Week one is in the books, and let's just say it didn't go so well for the MAC East. Akron did well for itself amidst the chaos, while NIU fans may not like where their Huskies sit after the loss to Wyoming.
| Rank | Team | Points (first place votes) | Notes from Week One |
| 1 | WMU | 15 (9) | The hype train hasn't missed a beat. The Broncos dominated time of possession and never turned the ball over against Northwestern on their way to 1-0 |
| 2 | Toledo | 22 (3) | Toledo continues to dominate Arkansas State. This time it was a 31-10 stomping that was never all that close. Logan Woodside was sensational |
| 3 | CMU | 46 | Central Michigan opened up MAC play with a drubbing of Presbyterian, and land at three by just not being a disaster. The defense was strong as expected, and should continue to be strong. |
| 4 | Akron | 62 | Thomas Woodson threw six touchdown passes on Saturday, mostly to Jerome Lane and newcomer Jo Jo Natson. Impressive no matter the competition, but VMI isn't the type of defense Akron will see in week two at Wisconsin |
| 5 | Ball State | 64 | Neu Era, Neu results. Ball State lost unexpectedly to Georgia State last season under Pete Lembo, but returned the favor in force to start the 2016 season. James Gilbert broke runs of 23, 23 and 43 to lead a rushing attack that was just too much for the Panthers |
| 6 | EMU | 78 | The opponent wasn't strong, but the offensive performance from backup quarterback Todd Porter and running back Shaq Vann have Eagles fans thinking championship. Forgive them, for they know not what they do |
| 7 | NIU | 90 | NIU made fans stay up extremely late to see the final of their opener against Wyoming. Unfortunately it didn't go as planned as the Cowboys won in double overtime, setting the winners of six straight MAC West titles back to start the season. |
| 8 | Ohio | 99 | The Bobcat bowl was fully expected to tilt in the MAC's favor, what with Frank Solich's squad being a three touchdown favorite. It didn't go that way, however, as the Texas State Bobcats escaped Peden Stadium with a triple overtime win |
| 9 | BGSU | 102 | It was not a day to remember in the Horseshoe for the Falcons. A pick six to open the game had Bowling Green up 7-0 and thinking upset, but 77 points for later for Ohio State made certain no such thing would happen |
| 10 | Miami | 104 | Miami struggled early against the Iowa Hawkeyes, but found their bearings later on in a hostile environment. If week one is to be believed, Chuck Martin's squad led by Billy Bahl could make things uncomfortable in a weaker MAC East |
| 11 | Kent State | 114 | Different season, same story under Paul Haynes. The Flashes' offense just couldn't keep the defense off the field and the team in the game. They moved the ball pretty well in the first half, out gaining Penn State, but the only touchdown came courtesy of a Terence Waugh forced fumble. |
| 12 | Buffalo | 140 | Buffalo made the wrong decision at starting quarterback and it probably cost them the game. Regardless, the Bulls' loss to Albany was the worst of the week, and not even the talented true freshman Tyree Jackson could save them. |