2017 Underrated MAC Teams
The MAC teams that went bowling last season failed to win a game and went 0-6. But during the regular season, Western Michigan upset Northwestern and jump started their undefeated season run before losing to Wisconsin at the Cotton Bowl. Central Michigan got an unsuspecting timed down after an Oklahoma State penalty and won the game on a Hail Mary pass back to Corey Willis touchdown. Toledo is the heavy favorite to win the MAC title and Ohio looks good to win the MAC East, but Miami (OH) had a solution from last season that could steal the Bobcats' thunder. Last thing, can Northern Illinois and Bowling Green find their way back to a bowl berth and MAC contention? Here are my underrated picks that should make a run for the MAC Championship.
MIAMI (OH) REDHAWKS- MAC EAST
Last season: 6-7 overall; 6-2 (Tied 1st in East)
The Redhawks were an enigma at 0-6 before quarterback Gus Ragland returned from an ACL injury. Then they made a 6-0 turnaround by the end of the season and received a bowl berth. If Ragland was healthy when the four games they lost were by at most 10 points, this could have been a different team. In his return, he threw for 17 touchdowns and only one interception. With most of their starters returning on offense, this team should improve on their 23 points per game average. Miami (OH)'s defense was 3rd in the conference in points allowed, 2nd in yards allowed, and tied for 2nd with interceptions, and they retain most of their defense except the defensive ends. Special teams have returner Maurice Thomas back, but if kicker Nick Dowd can clean up his PAT misses, this could be an overall team on the rise. This team has experience and a taste of a bowl game. With Ragland healthy, they could easily win more than six games and could challenge Ohio for the MAC East title.
TOLEDO ROCKETS- MAC WEST
Last season: 9-4 overall; 6-2 (2nd in West)
If anyone knows about Toledo's past, they have been the successful team in the MAC. Since Bowling Green and Northern Illinois are searching for their identity, Toledo could win the MAC title. Quarterback Logan Woodside was the most underrated QB that no one talked about. He quietly posted up 4100+ passing yards, 45 touchdowns to nine interceptions with a 69% passer rating. The team doesn't have much of a drop off. Running back Kareem Hunt is in the NFL, but Terry Swanson is poised to put up more yards. Receiver Corey Jones is gone, but Cody Thompson and Jon'Vea Johnson will repeat their performance this season. The defense is much more experienced and hopes to improve on their 2017 stats. Toledo could be one of the Group of Five favorites for a New Year's Six Bowl berth. They’re talented on offense, solid on defense, and consistent on special teams. Toledo could have a big year, but any of the last four games of their season could be Toledo’s speed bump.
