2024 College Football Conference Winner: MAC
2024 College Football Conference Winner: MAC
The Mid-American Conference is one of the only leagues left untouched by re-alignment. The 12-member conference is divided into the East and West divisions. Miami-Ohio is the favorite at +220 with QB Brett Gabbert back for a sixth season and four starters back on the offensive line. There are several contenders who have a better value so let’s get to it.
MAC Championship Game Winner: Northern Illinois +700
The Huskies should rule the West with eight returning starters on defense. They ranked sixth in the nation against the pass so there’s no reason why they can’t continue that success with more of their secondary intact. On offense, junior QB Ethan Hampton has experience, tossing for 968 yards with nine TDs and eight INTs in 11 games. Senior RB Antario Brown is coming off 1,296 yards rushing and 10 TDs last season. The offensive line returns four starters and should be solid.
Longshot: Central Michigan +1600
The Chippewas return 14 starters from a 5-7 team including QB Bert Emanuel Jr. The dual-threat QB was injured early in the season and the offense (107th in passing) suffered without him. They return their top three receivers including second-team All-MAC Jesse Prewitt III. The defense should be improved with an offense that will possess the ball longer. That’s their Achilles’ heel right now, especially after losing DB Tre Jones in the portal to Texas A&M. This is a team based on Emmanuel’s health and if he can play the entire season, a bowl trip and championship is not out of the realm of possibility.
MAC Over/Under Regular Season Win Totals
1)Northern Illinois Over 6.5 (-125)
2)Miami-Ohio Over 8 (+100)
3)Toledo Under 8.5 (-130)
4)Central Michigan Over 5.5 (-140)
5)Ohio Under 6.5 (-115)
6)Bowling Green Under 6.5 (-145)
7)Kent State Over 2.5 (-145)
8)Western Michigan Under 6.5 (-130)
9)Eastern Michigan Under 4.5 (+105)
10)Buffalo Under 5.5 (-140)
11)Akron Under 3.5 (-125)
12)Ball State Under 4 (-115)
