MAC Basketball Power Rankings - Week 5

Last week had some interesting games thrown in to all the football madness going on. This week many of the schools are taking finals, so it's a light load. Let's get to the rankings:

1. Toledo Rockets (8-0), LW: 1

Last week: Detroit (W), at Robert Morris (W)

This week: Sam Houston State (12/14)

Once again the Rockets had another perfect week, beating Detroit for the second time and taking out Robert Morris on the road. There aren't a lot of weaknesses on this team and that's really showing during non-conference play. The only tough game on the rest of the non-conference schedule is at Kansas, but the others are winnable. It's amazing how far this program has come in just three years.

2. Kent State Golden Flashes (8-2), LW: 2

Last week: Bucknell (L)

This week: No games

Losing to Bucknell at home isn't necessarily a good thing but compared to the other MAC schools' performances this week it probably was the best loss. The Golden Flashes don't play for another two weeks, when they travel to Charleston.

3. Ohio Bobcats (6-2), LW: 3

Last week: at Oakland (L)

This week: Alabama A&M (12/14)

I have no idea what happened to the 'Cats at Oakland. They got obliterated by a team with just one win. Oakland is a lot better than what their record indicates, but this was a bad loss considering the point differential. I had thought about dropping them but I still like their profile more than anyone else. Lucky for Ohio, Alabama A&M comes to Athens next Saturday.

4. Akron Zips (2-2), LW: 4

Last week: at Cleveland State (W)

This week: Bethune-Cookman (12/14)

The Zips are finally starting to put things together after a long layoff. The win at Cleveland State was a good one and absent a few sloppy mistakes at the end it was a complete domination. Bethune-Cookman is awful and should be another easy win.

5. Buffalo Bulls (4-2), LW: 6

Last week: St. Bonaventure (W)

This week: at Canisius (12/11)

The win over the Bonnies propelled the Bulls up one spot in the rankings. St. Bonaventure came in at 6-2 and was a top 120 team in the KenPom rankings. Canisius is struggling a little bit but is a good match-up for Buffalo. This game between the two local rivals is being played at the First Niagara Center, home of the Buffalo Sabres.

6. Eastern Michigan Eagles (5-3), LW: 5

Last week: Massachusetts (L), at Purdue (L)

This week: Green Bay (12/10)

The Eagles are finally starting to fall back down to Earth as they get into the difficult part of their schedule. I'm not penalizing them too much for losses to two good teams, and they were close at that. It doesn't get any easier this week at the favorites in the Horizon League come to Ypsi. The Phoenix just beat Virginia yesterday, so they're going to be tough to handle.

7. Western Michigan Broncos (5-3), LW: 7

Last week: at Northwestern (L)

This week: at Missouri (12/15)

The Broncos played a putrid first half against Northwestern, scoring only twelve points. Northwestern is a B1G team, but their style of play can't be an excuse anymore with a new head coach. I thought the Broncos would be able to keep that one close, but that didn't happen. Missouri is undefeated so far and is in first in the SEC. The Tigers are much better than Northwestern, so expect another blowout loss.

8. Central Michigan Chippewas (6-3), LW: 9

Last week: at SIU-Edwardsville (W)

This week: at Dayton (12/14)

Even though the competition has been terrible, the Chips just keep on winning. They're on a four game winning streak, which I can't imagine has happened in some time [Ed. note: hasn't happened since 2007-2008, h/t Rovitz]. Unfortunately a trip to Dayton awaits, and the Flyers are playing really well. Maybe the Chips will surprise, but I'm not seeing that.

9. Bowling Green Falcons (3-5), LW: 11

Last week: Western Kentucky (W), at Xavier (L)

This week: North Dakota (12/11), at Morehead State (12/15)

While the Falcon football team was busy winning the MAC Championship, the basketball team also had an impressive week in beating the Hilltoppers and taking Xavier to overtime. This is an intriguing team and is one that could pull some upsets in February and March. Bowling Green tries to exact some revenge from last year's loss against the Fighting Sioux North Dakotans, then ends the week at 7-4 Morehead State.

10. Ball State Cardinals (2-5), LW: 8

Last week: Valparaiso (L)

This week: No games

It's probably for the best that Ball State has the week off. They were stomped by the Crusaders at home and just haven't been the same since the close loss to Butler. The Cardinals need to start figuring things out, or they'll be down here for the next few weeks.

11. Northern Illinois Huskies (3-4), LW: 11

Last week: Dartmouth (W)

This week: at Massachusetts (12/14)

The Huskies picked up a good win over their Ivy League foe this week and generally look much better than last year. There's a long way to go no doubt, but they're getting there. It'll be tough to win at ranked Massachusetts, but it should be a good experience.

12. Miami RedHawks (1-5), LW: 12

Last week: IPFW (W), at Evansville (L)

This week: Wright State (12/15)

The RedHawks finally got in the win column, but needed to overcome a sixteen point halftime deficit. The loss to Evansville was pretty much expected. Regional rival Wright State comes to Millett Hall next Sunday on a three game losing streak.