Football | August 28, 2017

CLEVELAND – The Mid-American Conference (MAC) Head Football Coaches have provided their own 2017 Preseason Poll and based upon voting by all 12 head coaches. Defending conference champion Western Michigan is selected second in the MAC West.

In the West Division, the margin was only eight points as Toledo was selected in first with 66 points followed by second-place Western Michigan with 58 points. Northern Illinois was picked third followed by Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Ball State.

In the East Division, a margin of also only eight points separated first-place and second-place. Ohio was selected first with 69 total points followed by second-place Miami with 61 points. Bowling Green was voted third followed by Akron, Buffalo and Kent State.

Western Michigan ran the regular season undefeated last year and defeated Ohio in the 2016 Marathon MAC Football Championship Game. WMU went on to face Wisconsin in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic and finished the season ranked No. 15 in the nation.

The Broncos open the 2017 season on Sept. 2 at No. 4 ranked USC. Kickoff is slated for 5:22 p.m. on the PAC-12 Network. WMU also has non-conference match ups against Michigan State, Idaho and Wagner. Western Michigan begins MAC play hosting Ball State on Sept. 30.

 
2017 MAC Head Football Coaches Preseason Poll
Team (First Place Votes)  Points
MAC East Division             
    Ohio (9)                             69
    Miami (3)                           61
    Bowling Green                  45
    Akron                                 41
    Buffalo                               20
    Kent State                         16

MAC West Division
    Toledo (7)                          66
    Western Michigan (2)        58
    Northern Illinois (1)           45
    Eastern Michigan              35
    Central Michigan (1)         31
    Ball State (1)                     17