MAC Power Rankings

I apologize for not updating the past couple of days. For one, there hasn't really been much going on besides the usual stuff: Practice, preparation, and the typical news stories about what to expect Saturday. There's nothing new to report on the injury front as of right now, either. No starting positions in jeopardy or anything.

It's just been uneventful so far, hasn't it? The first three games turned out just like we expected, and the only position that's been switching is the running back, which senior Ontario Sneed still has a grasp of, as of now. Justin Hoskins is still coming back from injury.

So, in an attempt to make something out of this blog post, I have my first Power Rankings. I hope to do this every week at around this time, maybe earlier in the week. If you're a frequent traveler of ESPN.com and CNNSI.com or the like, you know the drill.

1. Ball State Cardinals (3-0 overall, 1-0 MAC)
I don't think any team is scarier in the MAC than Ball State. Nate Davis and Dante Love have given opposing defenses nightmares already, and probably will put a dent into Indiana on Saturday. If this team wins, we could be looking at a 10-0 team heading into the Nov. 19 showdown at Kelly/Shorts.

2. Central Michigan Chippewas (2-1 overall, 1-0 MAC)
Overall, CMU is picking up where it left off last week. But again, there are serious questions about the defense. It didn't look very good against Ohio even with its late stand to preserve the win. It has to get better, especially this weekend when it plays Purdue. The Boilermakers averaged more than 580 yards of offense in their two games against CMU last season.

3. Buffalo Bulls (2-1 overall, 1-0 MAC)
The current dark horse candidate to win the MAC. For a Hail Mary to work like it did against Temple, this team has to be on its way to great things this season. Everything just seems to click. Running back James Starks is a beast, among the best in the conference. Consider this: Fox Sports has quarterback Drew Willy at the No. 10 spot in its Heisman race. While I certainly wouldn't go that far, it just goes to show what kind of respect the Bulls are getting despite being one of Div. I-A's worst a few years ago.

4. Western Michigan Broncos (2-1 overall, 1-0 MAC)
The Broncos looked pretty good against Idaho last week. But it was Idaho. Running back Brandon West has 299 yards to begin the season, a good start. Big test this week, though: Tennessee Tech should give them a scare. That, obviously, was a joke.

5. Toledo Rockets (1-1 overall, 1-0 MAC)
The 42-17 win over Eastern Michigan would tell you that this Rockets team is back to their glory days just a few years ago when they made the AP Top 25 and were among the MAC's best, with Marshall and sometimes NIU. But that first-week drubbing to Arizona doesn't help their case. This week's home game against No. 25 Fresno State should provide some perspective. Can these guys be the second MAC team to beat a ranked team this year?

6. Bowling Green Falcons (1-2 overall, 0-0 MAC)
It's interesting to note the Falcons get all their non-conference games before they take on any conference competition. I liked what I saw out of these guys against Boise State, considering how difficult it is to play on that blue grass against the Broncos, but what happened against Minnesota? I know its' a Big Ten team, but it's the same team that beat NIU by only four points! Like many MAC teams, the jury is still out on the Falcons. I still like them to represent the MAC East. Time will tell, though.

7. Kent State Golden Flashes (1-2 overall, 0-0 MAC)
KSU's got a dual threat in the running game: Eugene Jarvis is looking good as usual (40 rushes, 207 yards), but quarterback Julian Edelman isn't looking too bad either (40 rushes, 168 yards). The losses against Boston College and Iowa State weren't too bad. The Golden Flashes get the Ragin' Cajuns next.

8. Temple Owls (1-2 overall, 0-1 MAC)
This team's got a real case this season. It took Connecticut to overtime and lost on a Hail Mary to Buffalo... otherwise, we'd be looking at another 3-0 team to accompany Ball State. Coach Al Golden has this team playing very well for a 1-2 squad. Although it plays at No. 16 Penn State this weekend, it gets Central in a few weeks, so the Chippewas better come prepared. The Owls are dangerous.

9. Ohio Bobcats (0-3 overall, 0-1 MAC)
The Bobcats are probably the best 0-3 team you could have right now. Every loss of theirs was close, and they came pretty darn close to beating the then-No. 3 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. Quarterback Boo Jackson was on fire last Saturday, but he did face CMU's defense, which had to have felt better than the Buckeyes.

10. Akron Zips (1-2 overall, 0-1 MAC)
You can't blame these guys too much for the 41-24 loss to Ball State. At least the Zips took care of a BCS team the week before, even if it was Syracuse. They go to Army next- that's a game I wouldn't watch if it went on TV.

11. Miami RedHawks (1-2 overall, 0-0 MAC)
I'm not quite sure how the RedHawks almost lost to Charleston Southern. They kept the running game in check, but they let Tribble Reese throw all over them! Funny thing, though: It's amusing to see Charleston Southern score 27 on Miami when Michigan could only put up 16. I know the Wolverines are going through tough times, learning a new offense and all, but really.

12. Northern Illinois Huskies (0-2 overall, 0-1 MAC)
Sure, the Huskies are winless, but they could just as easily be 2-0 right now. Coach Jerry Kill had his team put up a valiant effort in road games against Minnesota and Western Michigan, both tough teams in their own right. I still think it's going to be a long first year for him, though. The guy is known for turning teams around after the first season and all.

13. Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-2 overall, 0-1 MAC)
Yeah, this team's at the bottom, even with a win. A 52-0 win at that. But let's be honest- any win against a I-AA doesn't count, even if it is 52-0. What about the blowout losses to Michigan State and then Toledo? What about surrendering 27 points in the blink of an eye in the third quarter last week? Maryland has to be salivating over this weekend. I guess running back Terrence Blevins doesn't look that bad (45 carries, 251 yards, four TDs).


Keep checking in here throughout the week. I hope to update with something tomorrow, provided I have something to write about. Maybe the NCAA 09 prediction, early? Speaking of which, take a look at my breakdown prediction and the final score last week:

My prediction: CMU 31, Ohio 27
Actual: CMU 31, Ohio 28

Not bad, huh? I'm 3-0 to begin the year, although it was all quite predictable.

I will see you all soon!