Football Tabbed Fifth in Preseason Poll
7/31/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
After a thrilling 31-30 conclusion to last years Marathon MAC Football championship game, the MAC News Media Association favors a rematch between 2005 title holder Akron (East Division) and Northern Illinois (West Division). Unlike last years scenario that ended in a Zips victory, the Huskies are tabbed to win the crown.
NIU returns two-time MAC rushing champion Garett Wolfe, who has garnered 3,336 yards and 34 touchdowns rushing the past two seasons, among its 15 returning starters. All-American offensive tackle Doug Free anchors the line and Phil Horvath is back at quarterback after completing 70.6 percent (168-of-238) of his pass attempts in 2005. Toledo, despite the loss of quarterback Bruce Gradkowski (29 TD passes) is expected to challenge the Huskies and are slated for a second place finish.
Western Michigan, the surprise team of the MAC last season with a six-game improvement in wins from the previous campaign, was selected third. Central Michigan was picked fifth, Ball State fifth and Eastern Michigan sixth in the West Division.
Miami, which tied Akron and Bowling Green for first place in the East Division in 2005, received considerable notice with 11 first place votes, propelling the RedHawks to a second place predicted finish. The Falcons were tabbed for third.
Ohio picked up two first place votes and is slotted for fourth place, followed by Kent State, fifth, and Buffalo.
The Golden Flashes, who return 18 starters and 46 letterwinners, open the season Aug. 31, when Minnesota visit Dix Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. It is the first-ever visit by a Big Ten opponent to Kent.
The complete poll follows.
2006 MAC News Media Association Preseason Poll
1. Akron (35) 282
2. Miami (11) 235
3. Bowling Green (2) 196
4. Ohio (2) 176
5. Kent State 97
6. Buffalo 64
1. Northern Illinois (39) 286
2. Toledo (10) 224
3. Western Michigan (1) 172
4. Central Michigan 155
5. Ball State 120
6. Eastern Michigan 73
