DETROIT - Western Michigan football was chosen as the team to capture the 2007 Mid-American Conference West Division title as well as the MAC Championship Game. The results of the MAC News Media Association (MNMA) Poll were announced as a kick off to the 2007 MAC Football Media Day, which was held at Ford Field in Detroit on July 25. The venue will also host the conference's title game on Dec. 1.

The Broncos received 175 total points and 15 first-place votes in the poll, claiming the top spot over divisional in-state rival Central Michigan. The Chippewas received 173 total points with 10 first-place nods. WMU was also predicted to capture the MAC Championship Game title by one vote over CMU, 11 votes to 10.

Ohio was predicted to capture its second MAC East Division title and led the conference with a total of 216 points. The Bobcats matched Western Michigan's first-place vote total of 15 to edge the East's second-place team, Kent State according to the poll. The Golden Flashes finished second in the MAC in total points with 203 and had 13 first-place votes. Ohio was third in terms of championship game voting with six.

After the Broncos and Chippewas, Toledo was predicted to finish third in the West Division with 138 points and six first-place votes followed by Ball State (134 points; four first-place votes), Northern Illinois (90 points; one first-place vote) and Eastern Michigan (46 points). Akron was predicted to finish third in the East Division with 171 total points and six first-place votes. Miami was predicted fourth (163 points; one first-place vote) followed by Bowling Green (130 points), first-year full-time member Temple (64 points; one first-place votes) and Buffalo (61 points).

Western Michigan will play two of its five West Division games at home, hosting Ball State on Oct. 20 (Homecoming) and Central Michigan on Nov. 6 (ESPN2). The Broncos also host their lone two inter-divisional games with Akron visiting Waldo Stadium on Oct. 6 and Temple on Nov. 24. Preseason camp for

WMU football begins on August 6 as the Broncos prepare for the 2007 campaign and the season opener at West Virginia. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. and will air on ESPN Regional Television (ESPN+). The Broncos open their home slate by hosting a Big Ten team for the first time in the history of Waldo Stadium when Indiana comes to Kalamazoo on Sept. 8 (ESPNU). Western Michigan was undefeated at home (5-0) for the ninth time in program history in 2006. 2007

MNMA FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL

WEST DIVISION (6-5-4-3-2-1 point values)