MAC East Champion: Temple

Temple boasts the conference’s best running attack with sophomore Bernard Pierce. The Owls’ only loss may end up being Penn State. The team’s dispatching of Big East contender Connecticut shows Temple is poised for a run.

MAC East Dark Horse: Kent State (1-3, 0-0)

The Flashes will rely on defense to contend this season, but the offense will need to get going for a bowl game to be in the future.

Where Kent State will end up: Fourth

The Flashes’ offense is simply too inept (except for Jarvis, if he ever returns to full strength), and quarterback play will not be good enough for them to finish higher.

MAC West Champion: Toledo

Toledo will win the MAC West this season. The team already possesses a strong defense and started conference play with two wins. The Rockets tough out-of-conference schedule will make Toledo stronger down the stretch.

MAC West dark horse: Central Michigan

Despite losing star quarterback Dan LeFevour to the NFL in the offseason, the Chippewas played tough against conference favorite Temple, losing 13-10 in overtime.

MAC Championship game winner: Temple over Toledo, 31-17

Contact Richard Pierce at [email protected].