2018 MAC Football Pick’em — Week 2
So, uhhh, let’s pretend that Week 1 didn’t happen across the MAC.
Happy Labor Day, everyone (as of this posting). Over the weekend, we saw the MAC go a perfect 5–0 against FCS teams, and an imperfect 0–6 against FBS teams, with a rainout preventing the conference from getting completely waxed in Week 1. It wasn’t good.
That said, some of you saw this coming. Some of you saw it all coming. Maybe recent bowl history had you already wired for this. Maybe not. In any case, SEVEN of you went perfect in the Pick’em last week, putting up 12 points (Commissioner’s note: Akron-Nebraska was given 0 points to everyone since there was no contest). So congrats to: Da_Gerd, Frank Anderson, Nate Condos, DC, Nick McCarthy, Jude_UT4, and Huron Boy. Also of note, the Game of the Week literally came down to the last vote, with Miami/Marshall winning a heated battle against WMU/Syracuse and NIU/Iowa.
On to this week, and we already have teams on a bye. Thanks, Toledo and Ohio. Anyways, only 11 points up for grabs this week (weather permitting), so let’s get right to it. Form is at the bottom or right here.
Western Michigan @ Michigan — After watching the Broncos come out completely flat against a sketchy Syracuse defense, I shudder to think of what a pissed off Michigan team is gonna do to them. If Tim Lester’s squad can cross the 50 by halftime, it’ll be a minor miracle.
Eastern Michigan @ Purdue — The Boilermakers looked to have a down season this year, then they damn near beat Northwestern before shooting themselves in the foot. The Eagles looked pretty solid against Monmouth, but this is a huge step up in competition. Going with the Big Ten team at home for safety.
Kansas @ Central Michigan — This might be the MAC’s first non-FCS win of the season, and Kansas really should be defined as a D-II football program with how horrid it is. How bad are they? They haven’t won a road football game since September 2009. To put into perspective how long ago that was, the MAC Pick’em wasn’t even born yet because its initial host (Hustle Belt) hadn’t even been born, I was a college freshman, and Barack Obama was just finishing his 8th month of his presidency.
I’m picking Central because of history, but if Kansas wins, someone please continue this contest for me because I will die laughing.
Ball State @ Notre Dame — There might be a slight hangover early on, but I don’t expect Ball State’s defense to hold Notre Dame in check. Conversely, Notre Dame has the athletes to bottle up the Gilbert-Huntley-Dunner attack enough to coast to an easy victory.
Buffalo @ Temple — Yes, Temple lost to an FCS team last week. That said, it was Villanova, whom you should not scoff at. The Owls should be ready, as Tyree and the Bulls come to town for one of the better match-ups on the weekend. Buffalo got a nice warm-up against Delaware State, but Temple might prove to be too much to handle.
Howard @ Kent State — Both of these teams were surprisingly good last weekend in losses to Ohio and Illinois, respectively. That said, Illinois is arguably a lower-tier MAC team right now, approaching Kansas-level badness. Ohio is a pretty decent team, and the Bison had a chance at a win late. I think Baby Newton pulls out a win, but Woody Barrett will have this Flashes team exciting. That’s a good thing.
Morgan State @ Akron — Akron’s season opener! After getting stormed out of Lincoln, the defending MAC East Champs get to open their season against Morgan State. Should be an easy dub.
Maryland @ Bowling Green — I thought this one might’ve been interesting, but then the Terps went out and beat Texas while BG got beat down by Oregon. Apparently, Maryland isn’t in as bad of shape as I thought it would be after a rough off-season, and I think they will win this one easily as Mike Jinks’ seat only grows hotter.
Utah @ Northern Illinois — Not having Spencer Tears hurt the Huskies at Iowa last week. He’s still out this week, and the Utes should have no problem stopping a horrid NIU attack. Why’s that? They only allowed 59 yards to Weber State last week. Even if that is a FCS school, that’s stupid impressive.
Cincinnati vs Miami (@ Paul Brown Stadium) — The Battle of the Victory Bell is one of the oldest football rivalries. As it is renewed for another go, I think the RedHawks will, yet again, lose a close one. Luke Fickell went into the Rose Bowl and beat an OK UCLA team last week. It should be fine against a RedHawk team that looked lost at times against Marshall.
Game of the Week: Cincinnati vs Miami — Battle for the Victory Bell. ‘Nuff said.
