Written by Mike Perry

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Sometimes even when you tie, you lose. I suffered that particular sports wagering axiom last weekend as I correctly picked three games, missed on three games and ended up down $25 because of the vig. Something about that just does not feel right, but like my sports junkie cousin told me many years ago, “bookies are bookies because they make money. If they lost money they would not be bookies.” So my imaginary bookie took me for an imaginary 25 bucks. And I only have three games on the board this week to get my payback.

For those that are unfamiliar with this particular weekly column, I started midway through the MAC season with a fictional $1,000 to bet on MAC football games. And, week after week, I make my selections and put some of this fictional money down on the games. Prior to last week I was down to $820, but my $25 loss last week dropped the kitty down to $795. Here are my selections for this week:

Akron (+13.5) at Ball State – The Zips are having huge problems getting first-year head coach Rob Ianello’s system down and were blown out last week at Temple. With a rough schedule the rest of the way this is probably Akron’s last legitimate chance to get a win. Ball State is not a bad football team, but the Cardinals have been very inconsistent this season. Akron will remain winless, but they will probably win with the spread.

The wager: $100 on Akron (+13.5)

Temple (-3) at Kent – The Owls have two of the best running backs in the MAC in sophomores Bernard Pierce and Matt Brown, but the Golden Flashes have the best rushing defense they will face all season. Kent will force Temple quarterback Chester Stewart to win the game for the Owls, a role Stewart is not used to. Kent, on the other hand, found its offensive stride last weekend against Ball State at Dix Stadium, rolling up 452 yards of total offense. Temple is a very solid team, but this is a chance for the Golden Flashes to make a statement in front of its home fans. I love Kent with the points.

The wager: $100 on Kent (+3)

Northern Illinois (-7) at Toledo – The Rockets are a solid team, especially in the Glass Bowl. But the Huskies seem to be a team of destiny in the MAC this season. Watching Chad Spann and Chandler Harnish in the flow of the NIU offense is something special to see. Toledo and Northern Illinois are both 5-0 in the conference this season, and the winner of this one is in the MAC West driver’s seat. This should be a great game.

The wager: $100 on Toledo (+7)