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Holy hell, did last week suck for the vast majority of #MACtion fans. UMass choked, and coughed up an 11-point lead to Vanderbilt, losing by a field goal. Kent State lost by 66 points. Ball State lost to an FCS team named after a tree. A TREE! And we haven't even gotten into what happened with Central Michigan, between the game and the twin disasters of Thomas Rawls and Andrew Flory.
Not all was negative, though. Northern Illinois and Western Michigan found success out west (against UNLV and Idaho respectively), and Bowling Green won in dramatic fashion at home against Indiana.
This week, Cincinnati, Penn State, Marshall, and Idaho all come back to face MAC teams; Murray State and Norfolk State are the next FCS foes attempting to sneak by a MAC team with a victory. Where can you find your game?
| Date/Time | Home | Away | Where To Find It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 9/20, 12 p.m. | #11 Michigan State (1-1) | Eastern Michigan (1-2) | Big Ten Network |
| Saturday 9/20, 12 p.m. | Bowling Green (2-1) | Wisconsin (1-1) | ESPN2 |
| Saturday 9/20, 2 p.m. | Akron (1-1) | Marshall (3-0) | ESPN3 |
| Saturday 9/20, 3:30 p.m. | Buffalo (1-2) | Norfolk State (0-3) | ESPN3 |
| Saturday 9/20, 3:30 p.m. | Kansas (1-1) | Central Michigan (2-1) | FOX Sports Network |
| Saturday 9/20, 4 p.m. | Penn State (3-0) | UMass (0-3) | Big Ten Network |
| Saturday 9/20, 7 p.m. | Arkansas (2-1) | Northern Illinois (3-0) | ESPNU |
| Saturday 9/20, 7 p.m. | Cincinnati (1-0) | Miami (0-3) | CBS Sports Network |
| Saturday 9/20, 7:00 p.m. | Western Michigan (1-1) | Murray State (1-1) | ESPN3 |
| Saturday 9/20, 7:00 p.m. | Ohio (1-2) | Idaho (0-2) | ESPN3 |
| Saturday 9/20, 7 p.m. | Toledo (1-2) | Ball State (1-2) | ESPN3 |
No surprise; the four highlighted match-ups I picked turned out to be losses, bringing the MAC record to 3-8 in selected non-conference play. Hopefully my luck turns for the better with these next four highlighted matches!
Northern Illinois Huskies at Arkansas Razorbacks
It is time that the Huskies faced a true road test against the Fighting Bret Bielmas of Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Huskies have won games against B1G and MWC foes. A win against an SEC team, on the road, would certainly grab plenty of eyes, as well as headlines, which is well worth putting their 17-game road winning streak on the line for.
Bowling Green Falcons at Wisconsin Badgers
After watching that #FalconFast victory over Indiana, I am of the firm belief that the Falcons have a chance of upsetting the Badgers on their home turf. Wisconsin has shown flashes of sheer brilliance, especially in the first half against LSU. However, they also showed that they can get tired easily, as seen in the second half, when the Tigers ate the Badgers alive on both sides of the ball. The Western Illinois game was a gimmie. Considering that the Falcons ran about 113 plays last week, the Badgers could be left gasping for air.
Massachusetts Minutemen vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
I think I'm a glutton for punishment. Massachusetts makes yet another appearance on this list, as they have suddenly made themselves one of the most interesting teams to watch in the MAC, or heck, even in college football, after close losses to Colorado and Vanderbilt. Penn State also features Christian Hackenberg, who you really should watch when you have the chance. Maybe this time, he'll actually know what the bleep he is doing.
Ball State Cardinals at Toledo Rockets
#MACTION #MACTION #MACTION #MACTION! The transition from non-conference to league schedule will be complete as one of the nightcap games pits the Cards and Rockets against one another. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top, seeing as both teams have really struggled to stay consistent in their non-conference schedules. A win here might turn their fortunes for the better going forward. Unless they tie. Which would suck.
That's it, that's all! Tell me in the comments what the Highlighted Game of the Week should be. Or go ahead and hate my picks in the comments. Either works, really.