MAC East
Temple OwlsCurrent Record: 5-3
Conference Record: 5-1
Games Remaining: Western Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Akron
Analysis: The Owls should collect their sixth win of the season against WKU but will be tested by both Akron and Eastern Michigan, who is fighting for their life in the MAC West. The pivotal game is against Akron, a contest which could well decide the East division representative in the MAC title game. Temple currently has the inside track in the Eastern division race but a loss in either of their last two conference games could be costly. Traditionally, 7 wins has guaranteed a bowl game for MAC teams so if the Owls win 2 of their final 3, they should go bowling.
Akron ZipsCurrent Record: 3-5
Conference Record: 3-2
Games Remaining: at Baylor, Toledo, at Ohio, at Temple
Analysis: Currently standing at 3-5, it is going to be very difficult for the Zips to get the 7th win that is usually necessary for MAC teams to go bowling, especially when the strength of their remaining schedule it taken into account. They may very well represent the East in the title game but even then, they are walking a fine line when it comes to bowl eligibility.
Ohio BobcatsCurrent Record: 7-3
Conference Record: 3-3
Games Remaining: Bowling Green, Akron
Analysis: The Bobcats would seem to be assured of a bowl bid as it stands now. Another win would seemingly put a bowl bid firmly in their grasp.
Miami RedhawksCurrent Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 4-4
Games Remaining: None
Analysis: With their season completed and a .500 record in hand, it appears that a bowl bid may be out of reach for the Redhawks. A lot of teams from other conferences are going to have to finish poorly for the Redhawks to extend their season. They have nothing to be ashamed of though in accomplishing a break-even record in the tough MAC East.
Kent State Golden FlashesCurrent Record: 6-6
Conference Record: 4-4
Games Remaining: None
Analysis: See Miami University
Buffalo BullsCurrent Record: 7-5
Conference Record: 3-5
Games Remaining: None
Analysis: The Bulls may have a chance at a bowl game having garnered seven wins on the season. But the losing conference record definitely doesn't bode well for Coach Lynch's boys. If he doesn't get a bowl bid, he can take solace and revel in that one point victory over Arkansas State all through the off-season though.
Bowling Green FalconsCurrent Record: 4-6
Conference Record: 2-4
Games Remaining: at Northern Illinois, at Ohio
Analysis: With a none-to-easy remaining schedule, and a bevy of other MAC teams seemingly having bowl berths within their grasp, the post-season aspirations of the Falcons appear to be rather bleak. Two wins and a .500 record on the season is nothing to sneeze at though.
MAC West
Ball State CardinalsCurrent Record: 8-3
Conference Record: 6-1
Remaining Games: at Central Michigan
Analysis: With 8 wins to their credit, the Cards would seem to be assured of a post-season berth at this point. They can win the MAC West with a win at Central Michigan. If they should fail, they find themselves in a tie with Eastern Michigan, who holds the tie-breaker having defeated the Cardinals earlier in the season.
Eastern Michigan EaglesCurrent Record: 5-4
Conference Record: 4-2
Games Remaining: at Troy, at Temple, Central Michigan
Analysis: The Eagles are sitting in a precarious position right now. With a tough remaining schedule, EMU could find themselves at 5-7 and out of the post-season. By the same token, they could finish 8-4 and in the MAC title game. Games against Temple and CMU are of incredible importance, not just to the Eagles but to the entire MAC.
Northern Illinois HuskiesCurrent Record: 3-6
Conference Record: 3-3
Games Remaining: at Northwestern, Toledo, Bowling Green
Analysis: Few MAC teams have ever gone bowling with a record of 6-6. NIU would have a good case to do so if they can win out and finish 5-3 in the conference. Even if they do win out, they will need a lot of help from teams not only in the conference, but from without as well.
Western Michigan BroncosCurrent Record: 6-5
Conference Record: 3-4
Games Remaining: Toledo
Analysis: See Miami University and Kent State.
Toledo RocketsCurrent Record: 3-4
Conference Record: 1-4
Games Remaining: at Army, at Northern Illinois, Penn State, at Akron, at Western Michigan
Analysis: With so many games remaining, there are almost too many variables to take into account when it comes to Toledo's post-season aspirations. But a brutal closing schedule, not to mention the lack of time in which to finish said schedule, is definitely working against the Rockets right now.
Central Michigan ChippewasCurrent Record: 3-6
Conference Record: 1-5
Games Remaining: at Idaho, Ball State, at Eastern Michigan
Analysis: With 6 losses already on the ledger, 5 in the conference, the future looks bleak for the Chips as far as bowl games are concerned. But with a very talented roster and games remaining against the two West division front runners, CMU plays a very crucial role in the final week of the season.
