MAC Football Pick ’Em: Week 5
THE BOBCATS ARE NOT TO BE TRIFLED WITH
I tried. I really did. I tried to tell you about Ohio. Most of you didn’t listen, and you paid the price. It’s okay, we all make mistakes.
I was the pool winner last week with 13 points, somehow managing a perfect week. I say somehow, because there’s a pretty stupid catch: I publicly threw my hat in the ring for Ball State on last week’s post, and I even picked them to cover in the Mid-American Gambler. For whatever reason, I picked Western Kentucky in the Google form. I promise I didn’t mean it, and I’ll be docking myself a point for being misleading, however accidental.
This means there’s technically a three-way tie for first this week between myself, Karp, and KC. Our misses were on Ball State, Akron, and FAU, respectively. Everyone did very well this week, but remember, the game of the week is worth four points whenever two MAC schools play, so everyone else missing on the Ohio-EMU game is why there’s a three way tie at 12 points and everyone else nine or lower.
Points Leaders
T1. KC 43
T1. Karp 43
3. Justin Coffin 42
4. Alex Alvarado 40
5. Ben Roush 38
T6. Nathan8848 35
T6. Fitz 35
8. HuronBoy 29
9. Matt Dizzle 27
T10. Tallmidget57 25
T10. Beanscreen 25
12. Frank A 23
13. @EthanGrahamOSZ 17
T14. MACnCH4ZZ 12
T14. Kahuna Van 12
T16. Nick McCarthy 10
T16. Sam Barloga 10
18. @dazdaz73 9
19. EMU_Dave 8
20. jk* 7
*no idea if this is real
Form’s below. If it doesn’t work, go ahead and click/tap here
Justin’s Picks
Boston College over Central Michigan
I cannot, in good conscience, pick Central to beat a team that beat NIU on the road. The game could very well be close, considering the Eagles don’t exactly set the world on fire on offense. Ultimately, the BC Defense will be too much for Shane Morris and company.
Ohio over UMass
It ain’t November, and UMass is 0–5. No amount of scaring Tennessee can make me think UMass is going to upset Ohio.
Buffalo over Kent State
If you want, you can make a strong case for Kent State in this game. Buffalo’s the trendy new team in the East, but they are not great at stopping the run as a whole. This could play right into Kent State’s hands, given they only throw for slightly over 50 yards per game. However, being so inept through the air means the Bulls can focus on stopping the run without penalty. I think they will, and they’ll win for the third time this season.
Kentucky over Eastern Michigan
If Kentucky can remember to keep enough players on the field, they should be fine against EMU. This isn’t your usual Kentucky program, and they should be able to handle the Eagles coming off of a tough loss to Ohio.
Notre Dame over Miami
Welcome back, Chuck Martin! The RedHawks may keep it close early as Notre Dame nurses their Michigan State hangover, but eventually the Irish pull away and equal their win total from last season.
Akon over Bowling Green
Akron can’t possibly lose this game, can they? Can Bowling Green possibly win it? I’ve literally flipped a coin, and it’s coming up Zips. That’s as good a reason as any, right?
Western Michigan over Ball State
If the WMU passing attack can’t get going against Ball State, it’s going to be a long year. The Cardinals are a bit beat up and the Broncos are healthy. I expect Jon Wassink to be serviceable in a close win over Ball State.
San Diego State over Northern Illinois
NIU’s rush defense is going to be tested by Rashaad Penny on Saturday night. I don’t expect this to be a blowout by any stretch, but I wouldn’t get too caught up in San Diego State’s close win over Air Force. If you were a team from some of the best weather in the country coming off a big win over Stanford and had to play in the rain in Colorado Springs you might be a bit sluggish too.
GAME OF THE WEEK: Ball State vs Western Michigan
We’re finally getting a look at the MAC West. Hosting the game is a Western Michigan team many expected to compete for a title once again, but hasn’t quite looked the part as of late. Visiting is Ball State, looking to upend the status quo. Should be fun in Kalamazoo.
