Miami Ohio, Toledo, Western Michigan +600
- Ball State, Central Michigan +900
- Kent State +1000
- Northern Illinois +1400
- Eastern Michigan +5000
- Akron, Bowling Green +10000
With eight starters returning on offense, it is not hard to see why Buffalo is the favorite. Jarret Patterson and Kevin Marks are a fantastic running back tandem, but the offensive line needs three new starters. The MAC’s best defense should still be pretty good with eight of its top 12 tacklers back.
Ohio is in great shape at wide receiver and running back but needs to find a new quarterback and has to rebuild its offensive line. They have some good candidates at QB, but with no room for error, they will have to pick the right guy from the start.
Defensively, they have a lot of senior leadership coming back. But they will not win the MAC if they give up 400 yards and 27 points per game like they did last year.
The reigning champs, Miami (Ohio), will be in great shape with 16 starters coming back. They are set on the offensive line, have a budding star in quarterback Brett Gabbert, and are set at the skill positions, too.
It is worth noting that Miami was 5-0 in one-score games last year. Can they get as lucky again?
Toledo has two stud running backs returning and will be running behind an offensive line that returns four starters. The offense will be in great shape if they can keep whoever starts at quarterback healthy for the season.
But if they are going to win, the defense will have to be much better than it was last season.
Western Michigan lost some key personnel but looks to have possibly the most talented running back trio in the conference and a great offensive line to work behind. They will need a new quarterback, and the defense will have to be more consistent. But the potential for greatness is there.
Central Michigan made a huge jump in Jim McElwain’s first season and could make another such jump this season with the talent coming back. Ball State has one of the more exciting offenses in the conference but will need more from its defense to make the title game.
So—who should you bet on?
Buffalo is the safe bet. But no one would blame you if you were to put your money down on Toledo or Miami (Ohio).