Rocket Docket

MAC Power Rankings -- Feb. 28

Written by Bowling Green beat writer John Wagner

As the Mid-American Conference regular season comes to a close, there still are some seeding questions to answer. But it looks as if this season has split the MAC’s 12 teams up neatly into three groups of four teams –- the “bye” teams, the first-round hosts and the road warriors.

This final regular-season set of MAC Power Rankings for women’s basketball will look to set the stage for the league tournament, including teams to watch as the action unfolds starting Saturday.

Here is our look at how the league has shaped up entering Tuesday’s final set of games. …

1. BOWLING GREEN (23-5, 13-2 MAC) (LW #1): Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, especially after a disappointing loss at Ohio Wednesday in a situation where a win could have made the Falcons’ lives much easier. BG did bounce back with a solid victory over Miami that clinched the East Division title, but the Falcons still need to sweat out a contest at Kent State Tuesday to assure they will receive the top seed. If Bowling Green doesn’t win, they probably will topple all the way to third in the seedings -– and the road to a potential title will get much tougher. RPI: 60.

Tournament road: At Kent State.

2. EASTERN MICHIGAN (21-7, 13-2 MAC) (LW #2): The Eagles’ dominating win over Toledo last week solidified their hold on second – and EMU could easily make the case for being the league’s best team heading into the tournament. Not only has Eastern Michigan won nine in a row, the Eagles’ closest game –- closest game! –- is a 10-point win, with six of those victories by 20 points or more. Notice that EMU’s RPI now is better than BG’s –- a development that makes the Eagles’ loss at Ball State in the MAC opener the blemish that may cost EMU an outright league title. RPI: 57.

Tournament road: At Central Michigan.

3. TOLEDO (19-8, 12-3 MAC) (LW #3): The Rockets were squashed in their rematch with Eastern Michigan, and their two losses to the Eagles –- combined with a head-scratching loss in their MAC opener at Western Michigan –- likely will cost UT a spot as one of the top two seeds in the MAC tournament. If that’s the case, Toledo is going to have to figure out a way to beat Eastern Michigan if it wants to win the league, because it will be impossible for them to avoid the Eagles in the tournament semifinals. RPI: 80.

Tournament road: At Ball State.

4. MIAMI (20-8, 10-5 MAC) (LW #4): The RedHawks have clinched the fourth seed in the MAC tournament, meaning they have a bye into the quarterfinals. Assuming that Central Michigan earns the fifth seed, Miami would have no cake-walk in its first tournament contest, and a win is likely to set up a third confrontation with Bowling Green. That means the RedHawks need to start working now to find something to overcome their recent jinx against the Falcons, since that’s the only route to the title game. RPI: 91.

Tournament road: Home vs. Ohio.

5. CENTRAL MICHIGAN (15-14, 7-8 MAC) (LW #7): The Chippewas won twice last week, including a solid victory at home over Northern Illinois and a road win at Western Michigan. While the NIU win helps more in the standings, the victory at WMU may prove more valuable because of this team’s recent road struggles. Is CMU pulling things together after a tumultuous league season? Or did it just take advantage of two inferior teams last week? We should get at least a clue as to which of those statements is correct on Tuesday, when the Chips host Eastern Michigan. RPI: 167.

Tournament road: Home vs. Eastern Michigan.

6. NORTHERN ILLINOIS (12-15, 6-9 MAC) (LW #5): Three weeks ago I jumped this team up in the standings, and I still don’t regret the decision –- even though the Huskies lost twice last week. Both losses were on the road, and NIU didn’t exactly get blown out by Toledo. In fact, this team has a way of making other teams look bad, which leads me to believe it will be tough to knock off the Huskies once the tournament begins. RPI: 188.

Tournament road: Home vs. Western Michigan.

7. OHIO (13-16, 6-9 MAC) (LW #8): The Bobcats had another puzzling week last week, knocking off Bowling Green -– a huge win for seeding purposes -– before losing to Buffalo -– a very negative loss. Or perhaps it isn’t so puzzling after all: Ohio has won three in a row at home and lost three straight on the road. That makes earning a first-round home game essential to the Bobcats, who still have one more game to play: At Miami. Uh-oh. RPI: 251.

Tournament road: At Miami.

8. AKRON (12-17, 6-9 MAC) (LW #6): The Zips lost twice last week, including a one-point setback at Kent State that could prove costly. Yes, Akron made a bold comeback late; but the Zips needed to be good enough earlier in the game, so that the comeback wasn’t necessary. Akron finishes with a tricky contest at Buffalo, and while a win isn’t essential to claim a first-round home game, it likely is essential to get the Zips into the right frame of mind entering tournament play. RPI: 203.

Tournament road: Home vs. Buffalo.

9. KENT STATE (6-19, 5-10 MAC) (LW #10): Just when it seemed the Golden Flashes were about to hit rock-bottom, they claimed a win over Akron Saturday. That win did more than snap a seven-game losing streak: It kept alive KSU’s hopes of earning a first-round home game in the MAC tournament. Of course, the next step towards realizing those dreams will be a game against Bowling Green, so it won’t be easy. RPI: 296.

Tournament road: Home vs. Bowling Green.

10. WESTERN MICHIGAN (7-21, 4-11 MAC) (LW #11): The Broncos were able to stop the flow of blood with a win at Ball State, which was important in that it stopped a four-game losing streak. WMU finishes with a game at Northern Illinois, which may prove interesting in that it could be repeated Saturday in the first round of the MAC tournament. If the Broncos wish to do some damage in that event, they will have to find the group that scored 102 points against Buffalo –- or, better still, the squad that opened the MAC season with a win over Toledo. RPI: 298.

Tournament road: At Northern Illinois.

11. BUFFALO (9-20, 4-11) (LW #12): The Bulls had a big week last week, winning twice. Yes, both games were at home. Yes, both wins were against teams in the lower half of the standings. But when you’re 2-11, any win is a good win. And those are two good wins for the Bulls, who need to find a way to win on the road when they play at Akron Tuesday. Figuring out how to succeed away from home is a must if this team wants to advance in the tournament. RPI: 211.

Tournament road: At Akron.

12. BALL STATE (9-18, 4-11 MAC) (LW #9): Remember that I wrote last week that the Cardinals rose to ninth in the Power Rankings more as an indictment of the three teams below (Buffalo, Kent State and Western Michigan) than any kind of reward for Ball State. The Cards promptly lost a winnable game against Western Michigan, and the rest of the schedule has dumped them back to the bottom of the rankings. I seem to rail on Toledo a lot for having lost to Western Michigan early in the season, and I realize now that Eastern Michigan deserves similar scorn for losing to this team in its season opener. I think it’s safe to say there has never been a more misleading start to the MAC season in this sport that those two games this year. RPI: 269.

Tournament road: Home vs. Toledo.

MAC women's power rankings – Feb. 21

Written by my colleague, BGSU beat writer John Wagner.

Even though there are still three games left on the regular-season schedule, some things have already been decided in Mid-American Conference women’s basketball. For example, three teams – Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan and Toledo – have guaranteed themselves byes into the quarterfinals of the MAC tournament, and Miami probably will clinch the fourth spot by week’s end.

But not everything is clear just yet, although this week should increase the clarity at the top, middle and bottom of the standings. At the top, Tuesday’s EMU-UT battle will likely determine which two teams get byes to the semifinals, and Saturday’s contest between BG and Miami will help in that regard as well.

In the middle, Northern Illinois enters a tough stretch in the schedule, while Akron is on the road twice this week, which may give other schools a chance to rise in the standings. And at the bottom all four teams still have a shot at moving up enough to claim a first-round home game in the tournament, although the window is about to snap shut on Buffalo.

As it stands now, here is our look at how the league has shaped up after 13 conference games. …

1. BOWLING GREEN (22-4, 12-1 MAC) (LW #1): The Falcons won twice last week, but neither game was particularly impressive. In fact, winning by only 10 at home against the team with the league’s worst record is probably a bit of an indictment. Has the wind gone out of the Falcons’ sails because of the loss at Toledo? We’ll find out Saturday when BG hosts Miami at the Stroh Center. If the Falcons can win that contest, they will claim one of the two berths in the semifinals of the league tournament. RPI: 63.

Tournament road: At Ohio, home vs. Miami, at Kent State.

2. EASTERN MICHIGAN (19-7, 11-2 MAC) (LW #2): The Eagles already have clinched a berth in the quarterfinals of the MAC tournament, and a win at home over Toledo Tuesday would practically guarantee EMU advances directly to the semifinals. The Eagles enter Tuesday’s contest on a seven-game winning streak, but UT has won 10 straight – including a win over Bowling Green. And should the Rockets win the rematch, Toledo then wins the tiebreaker since the Rockets beat BG. If the Eagles beat Toledo, Eastern Michigan gets the tiebreaker with a season’s sweep. RPI: 69.

Tournament road: Home vs. Toledo, home vs. Ball State, at Central Michigan.

3. TOLEDO (18-7, 11-2 MAC) (LW #3): The Rockets have earned a berth in the quarterfinals of the MAC tournament, and they have given themselves a shot at a semifinal berth if they can win at Eastern Michigan. Losing at EMU would probably squash that chance, though, since it would give the Eagles the head-to-head tiebreaker and put UT potentially two games behind Bowling Green with just two games left. The EMU-UT game will be won by … the team that can force the game to be played at its favorite tempo: fast (EMU) or slow (UT). Gut feeling? The Rockets come to rue their horrible, inexplicable loss to Western Michigan in their MAC opener. RPI: 80.

Tournament road: At Eastern Michigan, home vs. Northern Illinois, at Ball State.

4. MIAMI (19-7, 9-4 MAC) (LW #4): The RedHawks may have gotten the train back on the tracks with road wins at Kent State and Buffalo, but it may be too late. Miami loses tiebreakers with both Eastern Michigan and Toledo, and the only way MU catches Bowling Green is if the Falcons lose the rest of their games, which is hard to imagine. The good news is that the RedHawks need just one more win to clinch the fourth and final spot in the quarterfinals, which isn’t a bad consolation prize. Miami can use Saturday’s game at Bowling Green to signal the rest of the league that the RedHawks are a fourth legitimate MAC title contender. RPI: 97.

Tournament road: Home vs. Akron, at Bowling Green, home vs. Ohio.

5. NORTHERN ILLINOIS (12-13, 6-7 MAC) (LW #7): Two weeks ago I admitted that the decision to move this squad all the way from 12th to seventh might be seen as “silly.” But instead the Huskies have validated the move by winning five of their last seven, with the losses coming to Bowling Green and Eastern Michigan. This week may be the most challenging of all, since it includes tough road games at Central Michigan and Toledo. If NIU can win one of those two contests, a first-round home game in the MAC tournament is virtually assured. If it can’t win this week, Northern will need a little help – and probably will get it. RPI: 180.

Tournament road: At Central Michigan, at Toledo, home vs. Western Michigan.

6. AKRON (12-15, 6-7 MAC) (LW #6): The Zips nearly went 4-0 in their just-completed homestand, which gives them a strong shot at a first-round home game in the MAC tournament. It’s not guaranteed, though, so a road win this week would certainly help. If Akron can’t win at Miami on Wednesday – which will be a tall order – the Zips need to sweep their final two games to earn that home bid. Winning at Kent State won’t be easy, but closing out the home schedule against Buffalo should be. RPI: 193.

Tournament road: At Miami, at Kent State, home vs. Buffalo.

7. CENTRAL MICHIGAN (13-14, 5-8 MAC) (LW #5): There’s no shame in losing to Toledo, although the Chippewas did lose by 18 points on their home floor. And losing to Ball State (albeit on the road) on Sunday was another misstep by a team with far more talent that its record would indicate. If this team hopes to host a first-round tournament game it must go 2-0 this week, with the home game against Northern Illinois crucial if the Chippewas want a higher seed. If it comes down to the final game, this team is in trouble because it hosts Eastern Michigan, and the Eagles are on a roll. RPI: 169.

Tournament road: Home vs. Northern Illinois, at Western Michigan, home vs. Eastern Michigan.

8. OHIO (12-15, 5-6 MAC) (LW #8): A crucial home win over Kent State Saturday helped salve the wound caused by a loss at Akron Wednesday. The Bobcats are still hanging on to the eighth seed (and a first-round home game) in the MAC tournament, but it will be tough to hold on now as Bowling Green and Miami still remain on the schedule. Ohio To keep its grip on that home contest, the Bobcats must win at Buffalo Saturday – and OU probably needs to find a way to win one more time as well. RPI: 260.

Tournament road: Home vs. Bowling Green, at Buffalo, at Miami.

9. BALL STATE (9-16, 4-9 MAC) (LW #12): The fact that the Cardinals have risen to the ninth seed is more an indictment of the three teams below it than any kind of reward for Ball State. The Cards did claim a nice home win over Central Michigan on Sunday, but BSU still has lost eight of its last 10. Any chance Ball State has of hosting a first-round tournament home games hinges largely on Wednesday’s home game at Western Michigan, and that contest becomes especially must-win since the schedule finishes with potential losses at Eastern Michigan and home against Toledo. RPI: 259.

Tournament road: Home vs. Western Michigan, at Eastern Michigan, home vs. Toledo.

10. KENT STATE (5-18, 4-9 MAC) (LW #9): I’m still shaking my head over ranking this team in the upper division following its mid-season three-game win streak. That ranking looks especially foolish since this young and generally inexperienced team lost the six games that have followed. Worse for the Golden Flashes, Tuesday’s game at Buffalo becomes a must-win if KSU entertains any hopes of a first-round MAC tournament home game, although the Flashes do end the season with back-to-back home games. One problem: Kent State hosts Akron and Bowling Green in those two contests and will be the underdog in both. RPI: 296.

Tournament road: At Buffalo, home vs. Akron, home vs. Bowling Green.

11. WESTERN MICHIGAN (6-20, 3-10 MAC) (LW #10): Last week I wrote that Northern Illinois’ win over Miami was the MAC upset of the year. After watching Toledo beat the Broncos by 26 last Saturday – in a game that wasn’t NEARLY as close as the final score would indicate – I stand correct. How did this team beat the Rockets on Jan. 5? If WMU wants to win again this season, Wednesday’s contest at Ball State is must-win, because the Broncos finish with the sleep-walking Chippewas of CMU (well, that IS a possible win) and a contest at Northern Illinois (I have a hard time envisioning a win there). RPI: 306.

Tournament road: At Ball State, home vs. Central Michigan, at Northern Illinois.

12. BUFFALO (7-20, 2-11) (LW #11): I watched the Bulls play Bowling Green “close” on Wednesday, and I see Buffalo has other “close” losses as well – most notably a two-point home loss to red-hot Toledo. The problem for Buffalo is that “close” only counts in three places: horseshoes, hand grenades and drive-in movies. The Bulls have a pair of winnable games this week as they host Kent State and Ohio. UB must win them, though, and because of all the “close” losses that still probably won’t be enough for Buffalo to rise enough and capture a first-round home game in the MAC tournament. RPI: 210.

Tournament road: Home vs. Kent State, home vs. Ohio, at Akron.

MAC Power Rankings -- Feb. 15

Written by BGSU beat writer John Wagner. ...

Spoiler alert: I didn’t move a single team in this week’s Power Rankings. Not one. Of course, if you want to find out why nothing changed from last week, you’ll need to read on. …

Well, sorry, second spoiler alert: One reason there wasn’t much movement was because each team played only one game last week. While you could make an argument for several changes – Toledo taking the top spot, for example, or a different order of finish in the Akron-Central Michigan-Northern Illinois tangle, for another example – there still are five more games to shed some light on the relative strengths of the league’s 12 teams.

No spoiler, just a prediction: This week’s schedule of games will go a long way towards clarifying what teams will earn the fifth- through eighth-place berths that signal first-round home games in the MAC tournament. Oops, here’s a second prediction: While the top four teams will start earning byes in the league tournament this week, we’ll have to wait until next week to sort out which team gets what bye.

As it stands now, here is our look at how the league has shaped up after 11 conference games. …

1. BOWLING GREEN (20-4, 10-1 MAC) (LW #1): The Falcons finally lost a league game, although losing by two points at Toledo is no embarrassment. In fact, BG remains in the top spot despite the loss since it held its own on the Rockets’ home court, leading for all but roughly two minutes of the contest. The Falcons need one more win to clinch a bye to the MAC tournament quarterfinals, and Miami’s loss Saturday gives them a leg up towards clinching the East Division title. RPI: 66.

Tournament road: Home vs. Buffalo, at Akron, at Ohio, home vs. Miami, at Kent State.

2. EASTERN MICHIGAN (17-7, 9-2 MAC) (LW #2): The Eagles swept through the rest of East Division after losing to Bowling Green, giving them a “magic number” of two to claim a berth in the quarterfinals. And give EMU bonus points for doing what was expected in convincing fashion: the five wins against the East Division were by an average margin of 24 points. Even though the next two games are on the road, there can be no slip-ups as the Eagles prepare for their home game against Toledo that will decide the West Division winner. RPI: 69.

Tournament road: At Western Michigan, at Northern Illinois, home vs. Toledo, home vs. Ball State, at Central Michigan.

3. TOLEDO (16-7, 9-2 MAC) (LW #3): The Rockets have given their resume some more shine with a home win over Bowling Green, the last unbeaten in the MAC. If UT can beat EMU when the two teams meet in Ypsilanti on Feb. 21, the Rockets would hold the tiebreaker … ah, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves, aren’t we? Toledo enters the week with a “magic number” of two to earn a berth in the MAC tournament quarterfinals. But the Rockets also face a challenge Wednesday at Central Michigan, then give themselves a shot at redemption Saturday when they host a Western Michigan club that beat UT to start MAC play. RPI: 82.

Tournament road: At Central Michigan, home vs. Western Michigan, at Eastern Michigan, home vs. Northern Illinois, at Ball State.

4. MIAMI (17-7, 7-4 MAC) (LW #4): Losing to Bowling Green? Understandable. Losing on the road to Eastern Michigan and Toledo? Understandable as well. Losing to Northern Illinois at home? I know I said the Huskies are better, but that’s still not a good loss for the RedHawks. The good thing for Miami is that many of its goals are still attainable, including a quarterfinals bye (although the “magic number” for that berth remains four, and it’s not a lock). Best of all, nearly all of the RedHawks’ goals remain in their hands. RPI: 112.

Tournament road: At Kent State, at Buffalo, home vs. Akron, at Bowling Green, home vs. Ohio.

5. CENTRAL MICHIGAN (13-12, 5-6 MAC) (LW #5): Winning by only six against Buffalo isn’t very impressive, although the game was played on the Bulls’ home court. But a win is a win is a win for a team that had lost five of its previous six. The Chippewas can continue the work of get their train back on track with a home win over Toledo Wednesday –- and CMU led the Rockets for much of the team’s first meeting, so this is doable. Still, time is running out for this talented team to get its act together. RPI: 159.

Tournament road: Home vs. Toledo, at Ball State, home vs. Northern Illinois, at Western Michigan, home vs. Eastern Michigan.

6. AKRON (11-14, 5-6 MAC) (LW #6): The Zips are in the middle of the most promising part of their schedule, and to this point they have taken care of business with home wins over Central Michigan and Western Michigan. This week the home games are against Ohio and Bowling Green … and believe it or not, the game against the Bobcats is the key. Why? A loss to OU really hampers any momentum Akron has gained recently. A win helps energize the Zips to spring an upset on the Falcons Saturday. RPI: 196.

Tournament road: Home vs. Ohio, home vs. Bowling Green, at Miami, at Kent State, home vs. Buffalo.

7. NORTHERN ILLINOIS (11-12, 5-6 MAC) (LW #7): Last week I thought the decision to move this squad all the way to seventh might be seen as “silly.” Now who looks silly? The Huskies have won four of their last five, including a win at Miami that probably is the biggest upset in the MAC this season. Beating Ball State at home Wednesday is critical for NIU, since the next three games are EMU followed by road games at CMU and Toledo. A win over the Cardinals helps give the Huskies the confidence they would need to pull another upset in those three games that follow. RPI: 173.

Tournament road: Home vs. Ball State, home vs. Eastern Michigan, at Central Michigan, at Toledo, home vs. Western Michigan.

8. OHIO (11-14, 4-7 MAC) (LW #8): The Bobcats slowed the tide of losses with a solid home win over Ball State, but this week is a make-or-break proposition for Ohio. Winning at Akron and home against Kent State is doable, and it’s almost a “must” since the rest of the schedule includes loseable games against Bowling Green and Miami sandwiched around a road trip to Buffalo. Winning the contest at home against Kent State is a must, since the two teams are tied for the eighth spot in the MAC tournament – and the last available first-round home game that goes with it. RPI: 254.

Tournament road: At Akron, home vs. Kent State, home vs. Bowling Green, at Buffalo, at Miami.

9. KENT STATE (5-16, 4-7 MAC) (LW #9): I admitted last week that I was hoodwinked by the Golden Flashes’ three-game win streak a few weeks back. Since that time KSU has lost four in a row, including a bad home loss to Ball State. As things stand now the Flashes hold the eighth spot in the standings, meaning they would host a first-round tournament game. Kent State is tied with Ohio for that eighth spot, so winning in Athens on Saturday would go a long way towards solidifying that seed. RPI: 299.

Tournament road: Home vs. Miami, at Ohio, at Buffalo, home vs. Akron, home vs. Bowling Green.

10. WESTERN MICHIGAN (6-18, 3-8 MAC) (LW #10): And talk about hoodwinked: The Broncos’ 2-0 start in MAC play, which included a home win over Toledo, has given way to eight losses in the last nine games, including the last two in a row. Things certainly don’t get any easier for WMU this week as the Broncos host Eastern Michigan before traveling to Toledo. The big question facing Western Michigan is this: Can this team win another game on its schedule? The best chance comes Feb. 22 when the Broncos are at Ball State. RPI: 313.

Tournament road: Home vs. Eastern Michigan, at Toledo, at Ball State, home vs. Central Michigan, at Northern Illinois.

11. BUFFALO (7-18, 2-9) (LW #11): The good news for the Bulls is that there is light at the end of the tunnel: After a road game Wednesday, the next three contests are at home. But that light could be an oncoming train: Buffalo’s road game is against MAC leader Bowling Green, and the first home contest is against second-place Miami. A win against either of those two teams could light a spark to the finish, which includes winnable home games against Kent State and Ohio. RPI: 211.

Tournament road: At Bowling Green, home vs. Miami, home vs. Kent State, home vs. Ohio, at Akron.

12. BALL STATE (8-15, 3-8 MAC) (LW #12): I thought this team might struggle to win at Ohio … but I never imagined a 19-point loss. Suddenly, a road game at Northern Illinois looms large for the Cardinals. That’s because there aren’t many wins left on the schedule, even though three of the final four games are at home. Beating Western Michigan at home Feb. 22 becomes critical for seeding purposes, and losing two in a row and seven of the last nine will force this team to pull an upset if it wants to host a first-round home game in the MAC tournament. RPI: 259.

Tournament road: At Northern Illinois, home vs. Central Michigan, home vs. Western Michigan, at Eastern Michigan, home vs. Toledo.

MAC Power Rankings -- Feb. 7

Last week John Wagner (The Blade's BG reporter) wrote that it was clear that the power in Mid-American Conference men’s basketball rested in the East. But he was still amazed how dominating the East Division was last week as the six East schools won all 12 games over the West. With the East having won 21 of the first 24 cross-over games this season, this week’s Power Rankings are very East-heavy.

That may not be how things finish –- after all the “better” teams in the West will benefit from playing the “lesser” teams twice –- but perhaps it’s as it should be. Regardless, if you view these rankings as “groups of four,” you can be pretty confident we've got the three groups right.

So here is a look at the league’s 12 teams, with rankings based on performance – and projected development – during the coming season. Here we go. …

1. AKRON (16-7, 8-1 MAC) (LW #1): The Zips remain in the top spot after home wins over Toledo and Eastern Michigan last week. I will be interested to see how they play at Western Michigan Wednesday –- I’ll be more interested to see how the Broncos play, but more on that later –- because after that the road smooths considerably for the Zips. Akron plays four of its final six at home, which is a huge advantage over Ohio (only two of its final six is at home). RPI: 54.

2. OHIO (19-4, 7-2 MAC) (LW #2): Last week the Bobcats did what they were supposed to do: Beat over-matched teams by a solid margin. Things get a little dicier for Ohio this week as they play at improving Toledo and at Eastern Michigan, a team whose style is opposite that of the Bobcats. It’s important that OU keep winning this week, because the finish to the regular season has the potential to be rocky. Three of the Bobcats last four games are on the road – and the lone home contest is against Akron. RPI: 78.

3. BUFFALO (14-6, 7-2 MAC) (LW #3): Does anyone remember that this team started the MAC schedule 1-2? Six wins have completely washed away the memory of those early season losses at Ohio and at Miami. This week isn’t automatic –- a game at Central Michigan and a home contest against Western Michigan –- but the real concerns come the following week, when the Bulls have tough games at Kent State and South Dakota State. From there, Buffalo plays three of its final four at home, although the road date is a critical rematch at Akron. RPI: 89.

4. KENT STATE (16-6, 6-3 MAC) (LW #4): The Golden Flashes continue to get healthy against the West Division, posting solid but not spectacular wins at Central Michigan and at home against Western Michigan. This will be an interesting week for KSU, which plays at Eastern Michigan before hosting Ball State. If Kent State wins those two contests, watch out for the Flashes: Their second swing through the East gives them home contests against Buffalo, Ohio and Akron. RPI: 94.

5. EASTERN MICHIGAN (10-13, 5-4 MAC) (LW #5): Yes, Miami is a tough place to play. But losing to the RedHawks this season? If you are a supposed title contender, that ain’t good. And yes, Saturday’s loss at Akron was understandable. But losing by 30 points? Not so understandable. So the Eagles have an interesting week of work in front of them, hosting Kent State and Ohio. If Eastern Michigan really wants to finish in the top four and earn a tournament bye, this is the week where they will have to earn that bye. RPI: 227.

6. BALL STATE (12-9, 4-5 MAC) (LW #6): Last week I said the Cardinals were in a rut because they couldn’t pick up a win against a team that is ahead of them in the standings. So then Ball State showed me what a real rut is, losing at home to a Miami team BSU should have beaten. It may not be the sexiest game on the schedule, but the Cards’ home game against Bowling Green Wednesday is critical if Ball State wants to have any shot at finishing among the top four. If the Cardinals don’t win, they play at Kent State next, and they still have very lose-able games at Western Michigan and at Eastern Michigan ahead. One advantage: Ball State finishes with what could be the league’s easiest schedule, hosting Central Michigan and Northern Illinois in the final week. RPI: 235.

7. BOWLING GREEN (11-11, 5-4 MAC) (LW #8): It’s hard to underestimate the importance of the Falcons’ win at Western Michigan last Wednesday, since it gave BG a leg up in the race for a higher seeding against West Division rivals. Then again, it’s hard to underestimate the importance of this Wednesday’s game at Ball State, since it would give them a tiebreaker against another highly regarded West Division team. And while most East Division schools would view the next game, at home against Toledo, as an easy win, Falcon fans know better: They view it as a rivalry game against a team highly motivated to spring an upset. RPI: 173.

8. WESTERN MICHIGAN (10-13, 4-5 MAC) (LW #7): This may be overly dramatic, but I don’t think it is: The season hangs in the balance for the Broncos. The home loss to Bowling Green, which included a dreadful second-half performance, makes just about every games from this point a “must-win” contest for WMU. And that won’t be easy, since the games this week are a home contest against Akron and a road game at Buffalo. The Broncos’ second swing through the West includes home games against top challengers Ball State and Eastern Michigan, which will help. But Western Michigan can’t afford any more setbacks – and truth be told, it already may be too late to salvage a top-four finish. RPI: 166.

9. TOLEDO (10-13, 2-7 MAC) (LW #9): The Rockets may have lost twice, but they were easily the most impressive team from the West Division last week. They weren’t bad in their loss at Akron, and they gave Buffalo everything the Bulls wanted before losing in the final moments. UT finishes its swing through the East with a home game against Ohio and a “road” game at Bowling Green, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the Rockets won at least one of those games – or even both. RPI: 283.

10. MIAMI (7-14, 3-6 MAC) (LW #11): Remember all those times I talked about expecting more from a squad coached by Charlie Coles? Well, last week was what I expected. No, I didn’t expect two wins … but I expected more disciplined performances, because that’s what his teams are known for. And that’s what happened. I thought the match-up with Eastern Michigan might be a good one for the RedHawks because the pace of the game would help them compete, but the win at Ball State was an unexpected bonus. RPI: 226.

11. CENTRAL MICHIGAN (7-15, 2-7 MAC) (LW #10): I’ve been wondering if things are falling apart in Mt. Pleasant, but last week was simply a matter of playing two teams that were better. The team seemed to give Kent State a challenge at home but was no match for Ohio in Athens. The Chippewas may not be able to get things rolling at home against Buffalo Wednesday, but they must find a way at Miami Saturday or they will finish 0-6 against the East –- and will have lost nine in a row. RPI: 249.

12. NORTHERN ILLINOIS (2-19, 1-8 MAC) (LW #12): Finally saw the Huskies in person last weekend … and they are as bad as their record says they are. But let’s give NIU some love: This team obviously is young, and the program made a long-term decision that had negative short-term repercussions when Tim Tolar was dismissed. They play hard, they try to do things right, and the things you’d expect from a team coached by a Tom Izzo disciple in Mark Montgomery –- good rebounding and hard-nosed play –- are there. It’s all about getting better players. RPI: 334.

MAC power rankings -- Week 13

Well, we have reached the final week of the 2011 regular season. Seems like just yesterday we were discussing the Rockets' season-opening win against New Hampshire. And yet, this season is far from over with four, possibly five, MAC teams getting bowl bids, plus next week's MAC championship game.

1. NORTHERN ILLINOIS (8-3, 6-1) (LW #1): The scenario is pretty simple for the Huskies this week -- win and they're in. If Northern Illinois can get by Eastern Michigan on Friday, which is the likely outcome, it will be rewarded with a MAC West Division title and a date with Ohio in the conference championship game Dec. 2 at Ford Field in Detroit.

2. TOLEDO (7-4, 6-1) (LW #3): The scenario is a little more complicated for the Rockets this week, although still pretty simple -- win and hope for an NIU loss, and they're in. Toledo and NIU are tied atop the West standings, but the Huskies hold the tiebreaker by virtue of their 63-60 win over the Rockets on Nov. 1 at the Glass Bowl.

3. OHIO (8-3, 5-2) (LW #2): The Bobcats dropped a spot in the Rocket Docket power rankings this week, even after clinching the East Division title last week with a win at Bowling Green. Why's that? Well, for starters, Ohio's margin of victory over the Falcons was a mere one point, and the East Division is simply awful this season so it's not saying much when you're at the top of a very average heap of teams.

4. TEMPLE (7-4, 4-3) (LW #4): The Owls appear to be the most likely of the growing list of so-so bowl eligible MAC squads to actually go bowling. Ohio is guaranteed a spot in the postseason by virtue of winning the East, and Northern Illinois and Toledo are almost assuredly going bowling as long as they don't slip up this week. If Temple can get by Kent State on Friday, that would give the Owls eight wins and it would be considered cruel and unusual punishment if they get left bowl-less for the second year in a row with that many victories.

5. BALL STATE (6-5, 4-3) (LW #5): The Cardinals were a penalty flag away from upsetting Northern Illinois last week and having a chance to play for a division title against Toledo this week. A pick-six by Ball State late in the game at NIU was instead called back because of a roughing the passer penalty. Now, the Cardinals face a must-win against the Rockets to have any shot of getting into a bowl and prolonging their season.

6. WESTERN MICHIGAN (6-5, 4-3) (LW #7): The Broncos still have an outside shot of making it to a bowl game, but they'll probably need Ball State or Temple to lose this week for that to happen. Western Michigan faces an extremely winnable game against Akron on Friday, so it should have seven wins and a very explosive offense to sell to bowl officials. If the MAC gets five spots in the postseason, I have to believe that fifth team will be Western Michigan.

7. KENT STATE (5-6, 4-3) (LW #9): I don't see any possible scenarios that involve Kent State making it to a bowl game (short of Moses coming down from the mountain and proclaiming it so). Nonetheless, you still have to credit the Golden Flashes for a significant turnaround late in the season when all appeared lost.

8. EASTERN MICHIGAN (6-5, 4-3) (LW #6): No matter what happens Friday at Northern Illinois, it's been an incredible season for the Eagles. Hopefully somebody has already engraved Ron English's name onto the MAC coach of the year trophy, because his program made tremendous strides this year. To have your first six-win season since the '90s is definitely something to be proud of in Ypsilanti.

9. MIAMI (4-7, 3-4) (LW #8): It's been a very disappointing season in Oxford. A year after being the Cinderella of the MAC (and maybe even the nation), the RedHawks' carriage turned back into a pumpkin in 2011.

10. BOWLING GREEN (4-7, 2-5) (LW #10): Even with a young squad, this is the year that got away from the Falcons with two one-point losses at home. Look for a lot more from BG in 2012 with lots of talent coming back on both sides of the ball.

11. CENTRAL MICHIGAN (3-9, 2-6) (LW #11): Even after seeing the Chippewas in person last week, I still have no explanation for their victory over Northern Illinois earlier in the season. Central Michigan also has a lot of young players, but it looks like a program in disarray right now. Coach Dan Enos must find a way to re-raise the bar in 2012 in order to keep his job.

12. BUFFALO (3-8, 2-5) (LW #12): The Bulls picked up a blowout 51-10 win over lowly Akron last week and could potentially end the year with a two-game winning streak if they can get by BG on Friday. Buffalo has some decent pieces coming back next year, especially on defense, but the graduation of QB Chazz Anderson will definitely hurt offensively.

13. AKRON (1-10, 0-7) (LW #13): The only consistency found in all 13 weeks of the Rocket Docket power rankings this season has been scrolling all the way to the bottom and finding the Zips. Luckily, Akron also has one of the top men's soccer programs in the nation. Otherwise, autumn in A-town would be very long.

MAC power rankings -- Week 12

With another big game in the MAC West Division tonight, we'll almost assuredly see another shakeup in the Rocket Docket MAC power rankings next week. For now, here's a whiparound the conference's best, from top to bottom.

1. NORTHERN ILLINOIS (7-3, 5-1) (LW #1): The Huskies can further solidify their spot atop the MAC tonight with a home victory over Ball State. A win would also leave NIU with just one step to go to repeating as West champs.

2. OHIO (7-3, 4-2) (LW #2): If there was such an award, Tyler Tettleton would be the conference's top candidate for newcomer of the year. He's completed 63 percent of his passes this season, thrown for an average of almost 250 yards per game, tossed 22 TDs to just 6 INTs and run for an additional 7 TDs. The Bobcats can definitely trace much of their success back to Tettleton.

3. TOLEDO (6-4, 5-1) (LW #3): The Rockets rebounded -- albeit by the skin of their teeth -- with a 66-63 win over Western Michigan and seem to be in prime position to make it to one of the MAC's three bowl games as long as they win out. UT is also ready and waiting should the Huskies stumble, and will definitely be rooting hard for Ball State tonight.

4. TEMPLE (6-4, 4-3) (LW #4): The Owls picked up a nice victory over Miami last week and also took another step toward ensuring they'll get a bowl bid this year, after getting snubbed last season despite finishing 8-4.

5. BALL STATE (6-4, 4-2) (LW #7): The Cardinals still control their own destiny in the West. If they win out in their final two games -- at NIU and vs. Toledo -- they'll go to the MAC championship game for the first time since 2008. Pretty impressive for a team that wasn't picked any where near the top of the division in the preseason.

6. EASTERN MICHIGAN (6-4, 4-2) (LW #8): The Eagles are bowl eligible. Yes, Eastern Michigan -- a team that didn't even win a game two years ago -- is bowl eligible. While they'll probably need some help to get into a bowl, just the fact that the Eagles can include themselves in the conversation ensures Ron English will be named MAC coach of the year.

7. WESTERN MICHIGAN (5-5, 3-3) (LW #5): This will be definitely one of those years where the Broncos look back and say, "what if?" What if they had not experienced a letdown early in the season against NIU, and another later in the year at Eastern Michigan? What if they would have been able to squeeze out one more touchdown, or even a field goal, and beaten Toledo? For such a talented team, it's hard to imagine WMU probably won't be going bowling.

8. MIAMI (4-6, 3-3) (LW #6): The bubble finally burst last week on a very disappointing season for Miami. The RedHawks' loss at Temple didn't completely eliminate them from the East Division race, but they'll have to pull off a stunner next week at Ohio to re-enter the picture. And that assumes they'll get by Western Michigan tomorrow, which is no small feat.

9. KENT STATE (4-6, 3-3) (LW #10): The fact that the Golden Flashes still haven't been eliminated from the East Division race just goes to show you how horrid that division has been this year. Kent State closes with a home game Saturday against Eastern Michigan and then travels to Temple on Nov. 25.

10. BOWLING GREEN (4-6, 2-4) (LW #9): Following a hot start to the season, the Falcons have really tailed off in their last six games. The BG coaching staff has pinned much of the downturn on a struggling offensive line, while injuries and youth are also to blame.

11. CENTRAL MICHIGAN (3-8, 2-5) (LW #11): Based on some quirky scheduling by the conference office, the Chippewas will close out a miserable season Friday night at home against Toledo. And as soon as the final seconds tick off the clock, there will certainly be questions about whether coach Dan Enos will return next season. Word out of Mount Pleasant is he's safe, however, I have to believe the move will at least be briefly considered.

12. BUFFALO (2-8, 1-5) (LW #12): Another MAC coach whose seat is getting hotter is Jeff Quinn. The Bulls showed some early promise but never really got any momentum going their way this season. Buffalo has a chance to double its win total in the final two weeks, though, with home games against Akron and Bowling Green.

13. AKRON (1-9, 0-6) (LW #13): Yep, Zips are still at the bottom. Did you expect anything else?

MAC power rankings -- Week 11

Little pressed for time today with tonight's game at the Glass Bowl, so here's the Rocket Docket MAC power rankings without the commentary. The full rankings and commentary will be back next week.

1. NORTHERN ILLINOIS (6-3, 4-1) (LW #2)

2. OHIO (6-3, 3-2) (LW #3)

3. TOLEDO (5-4, 4-1) (LW #1)

4. TEMPLE (5-4, 3-3) (LW #4)

5. WESTERN MICHIGAN (5-3, 3-2) (LW #6)

6. MIAMI (4-5, 3-2) (LW #9)

7. BALL STATE (6-4, 4-2) (LW #7)

8. EASTERN MICHIGAN (5-4, 3-2) (LW #5)

9. BOWLING GREEN (4-5, 2-3) (LW #8)

10. KENT STATE (3-6, 2-3) (LW #10)

11. CENTRAL MICHIGAN (3-7, 2-4) (LW #11)

12. BUFFALO (2-7, 1-4) (#12)

13. AKRON (1-8, 0-5) (LW #13)

MAC power rankings -- Week 10

Several teams were idle last week, so there aren't too many changes in the Rocket Docket MAC power rankings for Week 10. Big matchup tonight, though, between Toledo and Northern Illinois to determine next week's No. 1.

1. TOLEDO (5-3, 4-0) (LW #1): The Rockets were off last week, allowing them a few extra days to prepare for Northern Illinois. Barring any late-season collapses, the Rockets can basically lock up the MAC West title tonight with a win.

 2. NORTHERN ILLINOIS (5-3, 3-1) (LW #2): Just like UT, the Huskies were off last week as well with some extra prep time for their rivalry game. Even though the feeling may not be mutual, NIU definitely dislikes the Rockets.

3. OHIO (5-3, 2-2) (LW #4): Even though they too were idle last week, the Bobcats move up a spot in the power rankings, thanks to Ball State's loss at Western Michigan. Ohio squares off with Temple on Wednesday night, with East Division supremacy on the line.

4. TEMPLE (5-3, 3-2) (LW #6): The Owls also made a jump in the rankings without even playing a game, benefiting from Ball State and Bowling Green's disappointing road losses last weekend. Temple can make another jump Wednesday with a road victory at Ohio. The Owls have been late-season busts the last two years, so it'll be interesting to see if history repeats itself this season.

5. EASTERN MICHIGAN (5-3, 3-1) (LW #7): If the Rockets can get by NIU tonight, the Eagles will sit alone in second place in the MAC West and possess the only real legitimate chance of catching UT. That's pretty remarkable, considering it's November and two years ago Eastern didn't even win a game. The Eagles can get their sixth win for the first time since the 1995 season by beating Ball State on Saturday.

6. WESTERN MICHIGAN (5-4, 3-2) (LW #8): The Broncos are theoretically still alive in the race for the MAC West title, but they're definitely clinging to life support. Western at least took a step forward last week by dispatching Ball State and ruining the Cardinals' chances for a division championship. The Broncos definitely need a UT win tonight, followed by a win over the Rockets next week to get themselves back into the equation.

7. BALL STATE (5-4, 3-2) (LW #3): The youthful Cardinals finally got the best of themselves last weekend, going into Kalamazoo and getting pounded by the Broncos. The Ball State defense couldn't find a way to slow its opponent down, as Western rolled up 600 yards of offense and led 35-14 in the second quarter. With remaining games against EMU, NIU and UT, however, the Cardinals aren't dead quite yet and have a chance to at least play the spoiler role.

8. BOWLING GREEN (4-5, 2-3) (LW #5): Much like Ball State, the Falcons' youth finally came around to bite them in the backside. For some unfathomable reason, BG's players admitted to overlooking Kent State and falling into the proverbial "trap" game. There's really no excuse for that, because BG had just gotten itself into the thick of the East race with a win over Temple the week before.

9. MIAMI (3-5, 2-2) (LW #10): The RedHawks may not a flashy record or a flashy team, but they're still very much alive in the East. After what seems to be a surefire win over Akron this weekend, Miami will either be tied or 1/2-game back of the leader in the East, depending on the outcome of the Temple-Ohio game.

10. KENT STATE (2-6, 1-3) (LW #12): The Flashes made a nice little statement by getting a win over BG, although I don't buy the argument that Kent is better than its record indicates. The Flashes still have a long way to go before clawing back into contention in the East.

11. CENTRAL MICHIGAN (3-6, 2-3) (LW #11): The Chippewas proved their ranking last weekend by barely eeking out a victory over Akron. It's been a tough year in Mount Pleasant, but thankfully for CMU fans, it's drawing to a close.

12. BUFFALO (2-7, 1-4) (LW #9): The Bulls limp into their bye week after getting smoked on the road last weekend at Miami. It's been a tough two weeks for Buffalo -- narrowly losing to NIU and then having no answer for the RedHawks -- so maybe some down time is a good thing for this program right now.

13. AKRON (1-7, 0-4) (LW #13): Still no love, or success, for the Zips.

MAC power rankings -- Week 9

We're only halfway through conference play, but the theme of the 2011 MAC season has to be "expect the unexpected." Just last weekend, we saw Western Michigan continue its downward spiral with a loss at Eastern Michigan, the Eagles claim the Michigan MAC Trophy, Northern Illinois narrowly escape at Buffalo after the Bulls' kicker missed a game-tying extra point, and Temple fall at Bowling Green. Craziness indeed. Eventually, I think I may just start throwing darts at a board to fill out the Rocket Docket MAC power rankings each week, because the week-to-week changes have been that dramatic.

1. TOLEDO (5-3, 4-0) (LW #1): The Rockets have been ranked atop the power rankings for five out of nine weeks this season. UT rolled past the MAC defending champion Miami RedHawks last weekend and will have a few extra days to prepare for the Huskies. As the last remaining unbeaten team in conference play, Toledo controls its own destiny and certainly will be tough to beat the rest of the way.

2. NORTHERN ILLINOIS (5-3, 3-1) (LW #3): As we mentioned earlier, the Huskies were a point away from going to overtime against Buffalo after a regretful second-half collapse. Northern's offense has been unquestionably great this season, and its defense has been equally questionable. Because of that, I think we could be looking at a shootout Tuesday at the Glass Bowl.

3. BALL STATE (5-3, 3-1) (LW #5): If Eastern Michigan wasn't having the season it is, Ball State would have to be the surprise of the year in the MAC. First-year coach Pete Lembo and the Cardinals must be commended because they find themselves thick in the championship race after being picked to finish fifth in the West. It started with a win over Indiana in Week 1, and this young Ball State squad has continued to roll from there.

4. OHIO (5-3, 2-2) (LW #7): After Temple's loss at BG, Ohio has assumed the top spot among East Division teams in the power rankings. The Bobcats are far from being the class of the division, however, with a meager .500 record in conference play. They can go a long way in proving they belong at the top next Wednesday, though, in a home matchup with the Owls. Make sure and tune into that one.

5. BOWLING GREEN (4-4, 2-2) (LW #7): Like Lembo at Ball State, BG's Dave Clawson must be congratulated for the job he's done molding his young players and getting them to play above expectations. Usually it's the veteran teams that are able to grind out victories like the Falcons did against Temple, but BG played with poise and made the plays it needed to down the stretch to pull out a gritty victory. UT was criticized after a "sloppy" win over its arch-rival, but this is clearly a better Falcon squad than most have given them credit for.

6. TEMPLE (5-3, 3-2) (LW #2): The intestinal fortitude of the Owls has to be called into question. Usually, Temple saves these types of collapses for late in the season, but apparently it decided to break out the snoozer a little early. Granted, I watched much of this game from the press box at the Glass Bowl, but it looked like Temple was sleep-walking for much of this game. It's almost as if the Owls brought their 'C' game to BG and hoped it would be good enough.

7. EASTERN MICHIGAN (5-3, 3-1) (LW #9): The MAC coach of the year award is Ron English's to lose at this point. You know the conference has been turned upside when you're starting to talk about the possibility of Eastern qualifying for a bowl. Seriously, just think about that one for a second. Wow.

8. WESTERN MICHIGAN (4-4, 2-2) (LW #4): In a word, the Broncos' collapse has been startling. There's been only two teams ranked No. 1 in the power rankings: Toledo and Western Michigan. And that's for good reason. The Broncos started off so hot and looked unstoppable at times with Alex Carder behind center. Now, Western will have to scratch and claw just to make it to a bowl game.

9. BUFFALO (2-6, 1-3) (LW #11): After watching Buffalo and QB Chazz Anderson almost knock off NIU last Saturday, it's hard to believe the Bulls have only won two games. I truly believe Buffalo is better than its record indicates, and that program finally seems to be going in a positive direction again under second-year coach Jeff Quinn.

10. MIAMI (2-5, 1-2) (LW #8): Also filed under "hard to believe" is how Miami went from the penthouse to the poorhouse in just one offseason. Everything came together for the RedHawks in a magical run last season, but they've definitely come crashing back to Earth this year. Miami looked so disjointed at times last Saturday against Toledo, and it was clear the game was over after just the first quarter. Give UT credit, but for a defending champion to look that bad when it didn't graduate that much, it was definitely surprising.

11. CENTRAL MICHIGAN (2-6, 1-3) (LW #10): The Chippewas were well on the way to pulling off the upset at Ball State last weekend up 17 points early in the third quarter. But the Cardinals rallied for their fourth largest comeback in school history, and CMU was left to lament another bad loss in a season of bad losses.

12. KENT STATE (1-6, 0-3) (LW #12): The Golden Flashes were off last week, and also took some time away from football to clear their minds. Kent State tries to get back on the horse Saturday at home against BG.

13. AKRON (1-6, 0-3) (LW #13): Like death and taxes, it's inevitable every week that the Zips can be found at the bottom of the power rankings.

MAC power rankings -- Week 8

As we found out yesterday with Western Michigan's loss at Northern Illinois, nothing is for certain in the Mid-American Conference. And so, with the Broncos crashing and burning, we have a new, old leader atop the Rocket Docket power rankings.

1. TOLEDO (4-3, 3-0) (LW #2): As the only team left without a defeat in conference play, Toledo is clearly the class of the MAC. If they can get past Miami this week in their homecoming game, the Rockets will be sitting pretty with a season-deciding two-week stretch at home against NIU and WMU in early November.

2. TEMPLE (5-2, 3-1) (LW #3): The Owls throttled Buffalo 34-0 on a special day for RB Bernard Pierce, who set single-season school records for rushing touchdowns (17), overall touchdowns (17) and points (102). He also eclipsed the career mark for total touchdowns (44) and tied the mark held by Paul Palmer (1983-86) for points scored with 264.  He had set the career rushing TD record, previously held by Palmer, and now has 43.

3. NORTHERN ILLINOIS (4-3, 2-1) (LW #4): After a slow start to the season, NIU has come on strong with two straight victories in which the Huskies have outscored their opponents 91-33. Against WMU, the Huskies rolled up 697 yards of offense, with 494 of that total coming on the ground. Add in the always dangerous QB Chandler Harnish, and NIU looks very imposing right now.

4. WESTERN MICHIGAN (4-3, 2-1) (LW #1): Believe it or not, but Western actually led 15-13 at halftime over NIU before getting steam-rolled in the second half. The Broncos were admittedly shell-shocked after the loss, and I can't say I blame them. It'll be interesting to see how they bounce back from this setback. I still think the combo of QB Alex Carder and WR Jordan White is as potent as they come in this conference, so don't count out WMU.

5. BALL STATE (4-3, 2-1) (LW #10): A UT fan emailed me this morning saying the Toledo-Ball State matchup in late November is starting to worry him. Chalk that up as an email I thought I wouldn't be receiving in 2011, but the reader is right. The Cardinals are 4-3 for a reason, and their only losses came at South Florida, at Oklahoma and at home against Temple. Yesterday, they beat MAC East contender Ohio. Don't sleep on Ball State.

6. OHIO (4-3, 1-2) (LW #7): The Bobcats have been the most disappointing team in MAC play this year. The Bobcats were supposed to be title contenders, and instead they opened conference action with a 17-10 squeaker over Kent State, then lost at Buffalo and at home to Ball State. They should be able to pick themselves up off the pat next week at Akron, but then a huge matchup looms with Temple. Ohio needs to get things corrected, and fast.

7. BOWLING GREEN (3-4, 1-2) (LW #8): The Falcons were a fourth-and-1 conversion away from possibly pulling the upset over Toledo. Instead, they're left to again ponder their ill-timed poor execution, an issue that's plagued them in close losses for two seasons now. I still think there's a lot to be gained from this loss in the Battle of I-75 for BG's youthful group, though. Give them time, and I think these young Falcons will learn how to fly.

8. MIAMI (2-4, 1-1) (LW #9): Two weeks ago, Miami finally picked up its first win of the season over Army. Yesterday, the RedHawks snagged their first conference win over Kent State. Both results shouldn't have been as close as they were, though, for the MAC defending champs. Miami has a chance to prove Saturday at Toledo where it's a contender or pretender in 2011.

9. EASTERN MICHIGAN (4-3, 2-1) (LW #11): There's no doubt the Eagles are much better this year than they've been in a long, long time. And you have to be happy for a program that hasn't had much to celebrate recently. But, nobody is handing Ron English the MAC coach of the year award just yet. Eastern's victories have come against Hampton, Alabama State, Akron and Central Michigan -- not exactly a murderers' row. Let's see how the Eagles do in their final fives games (vs. WMU, vs. Ball St., vs. Buffalo, at KSU, at NIU) before we go crowning them just yet.

10. CENTRAL MICHIGAN (2-5, 1-2) (LW #5): The Chippewas came crashing back to Earth with a disheartening 35-28 loss at home to Eastern Michigan. Just two weeks ago, Central was celebrating a 48-41 win over NIU. Now, coach Dan Enos is firmly back on the hot seat, with the burners set at full blast.

11. BUFFALO (2-5, 1-2) (LW #6): The Bulls have been just about as inconsistent as possible this season. Two weeks ago, they edged Ohio at home. Then they went on the road and got whalloped by Temple. In Week 3, they narrowly lost at Ball State. On Saturday, they play at NIU, so who knows what we'll see?

12. KENT STATE (1-6, 0-3) (LW #12): The Flashes are a loss away to arch-rival Akron from hitting rock bottom. Kent State mustered just three points yesterday in a 9-3 home loss to Miami and is averaging just 10.7 points per game, rankings 120th in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

13. AKRON (1-5, 0-2) (LW #13): The Zips were off this week and will take on Ohio at home next weekend. The Zips spent the week off compiling a scouting report on themselves and trying to discover their own strengths and weaknesses. Sounds like a training camp exercise to me, but hey, give them credit for starting somewhere.