2014 MAC Football Television Schedule: Week 1

Welcome to the 2014 edition of the "When and How To Watch" article! We're gonna try and do things differently this year.

First, we're actually going to tell you the records of the teams playing each match-up (which is mighty helpful for context.) Second, no more hot sports takes on every single game inside the table because it was pretty dang hard to read. Instead, we'll put the highlight on some of the matchups we here at Hustle Belt think you should use your (or your friend's) ESPN3 subscription on, Finally, we're getting rid of the pesky poll for game of the week and letting the people debate in the comments about which game should hold that distinction. With the introductions done, let's get to it.

Day/Time	Home	Away	Watch it
Thursday 8/28. 7 p.m.	Akron	Howard	ESPN3
Thursday 8/28. 7 p.m.	Northern Illinois	Presbyterian	ESPN3
Thursday 8/28. 7 p.m.	Central Michigan	Tennessee-Chattanooga	ESPN3
Friday 8/29, 8 p.m.	Western Kentucky	Bowling Green	CBS Sports Network
Saturday 8/30, Noon	Purdue	Western Michigan	ESPNU
Saturday 8/30, 2 p.m.	Colgate	Ball State	ESPN3
Saturday 8/30, 3:30 p.m.	Duquense	Buffalo	ESPN3
Saturday 8/30, 3:30 p.m.	Miami	Marshall	ESPN3
Saturday 8/30, 3:30 p.m.	UMass	Boston College	ESPN3
Saturday 8/30, 6 p.m.	Eastern Michigan	Morgan State	ESPN3
Saturday 8/30, 6 p.m.	Kent State	Ohio	ESPN3
Saturday 8/30, 7 p.m.	New Hampshire	Toledo	ESPN3

The four games to highlight:

Akron Zips vs. Howard Bison

The Zips are first up for the Mid-American Conference, trying to get the win versus a Bison team that went 6-6 last season in the MEAC, winning their last three to get there. Kyle Pohl, Terry Bowden, Jawon Chisholm, and the rest of the squad look to continue their own good momentum, finishing 5-7 and within seconds of glory against Michigan last season.

Bowling Green Falcons vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

The Battle for Bowling Green is on, and it looks to be quite a fight. The Hilltoppers are not Our Lady of Grace High School; they've beaten SEC competition and gave the Sun Belt fits before moving to Conference USA this season. The Falcons were looking for a test, and will get one on their Friday night opener.

Boston College Eagles vs. Massachusetts Minutemen

Okay, so it's not gonna be a barn burner. Actually, it might be. Okay, it'll be one-sided. I mean seriously, look at this rivalry. But think about it this way: you could possibly, maybe, potentially, see UMass win their first game against Boston College since the Jonestown Massacre!

Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Ohio Bobcats

So you're telling me there's already #MACtion in week one!? Hot dog! Both teams are projected to be middling, with Ohio losing their wonder duo Tyler Tettleton and Beau Blankenship, and Kent State losing utility man Dri Archer, but a conference win for either side could change the tide for the rest of the season. Expect a lot of emotion as well in this game, not only due to the conference and bragging rights implications, but also due to it being the first game at home that the Golden Flashes will play after the death of beloved teammate Jason Bitsko.

Well, that's all, folks. Now it's up to you not only to watch, but also to tell us what to watch. Which game should be our Game of the Week? Let us know in the comments!