Taking a look around the MAC

By Jimmy Johnson

MAC West

Ball State

Head coach: Stan Parrish

Record: 2-3 (1-0 MAC)

This week: Western Michigan

Strong efforts from quarterback Keith Wenning and running back David Brown helped propel Ball State past Central Michigan, 31-17. Wenning connected with Eric Williams for his two touchdown passes, while Brown rolled his way to 120 yards on the ground with a rushing touchdown.

Central Michigan

Head coach: Dan Enos

Record: 2-3 (1-2)

This week: at Virginia Tech

Central Michigan quarterback Ryan Radcliff was sacked six times by Ball State’s defense in its 31-17 home loss. Radcliff played efficiently, passing for 295 yards with two touchdowns but couldn’t get comfortable enough in the pocket. The Chippewas’ defense played poorly, including giving up 306 rushing yards to the Cardinals.

Eastern Michigan

Head coach: Ron English

Record: 0-5 (0-3)

This week: at Vanderbilt

Eastern Michigan dropped its homecoming matchup against Ohio, 30-17. Eagles’ running back Dwayne Priest was a bright spot for the offense with 117 rushing yards. Head coach Ron English and his squad are still looking to capture their first victory of the 2010 season, having lost 17 consecutive contests.

Northern Illinois

Head coach: Jerry Kill 

Record: 3-2 (1-0)

This week: Temple

NIU quarterback Chandler Harnish tied a career-high three touchdown passes as the Huskies demolished Akron, 50-14. NIU’s offense had 520 total yards of offense on the day, while holding the Zips to 257 yards. Huskies’ linebacker Devon Butler housed a Patrick Nicely interception 26 yards for a touchdown.

Toledo

Head coach: Tim Beckman 

Record: 3-2 MAC (2-0)

This week: at Boise State

A late surge by Toledo’s offense wouldn’t be enough as it fell to Wyoming at home, 20-15. Toledo out-gained the Cowboys in both passing (184-173) and rushing (190-93) but a scoreless first half for its offense would put the Rockets in a hole that couldn’t be dug out from. Rockets’ running back Adonis Thomas ended with 94 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

Western Michigan

Head coach: Billy Cubit

Record: 1-3 (0-1)

This week: at Ball State

Idaho came out firing and was victorious over Western Michigan, 33-13. The Broncos were dominated on both sides of the ball as its lone touchdown in the game was a Alex Carder 7-yard pass to Ansel Ponder with under two minutes to play in the first half. Idaho signal caller Enderle Nathan torched Western Michigan’s secondary for 380 yards and three touchdown passes.

MAC East

Ohio

Head coach: Frank Scolich 

Record: 2-3 (1-1 MAC)

This week: Bowling Green

Ohio played the role of the villain as it spoiled Eastern Michigan’s homecoming with a 30-17 victory. Bobcats’ running back Vince Davidson was a touchdown machine. The senior found the end zone on three separate occasions, including a 60-yard reception from quarterback Boo Jackson.

Temple

Head coach: Al Golden

Record: 4-1 (1-0)

This week: at NIU

Temple came from behind to shock Army 42-35 on Saturday. With Bernard Pierce sidelined with an injury, Matt Brown ripped off a career-high 226 yards on 28 carries with four touchdowns. Wideout Michael Campbell added two scores of his own on five receptions for 124 yards.

Bowling Green

Head coach: Dave Clawson

Record: 1-4 (0-1)

This week: at Ohio

After being pounded by Michigan the previous week, Bowling Green lost a heartbreaker to Buffalo, 28-26. From a statistical standpoint, this game was a blowout as the Falcons racked up 441 total yards of offense compared to Bulls’ 176 yards. Bowling Green quarterback Aaron Pankratz had a mixed performance with two touchdown passes along with three interceptions.

Kent State

Head coach: Doug Martin 

Record: 1-3 (0-1)

This week: Akron

Kent State gave up 17 points in the fourth quarter against Miami (OH) in its 27-21 loss. Golden Flashes running back Jacquise Terry chipped in 86 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Kent State quarterback Spencer Keith’s performance was forgettable as he threw two interceptions and completed less than 50 percent of his passes.

Buffalo

Head coach: Jeff Quinn

Record: 2-3 (1-0)

This week: Bye

Head coach Jeff Quinn and the Bulls earned their second victory of the season by defeating Bowling Green, 28-26. The Bulls had a pair of 14-point quarters come in the second and third. Buffalo quarterback Jerry Davis had mixed results on the day with three touchdown passes along with four interceptions.

Akron

Head coach: Ron Ianello

Record: 0-5 (0-1)

This week: at Kent State

A 7-6 first quarter would be the only period that Akron would hang with NIU as it ended up getting demolished, 50-14 on Saturday. Zips’ running back Alex Allen scored both of the team’s touchdowns with 101 rushing yards. Akron only had 11 first downs while allowing NIU to produce 26.

Miami (0H)

Head coach: Michael Haywood

Record: 3-2 (2-0)

This week: at Cincinnati

Miami’s 27-21 victory over Kent State put it right behind MAC East leader Temple. The highlight of the game came when Redhawks’ defensive lineman Austin Brown blocked a punt and Evan Williams scooped the ball up and ran it in for the touchdown. Miami (OH) quarterback Zac Dysert threw for 294 yards with one touchdown pass.