Written by MikeSpinelli

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Week one for MAC teams is over and we move on to week two. This week all MAC teams play on Saturday, and there are no conference games. Our game of the week has Kent State travelling to Lexington, Kentucky to face the Wildcats. Last week I was 10-2 in my predictions and this week there are a lot of no-brainers (although in the MAC, you just never know) that will make this rookie look like a genius.

 

 

 

 

In this week’s game of the week, Kent State travels to Kentucky after their decided victory over Towson. Kentucky is coming off a tough loss to Louisville in their opener, and is a young team building for the future. They are a talented team though, even though they don’t look like it playing in the SEC. Their top newcomer, QB Patrick Towles, could see playing time in this game. Other players to watch include WR’s La’rod King and Damarco Robinson, RG Larry Warford, DT’s Mister Cobble and Donte Rumph, LB Alvin Dupree, and S Matavius Neolms.

Kent State’s offense will be exposed against an SEC defense, and their defense gave up 300 yards to Towson last week. If they can remember which way to run they should be able to keep this game close, but Kentucky is better than their record shows, plus they are at home. Kentucky wins this one. This game is on ESPN3 and Comcast South.

Akron travels to University Park, Florida to take on Florida International. Both teams come in with disappointing losses last week, Akron losing to Central Florida and FIU getting trounced by Duke. The ten-year-old program has made great strides in a short time, while the Zips have taken a nosedive over the last seven years.

Akron’s lack of depth in the defensive front was exposed against a hard-running UCF last week, this week they play against the spread for the first time. They made plays on both sides of the ball, but made critical mistakes that led to the blowout, and gave UCF the chance to rest on their power running in the second half.

The Golden Panthers finished last year at 8-5 and like UCF are expected to win their conference this year. As I said, last week they were upset by Duke (3-9 last year). But I think this program is better than that, and play this game at home. Players to watch include QB Jake Medlock, RB Kendrick Rhodes, WR Wayne Times, DE Tourek Williams, DT Isame Faciane, LB’s Jordan Hunt and Winston Fraser, and SS Jonathan Cyprien.

Weather could be a factor, with 90’/70% humidity weather conditions predicted. Thunderstorms are likely. That will create problems for Akron and their lack of depth. Hopefully they can cut down on critical mistakes and make this one closer, but I’m taking the Golden Panthers in this one. This game is on ESPN3.

Ball State travels to Clemson to take on the Tigers. Another top 25 team playing a tune-up game, Clemson wins this one easily.

Eastern Michigan hosts Illinois State in their tune-up game. The Eagles should have no trouble in this one.

Miami hosts Southern Illinois in their tune-up game. Its games like these that make my job easy. Miami rebounds from their Buckeye cash grab to throttle SIU.

UMass hosts Indiana. Indiana has a tough time against most MAC teams, but not the Minutemen.  UMass could go into October still looking for their first score.

Central Michigan hosts Michigan State. I really like CMU this year, but not against a top ten team. I hope they can at least keep it close on national TV. Spartans to win.

Toledo travels to Wyoming, a tough Mountain West program. This should be a close entertaining game; I have Wyoming using home field advantage to win this one.

Buffalo hosts Morgan State in their tune-up game. See a trend here in week two? Let’s simplify. Bowling Green beats Idaho, Ohio beats New Mexico, Western Michigan beats Eastern Illinois, and Northern Illinois beats UT Martin, whoever the hell that is.

The conference games can’t start soon enough…