2018 MAC Pick’em — Week 9
The start of weeknight games and the last non-conference games are upon us. Let us rejoice in the glory of the final third of the schedule
Crazy cross-section of games this week with the start of weeknight games on Thursday meeting the end of non-conference action on Saturday. It’s a bittersweet moment, because the MAC was terrible in non-con play this year (17–28,1 game postponed indefinitely, 2 games left), but provided us a direct transitive win over Ohio State (EMU > Purdue > Ohio State, all in West Lafayette).
Meanwhile, Thursday night games mean that you all have to be more quick on your picks. This week provides some leeway, but next week sees the start of Tuesday night games. You’ve been warned.
As for last week, Western beat Central, Akron beat Kent, and Buffalo beat Toledo to really nail down the picks. Five people had perfect weeks, so congrats to myself, Matt Hammond, Billy P, Robert Tomlinson (again), and Alex Alvarado for the 13 point wins. Also, special shout-out to my coworkers and boss for picking Central in spite of me and all finishing tied for last place this week. Y’all really fired up last week.
On to Week 9! There are only 9 or 10 points up for grabs (depending on how the Game of the Week poll goes), so be smart!
Ball State @ Ohio — The Bobcats appear to be their usual selves heading into the homestretch. This is the final lay-up before ending with WMU, Miami, Buffalo, and Akron.
Toledo @ Western Michigan — I still don’t fully trust WMU’s defense, but I trust the offense and I do not trust whatever Toledo is trying to do with the ball. Give me the Broncos at home to knock the Rockets out of the West race.
Central Michigan @ Akron — This should be a good game between two really bad teams (I use the term “good game” loosely). CMU is already ineligible for a bowl game, while the Zips are still alive at 3–3. Give me Akron at home to stay alive in the East.
Army @ Eastern Michigan — Army is 2–0 vs the MAC so far, but Eastern might be the best defense Army has faced. Miami was able to keep it close last week, so give me EMU in the spiderman_pointing.jpg game of the week
Northern Illinois @ BYU — NIU goes 0–4 in non-conference play and no one really cares because NIU is playing for the MAC Title in November.
Game of the Week — Toledo @ WMU — Yep, it’s a big one in the MAC West. If Toledo wins, it is still out of the West hunt until it plays NIU, and even then it’ll need help to win the West. If WMU wins, it is just one win against Ohio or Ball State away from playing a Winner-Takes-All MAC West Title Game against NIU to end the season.
