After winning the MAC Championship a year ago, Toledo is playing like the best team in the league once again in 2023.
Who has the best chance of challenging the Rockets? Here’s a ranking of the best MAC teams and predictions for this week’s games.
New Customer Offers at BetMGM
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l Terms
MAC Rankings And Records
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1 | Toledo | 10-1 |
| 2 | Miami (Ohio) | 9-2 |
| 3 | Ohio | 8-3 |
| 4 | Bowling Green | 6-5 |
| 5 | Central Michigan | 5-6 |
| 6 | Northern Illinois | 5-6 |
| 7 | Western Michigan | 4-7 |
| 8 | Ball State | 4-7 |
| 9 | Eastern Michigan | 5-6 |
| 10 | Buffalo | 3-8 |
| 11 | Akron | 2-9 |
| 12 | Kent State | 1-10 |
1. Toledo (10-1)
The Rockets are the only MAC team with an unblemished record in league play. They deserve the No. 1 spot on this list.
Toledo quarterback Dequan Finn is playing at a high level and has helped his team score the most points in the MAC thus far. The Rockets’ defense is also playing exceptionally well.
Toledo is currently on a 10-game winning streak, with its only loss being a two-point defeat against Illinois. The Rockets may not lose another game this season at this rate.
2. Miami (Ohio) (9-2)
Despite quarterback Brett Gabbert being out for the year with a leg injury, Miami (Ohio) went ahead and beat Ohio, Akron, and Buffalo. That helped the RedHawks climb to the second spot in this ranking.
The RedHawks proved they are still capable of playing well with Aveon Smith at quarterback. They also have one of the best defensive units in the conference.
The whole team appears to be elevating its play in the final stretch of the season.
3. Ohio (8-3)
Despite losing to San Diego State in Week 0 and against Northern Illinois earlier this year, I still thought Ohio had the best chance to challenge Toledo for the MAC title. Then the Bobcats lost to Miami (Ohio) as well.
That said, Bobcats quarterback Kurtis Rourke is now healthier and has been productive. Ohio has also allowed the fewest points in the league on defense.
The Bobcats still have a chance to finish the season on a high note.
4. Bowling Green (6-5)
After starting the season 1-3, Bowling Green went on a four-game winning streak to become bowl-eligible and nearly defeated Toledo last week.
Ta’ron Keith is playing like one of the best running backs in the MAC right now, having run for 64 yards and a touchdown while catching seven passes for 51 yards in Bowling Green’s last game. The Falcons have also allowed 21 or fewer points in four of their last five games on defense, so they are showing improvement on both sides of the ball right now.
5. Central Michigan (5-6)
Central Michigan may have given up more points than it has scored so far, but the Chippewas have some good wins on their resume against South Alabama and Eastern Michigan. It’s possible they will earn bowl-eligibility.
However, the Chippewas end the regular season against Toledo, so it could be tough.
Best Of The Rest
6. Northern Illinois (5-6)
7. Western Michigan (4-7)
8. Ball State (4-7)
9. Eastern Michigan (5-6)
10. Buffalo (3-8)
11. Akron (2-9)
12. Kent State (1-10)
For more Group of Five coverage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Toledo vs. Central Michigan Prediction
I’m picking Toledo to win and cover the spread at -10.5. I also am predicting the game will go Under 55.5 points.
Ohio vs. Akron Prediction
I’m picking Ohio to win but for Akron to cover the spread at +14. I also am predicting the game will go Under 41.5 total points.
Northern Illinois vs. Kent State Prediction
I’m picking Northern Illinois to win but for Kent State to cover the spread at +18.5. I also am predicting the game will go Under 44.5 points.
Miami (Ohio) vs. Ball State Prediction
I’m picking Miami (Ohio) to win and cover the spread at -6.5. I also am predicting the game will go Over 35.5 total points.
