Around the MAC

Buffalo is the only team in the Mid-American Conference that hasn't played an intra-conference game between the chalk lines of a football field. This weekend, that will change. Here's a look around the MAC and the football competition that lies ahead.

Toledo (3-0 overall, 1-0 MAC)

Reigning MAC champions, the Toledo Rockets have done what they can to stay on top, outscoring their first three opponents 160-54. UT quarterback Bruce Gradkowski has been making strides on the field and leaving his name in the record books by setting career records in passing yards (7,410) and completions (613) during last weekend's game at Temple.

Toledo faced the Bulldogs of Fresno State (1-1, 0-0 Western Atlantic Conference) late Tuesday night and results were not available at press time.

Akron (2-1, 1-0 MAC)

Akron has been making its mark in the MAC so far this season, most recently defeating Northern Illinois 48-42 in overtime. During the game against the Huskies, Zips' quarterback Luke Getsy passed for 406 yards and a school record of five touchdowns while defensive lineman Jermaine Reed accumulated a record of his own with 3.5 sacks, the most for a Zip since Akron joined the MAC in 1992.

Akron will play host to Central Michigan on Saturday with hopes of withholding a victory from the Chippewas and remaining undefeated in the MAC.

Ohio (2-2, 1-0 MAC)

The Bobcats are on a bye this weekend but have already taken a step in the right direction when it comes to MAC games, defeating Kent State at home 35-32 this weekend.

Ohio's running game covered 373 yards against the Golden Flashes, the most in the conference this year. Kavlin McRae tallied 200 yards rushing, while Voncarie Owens contributed 139 yards to the Bobcats' rushing total. Ohio's defense was fierce during the Kent State game, grabbing six interceptions, two by Dion Byrum.

Next up on the MAC schedule for Ohio is the Falcons of Bowling Green on October 8.

Eastern Michigan (2-2, 1-0 MAC)

EMU barely squeaked by the one MAC opponent it faced so far this season. In the last drive of the game against Central Michigan, a shot through the uprights from Andrew Wellock tied the game and forced overtime. A Wellock field goal in overtime sent the Eagles home with the victory and put Wellock just one field goal shy of the school record.

Quarterback Matt Bohnet also tied an EMU school record, with 36 completions, 10 of which landed in the hands of Eric Deslauriers.

The next MAC competition for the Eagles will come this weekend when they host Kent State on Saturday.

Bowling Green (1-2, 1-0 MAC)

The Falcons fly home for their home opener this weekend against Temple. Bowling Green is comfortable on its home turf, winning the last five home games and the last 18 regular-season home games.

Omar Jacobs, BGSU quarterback, has already thrown 13 touchdowns this season while giving up just two picks. The Falcons also have an offensive threat in a receiver who leads the school in career numbers. Charles Sharon has accumulated 2,756 yards receiving, including 97 yards in the team's last game.

Miami (Ohio) (1-2, 1-1 MAC)

Miami has split its MAC play so far this season and won't get another chance at breaking 500 in the conference for another week when the team travels to Northern Illinois.

The RedHawks host the Cincinnati Bearcats Wednesday night and look to wide receiver Martin Nance to have another big game. Nance has posted 100-plus receiving yards in the past three games for Miami.

Central Michigan (1-3, 1-1 MAC)

CMU may have won only one game so far this season, but the team appears to have one of the top newcomers in the conference. Running back Ontario Steed has already accumulated 387 yards by foot and averages 96.8 per game in his first season.

Chippewa quarterback Kent Smith is also doing well this season, with both a 100-yard rushing game and 300-yard passing game under his belt. Smith, Steed and the rest of the CMU team will head to Akron this weekend.

Western Michigan (2-2, 0-1 MAC)

While the Rockets raced by the Broncos of Western Michigan in the team's lone MAC game so far, WMU will host UB this weekend for it's first home MAC game.

Western Michigan won its last match in a similar fashion to EMU, by kicker Nate Meyer making a field goal on the final play of the game, allowing the Broncos to defeat Temple 19-16.

WMU will have to play without its starting quarterback Ryan Cubit, who is out for the season. Robbie Haas will replace Cubit in Saturday's match.

Northern Illinois (1-3, 0-1 MAC)

Coming off an overtime loss at Akron, the Northern Illinois Huskies have a bye week to regain composure before hosting Miami (Ohio) on October 5.

The team may not have a win but NIU's quarterback, Phil Horvath, ranks in at number one for pass efficiency in the MAC. Currently, Horvath is 39 of 52 for 486 yards and six touchdowns. Horvath's 168.5 rating not only tops the conference but places the quarterback 10th, nationally.

Kent State (1-3, 0-2 MAC)

The Golden Flashes haven't seen much of a spark so far in MAC play, dropping games to both Miami and Ohio, but they head to Eastern Michigan on Saturday, looking for their first conference victory.

KSU's offense is led by wide receiver Najah Pruden, who has 200 receiving yards, the second highest in the MAC.

Ball State (0-3, 0-1 MAC)

Ball State joins UB as one of two teams in the conference that are winless. The Cardinals have dropped games to Iowa, Bowling Green and Auburn with a total point margin of 34-159. The glimmer of hope for the Cardinals lies in quarterback Joey Lynch, who is ranked fifth in the MAC for efficiency.

BSU's schedule does not let up any this week, as the team heads to Boston College, the fourth straight bowl team the Cardinals face this season. Ball State heads back into MAC competition at Western Michigan on October 8.