2013 MAC Football Predictions – Odds to Win Mid-American Conference Championship 2013: Although the MAC has pulled off some high-profile upsets in the past, the 2012 season was no doubt a banner year for the conference. Ohio, Northern Illinois and Kent State are cracked the top 25 during the course of the year, and the Huskies and Golden Flashes squared off in the MAC title game with a lot on the line. Northern Illinois emerged victorious in a double-overtime thriller, and their 12-1 record was enough to earn them an automatic berth in a BCS bowl, becoming the first MAC school to play in a BCS game. Even though the Huskies fell to Florida State in the Orange Bowl, their Cinderella season brought the conference some much-deserved attention. Whether or not the MAC can continue to emerge as a national power remains to be seen, but in the meantime, here is a closer look at how the contenders stack up heading into the 2013 season.
The Favorites
It is scary to think that the Northern Illinois Huskies’ offense that led the MAC in scoring a year ago might be better in 2013. Dual-threat QB Jordan Lynch returns after leading the conference in passing touchdowns, rushing touchdowns and rushing yards and ranking fourth in passing yards. He should have plenty of time to operate behind an offensive line that returns four starters, and highly-touted freshman running back Aregeros Turner adds yet another weapon to a unit filled with firepower. Sure, the defense returns just four starters, but Lynch and the Huskies offense should be able to score away any defensive deficiencies.
The Ball State Cardinals ranked second in the MAC in scoring last year at more than 35 points per game, and with all the starters at the skill positions returning, the offense should be even more potent in 2013. Quarterback Keith Wenning might be the best pocket passer in the MAC, and he welcomes back his for top targets from last year to go along with 1,000-yard rusher Jahwan Edwards. Perhaps more importantly, a defense that has been gashed over the past couple of seasons finally has some talented players that can make a difference. If the defense can just be an average unit, Wenning and the offense can do the rest.
The Dark Horses
While the defense is sure to be suspect thanks to just one returning starter, the Toledo Rockets have so much offensive firepower that it might not matter. Dual-threat QB Terrance Owens returns for his senior season to lead a unit that scored more than 32 points per game last year. Among his supporting cast are running back David Fluellen, who ranked eighth in the country in rushing in 2012, and speedy receiver Bernard Reedy. Reedy is also one of the best return men in the MAC, and kicker Jeremiah Detmer was First-Team All-MAC last year. Four offensive linemen also return. Granted, Toledo does play in the loaded West Division, but the Rockets will have a chance in every conference game simply because of their offense.
After a 7-0 start last year, the season got away from the Ohio Bobcats as they went 2-4 down the stretch. This year’s team figures to be in good shape on the offensive side of the ball with both starting offensive tackles returning to protect play-making quarterback Tyler Tettleton and leading rusher Beau Blankenship. The defensive side of the ball could be another story as just two starters return, but if the defense is able to get up to speed sooner rather than later, Tettleton and company could easily make a run in the wide open East Division.
The Sleeper
In a conference loaded with powerful offenses, the Bowling Green Falcons are the lone team that relies mainly on their defense to win games. Of course, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing when nine starters are back from a group that allowed the fewest points in the conference last year and ranked sixth in the country in terms of yardage allowed. Meanwhile, an offense that has underperformed the past few seasons welcomes back nine starters so things should improve at least a little on that side of the ball. Playing in the weaker East Division, a stingy defense and an serviceable offense might just be enough.
2013 NCAA Conference Odds – CUSA
Odds to win Mid-American Conference – 2013 College Football
Mid-American Champion
Northern Illinois +135
Bowling Green +375
Ball State +600
Ohio +700
Kent State +700
Toledo +1100
Buffalo +1400
Miami-Ohio +2000
Western Michigan +3400
Central Michigan +4600
Eastern Michigan +8000
Massachusetts +9000
Akron +9000
Mid-American East Winner
Bowling Green +150
Ohio +300
Kent State +300
Buffalo +600
Miami-Ohio +850
Massachusetts +3500
Akron +3500
Mid-American West Winner
Northern Illinois -160
Ball State +295
Toledo +500
Western Michigan +1500
Central Michigan +1900
Eastern Michigan +3000
NSAwins.com is America’s premier sports betting website for 2013 College Football Expert Picks and College Football Betting Odds and Lines.
| 2 EASY STEPS to BET on the 2013 College Football Odds! STEP 1: CLICK HERE to OPEN GT BETS Sportsbook Account STEP 2: Deposit with Credit Card or Deposit by Check and get a 100% BONUS instantly FREE. |