ESPN came out with their mid-major rankings, and the MAC dominated those rankings, per their own words. Central Michigan has proven to be the cream of the cream, with their dominating win over Ohio. Buffalo will likely put together a great run at the end of the season. Ohio has loads of potential, and will likely take over the mantle from CMU once Hudson and Frost are gone, though that is far from certain. In other words, this league is loaded at the top, with a lot of exciting basketball to be played. At number 10 in the ESPN rankings, the Toledo Rockets were the last team to represent the MAC. However, I view them more as a representation of the common woman in the MAC, which isn’t so common. The level of play in this league is absolutely astounding.

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#11 Eastern Michigan Eagles and Bowling Green Falcons (TIE)

These are the only two teams that have lost both conference games. Both teams have played much better than they have in previous years, though the EMU comeback has been a few years in the making. I would probably rank them higher if I had too, but I feel like both teams have done such a fantastic job pulling themselves up by the bootstraps, the MAC doesn’t need a 12.

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#10 Ball State Cardinals

(6-8 overall, 1-1 MAC)

The Cardinals are trending down after a great run last year. However, their win over Bowling Green showed that the trend is likely short lived.

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#9 Western Michigan Broncos

(7-6 overall, 1-1 MAC)

Shane Clipfell and company played a pretty brutal non-conference slate and finished roughly .500, which is actually a job well down. I expect about the same in this conference, which would also mean a job well done.

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#8 Toledo Rockets

(9-4 overall, 1-1 MAC)

Yes, I read what Mr. ESPN said about the Rockets being the 10th best mid-major team in the country. Yes, I have still have them 8th. They struggle to score in a league filled with scorers. I still might have them in the top 15 in mid-majors. That’s how loaded this league is.

Editors note: If you never hear from James again, it might be because dozen or so rioters from the men’s power rankings have turned into a couple dozen. RIP in Peace, James.

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#7 Miami RedHawks

(10-3 overall, 1-1 MAC)

Megan Duffy has turned around a lost team, with the help of superstar Lauren Dickerson. They are a very good team. Very good teams end up 7th in the 2019 MAC Women’s Basketball Power Rankings.

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#6 Northern Illinois Huskies

(9-5 overall, 1-1 MAC)

Much like Murphy’s 2-3, I am not a fan of the Huskies run and gun style. However, they are extremely talented, and beat the RedHawks, so they find themselves 6th this week.

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#5 Akron Zips

(10-3 overall, 1-1 MAC)

The Zips have a new coach, and have looked pretty good, playing sound defense. A loss to CMU has no shame, but the way the scored against WMU has me intrigued.

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#4 Kent State Golden Flashes

(9-4 overall, 2-0 MAC)

Being undefeated in this conference means something. However, their future schedule is brutal. Why? Because they are in the MAC, I didn’t have to look. I did and they face Toledo, Ohio, and then CMU. If they are 2-3 in conference play, they are still a good team. 3-2, they’ll probably drop a few spots. 4-1, they’ll move up.

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#3 Buffalo Bulls

(9-4 overall, 1-1 MAC)

The Bulls made the sweet 16 last year, and have been plagued with injuries this year. Stephanie Reid wore a cast last year for a chunk of the season then, and they will likely make a great run at the end of the season now. I have no problems slotting them 3 now, because they might be 3 then, and still make the NCAAs.

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#2 Ohio Bobcats

(12-1 overall, 1-1 MAC)

The Bobcats played host to CMU, played well, and lost by 18. There is a ton of potential with this Ohio team that is being realized. They have a few kinks to work out, but their come back win against Buffalo was no fluke.

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#1 Central Michigan Chippewas

(11-3 overall, 2-0 MAC)

I was in Athens for their dismantling of the Bobcats. The last time I saw them was in Columbus, dismantling the Buckeyes. Tinara Moore was obviously fantastic, and Cassie Breen played a vital role, but this version of the Chippewas might end up being better.