BGSU Predicted to Win Fourth Straight East Division Title in Preseason MAC Coaches Poll

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference has released its 2016 preseason poll of the league's 12 football head coaches, and those coaches have tabbed Bowling Green and Western Michigan as this season's prospective division winners.

This year's voting was very close and shows the depth of quality football in the league. Seven different teams received first place votes, and the combined point difference between first and second place in the two divisions was just three points.

BGSU was selected to win the East Division with 66 points and seven first-place votes. Ohio received four first-place votes and finished just two points behind the Falcons with 64. Akron, who received 49 points, also received a first-place vote and finished third. Buffalo (34 points), Miami (23) and Kent State (16) rounded out the division.

In the West, Northern Illinois tied with BGSU for most first-place votes with six, but the Huskies were only second with 59 points. Western Michigan's four first-place votes helped the Broncos win the West portion of the poll with 60 points. Toledo was two points behind WMU (58 points) and received a first-place vote. The final first-place selection went to Central Michigan, who finished in fourth place with 37 points. The final two spots went to Ball State (23 points) and Eastern Michigan (15).

The MAC's depth is further demonstrated by the fact that six different schools have competed in the MAC Championship game in the last seven years, while 11 have appeared in a bowl game in the last five seasons.

Bowling Green has won three consecutive East Division championships and two of the last three MAC Championship games, including a 47-27 victory over Northern Illinois in 2013 and a 34-14 victory over the Huskies in 2015. The Falcons are on a 17-game winning streak against division opponents and have gone 21-1 against the East since the beginning of the 2012 season.

The Falcons enter the 2016 season with new head coach Mike Jinks and only 12 returning starters. However, that number does not include quarterback James Knapke, who led BGSU to the 2014 East Division title and eight wins, including a victory in the 2014 Camellia Bowl. It also does not include running back Fred Coppet or wide receiver Ronnie Moore, who rank among the top 20 in BGSU history in yardage at their position.

Western Michigan seeks to win its first division championship in 16 years. The Broncos have never won the MAC Championship game. Northern Illinois has won six consecutive West Division titles; they are tied with Marshall for most consecutive MAC division championships.

At the MAC football media day in July, members of the media also selected WMU and BGSU to win the league's two divisions. The media picked Toledo to finish second and NIU third. The media's predicted order of finish for the East Division was identical to the coaches'.

The 2016 MAC football season gets underway on Thursday, Sept. 1, while BGSU kicks off the season on Saturday, Sept. 3 with a noon start against Ohio State. The 2016 MAC Championship Game will be held on Friday, Dec. 2 in Detroit, Mich. at Ford Field.

2016 MAC Head Football Coaches Preseason Poll

Team (First Place Votes)     Points

MAC East Division

1.      Bowling Green (7)          66

2.      Ohio (4)                   64

3.      Akron (1)                  49

4.      Buffalo                    34

5.      Miami                      23

6.      Kent State                 16

MAC West Division

1.      Western Michigan (4        60

2.      Northern Illinois (6)      59

3.      Toledo (1)                 58

4.      Central Michigan (1)       37

5.      Ball State                 23

6.      Eastern Michigan           15

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