Football | August 27, 2018

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference (MAC) Head Football Coaches have provided their own 2018 Preseason Poll and based upon voting by all 12 head coaches. Western Michigan was predicted to finish third in the MAC West Division.

Ohio and Northern Illinois have been selected to win the East and West Divisions respectfully, with Ohio winning the 2018 Marathon MAC Football Championship Game.

In the East Division, a margin of 11 points separated first-place and second-place. Ohio was selected first with 70 total points followed by second-place Buffalo with 59 points. Miami was selected third followed by Akron, Bowling Green and Kent State.

In the West Division, the margin was also only one point as Northern Illinois was selected in first-place with 61 points followed by second-place Toledo with 60 points. Western Michigan was picked third followed by Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Ball State.

This reflects on the competitive nature of the MAC. In the last three years the Conference has witnessed six different programs compete in the Marathon MAC Football Championship Game and in the last six years every MAC football program has received a bowl invitation to college football's postseason.

Earlier this summer in conjunction with the 2018 MAC Football Media Day, the league's media members selected a preseason poll with identical results -- Ohio and Northern Illinois selected to win their respective divisions, with Ohio picked to win the 2018 Marathon MAC Football Championship Game. Western Michigan was also slated to finish third in the MAC West in the media poll.

The 2018 season kicks off on Thursday, August 30 and the 2018 Marathon MAC Football Championship Game is Friday, November 30 at 7:00 pm ET on ESPN2 from Ford Field.

 

2018 MAC Head Football Coaches Preseason Poll
Team (First Place Votes)      Points

MAC East Division
1.       Ohio (10)                   70
2.       Buffalo (2)                 59
3.       Miami                        42
4.       Akron                        36
5.       Bowling Green         29
6.       Kent State                 16
 
MAC West Division
1.       Northern Illinois (5)   61
2.       Toledo (3)                     60
3.       Western Michigan (1) 45
4.       Eastern Michigan (1)  35
5.       Central Michigan (1)  33
6.       Ball State (1)                 18