BroncoBlitz picks the MAC: Week Thirteen
SU = Straight up
ATS = Against the spread
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David James: 77-15 SU, 43-47-2 ATS
D.J. Duckett: 77-15 SU, 43-45-4 ATS
Brian Persky: 78-14 SU, 47-42-2 ATS
We continue down the stretch with straight-up picking that Brian leads by the narrowest of margins, though he's putting some distance behind him when the spread comes into play. This week features Northern Illinois and Toledo in a mid-week game that will all but decide the winner of the MAC West division.
Kent State at Ohio (-5.5), Tuesday 8:00pm
David: It's hard to say where the Bobcats' heads are now after the 49-0 beatdown that Bowling Green laid on them. There's still a bit more to play for as they jockey for bowl position and play the host, so Ohio will likely bounce back somewhat. Ohio by 7
DJ: Ohio really struggled last week and needs to collect itself coming into this game. Luckily, this isn't last year's Kent State team. I think Ohio will be able to put together enough offense to get this done at home. Ohio by 3
Brian: This is a harder pick than I envisioned, but for completely different reasons than I expected. Both teams are having disappointing seasons, and this could very well be an offensive struggle. Ohio by 9
Buffalo (-24) at Miami, Tuesday 8:00pm
David: Miami blew their final shot at a win last week and now Buffalo rolls in looking to keep their MAC title hopes alive. After Joe Licata and the offense had a coming-out party in the second half despite losing to Toledo, this one gets ugly. Buffalo by 30
DJ: It looks like this game may be the nail in Miami's coffin. Buffalo has proven to be one of the top teams in the MAC this year, They will roll all over the Redhawks. Buffalo by 35
Brian: Last week's loss against Toledo might have been a good wakeup call for Buffalo, as they'll be hungry for a win on the road against a poor Redhawks team. No chance they overlook Miami before the MAC East showdown against BGSU next week. Buffalo by 28
Northern Illinois (-2.5) at Toledo, Wednesday 8:00pm
David: Toledo is another tough test for NIU, but the Huskies are now at 23 consecutive MAC wins and have the look of a team that's not going to lose. UT hangs around, but Terrence Owens blinks first in the quarterback battle, making a costly second half error leading to a Huskie win in the cold. NIU by 10
DJ: Northern Illinois' ranking can speak for itself. The Huskies are having another great season and need to go on the road to keep their dream alive this week. I think this game will end up being a shootout, with NIU holding on in the end. Should be a great game. NIU by 3
Brian: This is a very intriguing matchup because Toledo has actually looked like a more worthy challenger to #15 NIU as of late. Jordan Lynch looks like a man on a mission, so I expect the Huskies to grind one out on the road in a tough environment. NIU by 7
Bowling Green (-24.5) at Eastern Michigan, Saturday 1:00pm
David: Bowling Green seems to just be getting better right now, and I wouldn't read too much into EMU squeaking one out against WMU's worst team in years. Falcons roll. BGSU by 40
DJ: Bowling Green has really turned it on as of late. They have found a pretty good offense to go with that stellar defense. They will be too much for EMU in this one. BGSU by 30
Brian: It wouldn't surprise me to see BGSU overlook the Eagles just a bit after their feel-good blowout against the Bobcats last week. The Falcons are too good though not to escape Ypsilanti with a large margin of victory. BGSU by 28
UMass at Central Michigan (-9), Saturday 1:00pm
David: CMU is looking to mirror last year by starting 3-6 then reeling off a three-game win streak against weak competition to get to bowl eligibility. Dan Enos' job may hang on doing so, and I expect them not to trip up in this one. CMU by 14
DJ: CMU isn't on the best roll in the world, but it is certainly better than the one UMass is on. I do not see the Minutemen being able to take their show on the road and win, at least not at this point. CMU by 10
Brian: Maybe I'm way off here, but I smell trouble for the Chippewas. Coming off an emotional win against an archrival and going back home to face an underwhelming opponent with a decent defense? I think this one's close. CMU by 3