Finalists for the top spots in the East and West MAC divisions are being decided.
Week 11 in the Mid-American Conference saw the wild, wild West Division continue to be shaken up.
Although Toledo has regained its top spot in football's West Division, Northern Illinois and Western Michigan have a legitimate shot at playing in December. All three teams are tied at 5-1 in the conference.
It’s a little more clear cut in the East, as week 11 determined one of the teams that will play in the MAC Championship.
Bowling Green clinches East Division
It’s official: Bowling Green (8-2, 6-0 MAC) will represent the East Division in the MAC Championship game at Ford Field in Detroit on Dec. 4.
The Falcons’ 41-27 win over the Broncos (6-4, 5-1) ended second-place Ohio’s hopes of making a run at the division.
Bowling Green’s formula for success this year has been simple: move the ball. Quarterback Matt Johnson is second in the nation with 3,955 passing yards, as the Falcons are ranked fifth in the nation in total offense. To put that in perspective, Bowling Green has gained 1,315 more yards than last year’s National Champion Ohio State.
“This program’s senior leadership is outstanding,” Bowling Green coach Dino Babers said. “We’re moving on to Toledo. The rivalry is special. It doesn’t matter what your record is, bragging rights are on the line.”
Rockets back on track
Following a loss at home to Northern Illinois, Toledo (8-1, 5-1) rebounded to beat Central Michigan (5-5, 4-2), 28-23.
Rockets running back Kareem Hunt solidified Toledo’s ground game, rushing for 113 yards and two touchdowns.
“It was a tremendous football game against a very well-coached, good football team,” Toledo coach Matt Campbell said. “It was a gutsy performance for our kids to go on the road and get a huge road win.”
With the win, Toledo has regained the top spot in the West Division, although Western Michigan and Northern Illinois are closing in quickly.
West Division implications
Speaking of Northern Illinois (7-3, 5-1), last year’s MAC champs will host Western Michigan on Wednesday. The implications are huge, as both teams are tied for second in the West. The loser is essentially eliminated from championship contention.
“It’s gonna be one of those games that’s a four-quarter game,” Northern Illinois coach Rod Carey said. “It’s gonna come down to the wire. All the little details matter, but our guys are doing a good job getting prepared for (Western).”
The history is on the Huskies’ side. Northern Illinois has won six straight against Western Michigan.
In week 12, Western Michigan will play Toledo, and Northern Illinois will play Ohio.
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