2017 MAC Pick’em — Week 13
Last week of the regular season to earn a slight edge heading into the post-season. Tough slate of games to pick from though
We have reached Thanksgiving Week at last! Only six regular season games left before we have the MAC Championship (10 points) and Bowl Season (5 points each), but every point matters. Whoever can get some separation this week will have a huge advantage in needing to only match those behind them to win on the backs of a strong performance over the last three months.
Case in point: Last week saw me lose my overall lead back to Justin thanks to Miami forgetting how to play well against EMU. Still, with a strong week, it’s only a slight deficit. In fact, Justin Coffin and Alex Alvarado were your winners last week with 13 points, and Nick McCarthy was close behind, but failed to share to earn a tie.
As stated last week, sharing nets you three bonus points this week. That’ll move the total bonus points to 10 on the year if you took part in sharing each week. There will be no bonus points for the MAC Championship or Bowl editions because there are so many points to be had per game.
Bowling Green vs Eastern Michigan — Oof. Brogan Roback in his last game or the apparently powerful BG offense? I like the Eagles in this one mostly because this Eastern defense will be able to shut down the Falcons unlike their last three opponents. Look for EMU to gash BG on the ground as well. Roback, it’s been a pleasure.
Kent State vs Akron — Zippy wins the East. I don’t like Kent State’s secondary or the fact that it’ll have a day fewer’s rest on Akron’s home-run pass threat. Sure it’s a rivalry game, and I think Kent State can keep it close for a while, but either Thomas Woodson is on his senior night or Kato Nelson brings his swagger to put this away.
Miami vs Ball State — Miami should roll to end a disappointing season. It may get into a bowl game on APR, but that’s more “miracle” territory at this point. Ball State, thank you for trying. Insurance will cover this season and you look like a solid team when healthy next year.
Western Michigan vs Toledo — Rockets win the West. As much as I’d love to see the Broncos pull the stunner, I don’t see it happening. When WMU pulled the upset two years ago, it had a healthy defense and a junior Zach Terrell throwing to Corey Davis and Daniel Braverman. This year, the Broncos have Jarvion Franklin as the sole runningback due to injuries, and true freshman Reece Goddard throwing to…Keishawn Watson and Donnie Ernsberger. Add in a decimated safety position, and Toledo will be able to gash out more than enough points to finally clinch the West.
Northern Illinois vs Central Michigan — This game starts a half hour after the WMU/Toledo game, so if WMU is able pull the upset, the Huskies will have some time to put it in full overdrive to clinch the West. I don’t think that’ll be needed, but I think with more on the line going into the game NIU will be more motivated. This defense will be able to slow Jonathan Ward down and if there’s one player in the MAC who can absolutely pressure Shane Morris, it’s Sutton Smith. Huskies finally come up on the wrong side of the NIU/Toledo MAC West Tie with a win.
Ohio vs Buffalo — This is gonna be fun. If Akron wins, Ohio is out of the East race and this game means little to them other than for a ninth win. If Kent State wins, this is for the East. Either way, Buffalo is also playing for bowl eligibility and has a 100% Tyree Jackson throwing darts to Anthony Johnson. Playing in Buffalo in November is always a tough thing to do in its own right, and I think the Bulls take this one to get to 6–6.
Game of the Week — Ohio vs Buffalo. This was tough, but I think this game can truly go either way. If Air Canada and Friends show up, then Buffalo is going to have a long day. If Ohio’s defense can’t stop Johnson, then it’s going to be a shoot-out. I just have no idea what’ll happen, but it’s going to be fun to watch Rourke vs Jackson with all their weapons.
