There were upsets and multiple story lines hovering around the MAC in week two of collegiate football.
Week two of the college football season is an opportunity for teams to build on their successes or to make adjustments and improve if things didn’t go as expected in week one.
The Mid-American Conference teleconference showcased coaches on both sides of the coin.
On paper, the 7-6 record the MAC posted this weekend looks mediocre. For Bowling Green, Ohio and Toledo, however, Saturday proved to be anything but.
Week two featured the MAC knocking off opponents from the Big Ten and SEC.
“[The MAC] is a really good league," Northern Illinois coach Rod Carey said. "It may go overlooked, but those who know college football know we’re a really good league."
Upset Alert
Arguably the biggest upset of the week involved Toledo knocking off No. 18 Arkansas in Little Rock, 16-12.
Despite entering the game as three-touchdown underdogs, Rockets quarterback Phillip Ely completed 21 passes for 237 yards. The Rockets’ defense held off the Razorbacks during their final possession in the red zone to seal the victory — the first win by the MAC against the SEC since 2004.
Toledo coach Matt Campbell was impressed with his team’s performance.
“[It was] a great win for our football team and a great win for our kids," Campbell said. "I’m really proud of this team."
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As much as Campbell praised his team, he noted the Rockets could have been even better.
“We could have played a lot better in a multitude of ways. That’s what’s great about football," he said. You’re never perfect."
MAC vs. Big Ten
2015 marked the 10th straight year in which a MAC school won over a Big Ten program, this time with Bowling Green knocking off Maryland.
Bowling Green's quarterback Matt Johnson had an impressive outing against Maryland's defense, garnering nearly 500 yards passing on 36 completions and six touchdowns as the Falcons ran over the Terrapins, 48-27.
Falcons coach Dino Babers, while impressed with his quarterback’s play, praised his offensive line above all.
“I think, some of the trench battles, you could make movies about. It was a physical, physical game,” Babers said. “The credit goes to the guys up front.”
MAC 1, Big Ten 0
The Big Ten would even the score as Buffalo couldn’t keep pace with Penn State. The game was closer than the score shows, but the Bulls fell to Heisman contender Christian Hackenberg and the Nitanny Lions, 27-14.
MAC 1, Big Ten 1
The Miami RedHawks also provided little resistance against the Wisconsin Badgers. Miami was routed, 58-0, as the RedHawks rushed for a grand total of -3 yards.
When asked to comment on the loss, Miami coach Chuck Martin summed it up in one word: disappointing.
“We didn’t give ourselves a chance to win,” he said.
The Big Ten edges out the MAC this week, 2-1. Next up, Northern Illinois travels to Columbus to face Ohio State on Saturday.
Kent State kicker becomes second woman to score in NCAA game
In Kent State’s 45-13 win over Delaware State, Kent State kicker April Goss hit an extra point in the second quarter. Goss became the second woman to score in major college football history.
Kent State coach Paul Haynes spoke highly of Goss, citing both her on field performance and her off the field leadership.
“[Goss] is one of the hardest workers out there. She’s just a great person," Haynes said. "Not only for this football program but for the university."
Haynes also made it clear he put Goss into the game because she deserved it, not just for publicity.
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