2018 MAC Pick’em — Bowl Season
One. Last. Ride (until next year). Time to crown us a champion in the final Pick’em of the year.
It’s been a fun season in the MAC. Everyone sucked and that meant the picks went every which way. But now with one week of bowls left, it’s time to say goodbye to another season, and thus another season in the Pick’em.
Last week, we saw NIU come back from the 2nd largest deficit in MAC Championship history to win a stunner over Buffalo, meaning two people were able to leapfrog themselves into title contention. Everyone got South Carolina over Akron. Congrats to Zia and Matt Dizzle.
Full breakdown here. Quick reminder on how the tiebreakers work for overall: because I forgot the high/low team this year, we are simply going to use the MAC Championship point total results (which is usually the first tiebreaker). Meaning in the event of a tie, myself and Zia hold a significant advantage over everyone else, but I don’t anticipate a tie at the top.
On to bowl season! Remember that each game is worth 5 points.
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl — Eastern Michigan vs Georgia Southern — The Eagles have had a great year. It’s unfortunate that they’ll get another Eagles team in the South. I like the defense, but the offense needs to be in top shape to win. Give me Georgia Southern.
Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl — UAB vs Northern Illinois — Did you know that Rod Carey is 0–5 in bowl games? I don’t expect this to change. NIU only wins when it needs to. Bowl games are just a vacation. Give me UAB.
DXL Frisco Bowl — San Diego State vs Ohio — Ohio won a bowl game last year, and this SDSU team comes limping into bowl season after a solid start. I think the Bobcats are far and away the most complete MAC team, and maybe the only one that should get a win. Give me the Bobcats.
Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl — Florida International vs Toledo — The Rockets have the offense to make this interesting, but FIU is a damn good team, and is playing considerably closer to home. The Rockets will enjoy the sun and warmth, and that’s a win in itself. Give me FIU
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl — Western Michigan vs BYU — Neither of these teams wow you, but when WMU has the ball, it’ll be a fun watch to see that Bronco offense go up against the BYU defense. I don’t quite trust the WMU defense yet, so I’m going with the Cougars. Give me BYU.
Dollar General Bowl — Buffalo vs Troy — See my thoughts on the Camellia Bowl, and you have the gist of Buffalo/Troy. UB is good, but playing a team in its home state is tough as hell. Give me the Trojans.
Good luck everyone.