2018 MAC Pick’em — Week 12
We’re getting our N’Sync on and saying bye-bye byes. I regret nothing for this awful pun.
I tried to tell you all. I did. But you didn’t listen. Maybe it was hubris. Maybe it was doubt. But, I said Miami would beat Ohio. Then it did. And you know how many people took Miami in the Pick’em last week?
One.
That’s right. And with the NIU win over Toledo, ya boy gained big, big ground on 1st place last week. Back-to-back perfect weeks by myself means that I’m hitting my stride and you should be scared of a repeat season win.
Full weekly breakdown. Full cumulative breakdown. Note that I’ve trimmed the Cumulative Totals to only include players who have played consistently (or consistently enough). If you don’t like looking at figures, here’s a handy chart of the Cumulative Totals
I’m coming for you, Robert
On to Week 12! The last of the bye weeks thanks to Eastern and Central.
Western Michigan @ Ball State — This is a game the Broncos shouldn’t lose. That said, Tim Lester has an awful late season record, and Ball State has nothing to lose. All you need to know is that if WMU loses, there might be riots in Kalamazoo calling for Lester’s job.
Buffalo @ Ohio — This is the toughest game of the week to pick in my opinion. On one hand, you have Ohio who just folded in the first half against Miami, costing itself the chance to control the East. On the other, you have a Buffalo team that wasn’t tested, and knows it just needs to win either this week or next week against Bowling Green to clinch the East. This game means more for the Bobcats, and I’ll give them the home bump.
Miami @ Northern Illinois —I really want Miami to win here (assuming WMU beats Ball State) to set up a Winner-Take-All MAC West showdown in Kalamazoo next week. That said, the Huskies look unbeatable right now, and the RedHawks are too inconsistent to give the win to. That said, Chuck Martin’s team needs this game to stay alive for a bowl game and the MAC East.
Toledo @ Kent State — Totally did not expect Kent State to just lay over and play dead in the first half against Buffalo. I expect it to come out with more poise against Toledo, but the Rockets’ firepower on offense should propel it to another win. If not, look out because Toledo would need to beat CMU in Week 13 to get bowl eligible, and the Chippewas have two weeks to prepare for that one.
Bowling Green @ Akron — Quick note: If Kato Nelson plays, I reserve the right to change my pick. That said, Alex Ramart looks lost in an already dismal Akron offense. The Falcons didn’t roll over and die against CMU, and if this team rallies behind Carl Pelini, this is a winnable game for BG.
Game of the Week — Miami @ Northern Illinois— Chuck Martin and Company need a win to stay alive for a bowl. NIU needs a win to avoid a road game for the MAC West. Both of these teams play defense and can move the ball, if inconsistently at times.
