![]() They had the MAC’s top-scoring offense and defense last year, yet they lost three MAC games by a total of eight points (after losing two by six points in 2020). The Rockets haven’t won more than seven games or a division title since 2017. ![]() This feels like a year in which Toledo needs a breakthrough. The defense still has a lot of room to grow. The loss of Ducker is big, but there should be more depth across the board, and Lombardi’s return at quarterback should keep this offense explosive. Regression in luck is likely, but the Huskies also had one of the youngest teams in the country last year. NIU went 7-3 in one-possession games and won two games by a single point. Why not the Eagles? Projected standingsġ. EMU gets NIU, Toledo and Central Michigan all at home. Losing both starting quarterbacks to transfers leaves a hole, but eight offensive starters are back otherwise, including most of the offensive line and the rest of the skill players from an offense that ranked in the middle of the league. A lot of people expected him to transfer, perhaps to a Big Ten school, but he instead stuck with the Chippewas, and another big season should be in store.Ĭhris Creighton has taken the Eagles to four bowls in the past six years, a remarkable run for one of the toughest jobs in the country. He’s a workhorse back, and his 56 runs of at least 10 yards led the country. His 341 carries were also easily the most in the nation. Nichols led the nation in rushing last year as a third-year player with 1,848 yards - 212 more than second-place Kenneth Walker III. Offensive player of the year: Central Michigan RB Lew Nichols III With four offensive line starters back and quarterback Rocky Lombardi drawing more attention, Waylee has a chance for a breakout year. Waylee has 1,030 rushing yards in two years. NIU lost MAC freshman of the year Jay Ducker and his 1,184 rushing yards to a transfer to Memphis, and Waylee could be primed to fill the role. Breakout player: Northern Illinois RB Harrison Waylee In what is expected to be another tight race, these games loom large. NIU beat Toledo and Central Michigan by a combined three points last season, and that was the difference in the Huskies winning the West division. Miami’s trip to Buffalo could play a deciding role in the MAC East race if the Bulls rebound this season. Central Michigan at Northern Illinois (Nov. ![]() (Matt Cashore / USA Today) Top 3 conference games Toledo quarterback Dequan Finn had 27 total TDs and two INTs last year. Toledo’s trip to San Diego State makes for one of the most interesting G5 matchups of the year, with two teams aiming for conference titles. A year ago, the Huskies opened the season with a win against Georgia Tech. With running back Lew Nichols III and a strong offense, do they have a shot again? NIU plays consecutive SEC games with a home matchup against Vanderbilt before a trip to Kentucky. The last time CMU went to Oklahoma State, the Chippewas won on a bizarre Hail Mary (that maybe shouldn’t have counted). ![]() Central Michigan at Oklahoma State (Sept.This conference is always wide open, and who wins the MAC West is typically up in the air, making for an exciting race. This has regularly been a deep and tough division to win. From 2011 to 2019, at least four MAC West teams were bowl eligible every year. Biggest storyline: Who wins the crowded West division?Įvery MAC West team made a bowl last year. What’ll happen in 2022? Nobody truly knows, but here are some picks, predictions and questions.
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