This week I watched almost every game, and even watched a few on replay twice. I saw a lot of good and a lot of bad. School started recently and even though my daughter’s school no longer gives letter grades, I decided to give them to each MAC team. Up first, the teams in the MAC East. Take all these rankings with a grain of salt, because it’s still the first week and we really don’t have a lot to go on with regards to the caliber of the teams or their opponents.

Akron Zips vs. Penn State Nittany Lions

Grade D-

The Zips had a tough opponent and it was doubly tough because of match-ups. That’s still no excuse to lose 52-0. I get Penn State is a good power 5 school, but Akron has the same amount of scholarships. My goal for every team in this situation is to score and keep the other team below 50. The Zips did neither. They also lost the yardage battle by 400.

It’s not all doom and gloom. Saqoun Barkley is the real deal and Trace McSorely is looking pretty good. The Penn State defense always seems to be one of the best. Getting hammered by them wasn’t shocking. I just wish the Zips would have done something.

Bowling Green Falcons vs. Michigan State Spartans

Grade: D+

While Michigan State was pretty terrible last season, I do expect them to be much better this year. Or at least bowl eligible. The Falcons defense looks better. They were on the field a really long time against the Spartans and only gave up 35.

The offense couldn’t move the ball. The Spartans are known for a great defense, and I expect that to be the case this year. Throw in a bad game by a young quarterback, and it’s a recipe for disaster. And it was.

Buffalo Bulls vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Grade: B-

The Buffalo defense did a really good job, especially against the Golden Gophers rushing attack. They held them to 3.3 yards per carry. Khalil Hodge was especially impressive, earning MAC Defensive Player of the Week after raking up 20 tackles.

The offense didn’t do nearly as well, but I expect Minnesota to be really good on the defensive side of the ball this season. They get a pass.

Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Clemson Tigers

Grade: C-

Kent State was expected to get absolutely blasted by Clemson and they did. I gave them some extra credit because of what they went through with their coach. (Well wishes, coach Haynes!)

Also, they get credit because they scored more than Ohio State did in the playoffs last season.

Miami RedHawks vs. Marshall Thundering Herd

Grade: C

If I were grading Miami on the fun factor of watching the game, I would give an A. I loved the Facebook stream with no commercials. I thought the announcers did well and the game was a nail biter. Sadly, Miami lost, and it was really their own fault. 3 return touchdowns cost them.

Ohio Bobcats vs. Someone

Grade: B

I’ll be honest, I didn’t watch this particular game, and only briefly glanced at the stats. I completely forgot who the opponent was. Now obviously I could just look it up, but why bother? The Bobcats are supposed to contend for the MAC East, and absolutely blasted an inferior opponent. Well done, but you don’t get A’s in my class for eating cupcakes.