Belt Loops: Kellen Pagel, Logan Pegram Out Indefinitely

News and links about MAC coverage that we can't expand into 300 words:

• Kellen Pagel, UMass's projected starting quarterback to launch their FBS era, is going to miss at least the first game at UConn with "postconcussion symptoms." Per the Daily Hampshire Gazette, coach Charley Molnar likes redshirt freshman Mike Wegzyn to start that game, for now, but that could change. Concussions are no funny business, especially in football. Get the man right.

• That's not all. Logan Pegram, NIU's starting center, who played all 12 games at guard last year, fractured his lower leg and he'll be out for a while. Huskiewire reports that Michael Gegner took his place in practice. Pegram. Pagel. Pegram. Pagel. I sense a pattern. But those are the only two major injuries this week.

• You're not going to believe this, but Akron soccer is the consensus favorite to repeat as MAC champions. The full results:

1. Akron (62 Votes)
2. West Virginia (53)
3. Northern Illinois (51)
4. Western Michigan (32)
5. Hartwick (31)
6. Bowling Green (25)
7. Buffalo (23)
8. Florida Atlantic (11)

• The Hermann Award, given to the top soccer player in the country, released its watch list and has two MAC players on it: Akron senior midfielder Scott Caldwell and WVU senior defenseman Eric Schoenle. I just got chills including a West Virginia player in this links post. Did you feel that too?

• Mr. Irrelevant, Chandler Harnish threw a really neat touchdown in fourth quarter preseason play for the Indianapolis Colts. Of course, if you're playing in the fourth quarter, you're an outside chance to be a starter or major player. But maybe he can crack the depth chart.

• John Groce, former OHIO head coach who left for Illinois, seems to have come down with the grippe:

ILL...

— John Groce (@JohnGroce) August 13, 2012

• It seems last year, Akron football players would show up to practice wearing Ohio State clothes. The very team that beat them 42-0 in the season opener. (via Akron Sports Now)

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