CMU picked third in West by MAC coaches, Toledo selected to win division
Central Michigan will not defend its Mid-American Conference West Division championship, according to conference coaches.
The MAC announced the coaches preseason poll on Wednesday. Toledo was selected to win the MAC West Division and Miami (Ohio) was tabbed to defend its MAC East Division crown.
All 12 head coaches voted in both divisions. CMU earned 52 points and garnered five first-place votes -- the most in the division -- but was listed third behind Toledo, which earned four first-place votes and 54 points, and Western Michigan, which had two first-place votes and 53 points. In fourth, Ball State had one first-place vote and 50 points.
In the East, Miami had six first-place votes and 64 points, Buffalo had four first-place votes and 58 points, Ohio had one first-place vote and 48 points. Similar to CMU last season, Akron was selected to finish last with 17 points, but earned a first-place vote.
The season kicks off with the Chippewas hosting Ohio at 7 p.m. on Nov. 4 in Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Here is the predicted order of finish by MAC coaches:
West Division
1. Toledo (4) – 54 pts.
2. Western Michigan (2) – 53 pts.
3. Central Michigan (5) – 52 pts.
4. Ball State (1) – 50 pts.
5. Eastern Michigan – 22 pts.
6. Northern Illinois – 21 pts.
East Division
1. Miami (6) – 64 pts.
2. Buffalo (4) – 58 pts.
3. Ohio (1) – 48 pts.
4. Kent State – 42 pts.
5. Bowling Green – 23 pts.
6. Akron (1) – 17 pts.
