With the 2017 College Football Season rapidly approaching, there are many teams in the mix aspiring to claim a piece the Mid-American Conference title. Here is a breakdown and analysis on the top MAC favorites to win, along with our top pick for dark horse. The betting odds to win the MAC this season have been provided by 5Dimes.
TOP MAC Football FAVORITES
TOLEDO +210 - A consistent name in the discussion for MAC credentials, the Rockets come in off a 9-4 season in 2016. Toledo comes back with senior gunslinger Logan Woodside who will have the reins of an offense that boasts a dynamic crop of wide receivers. With Toledo featuring some of the best lineman in the MAC to complement their skill talent, Toledo may finally take itself to the next level. The Rockets may finally get their chance to play for the MAC title despite achieving the most success in the MAC in the previous two years, next to juggernaut Western Michigan. Nevertheless, Toledo’s inability to win games that count can cast a lot of doubt.
WESTERN MICHIGAN +270 - With prolific quarterback Zach Terrell and gifted wide receiver Corey Davis leaving Kalamazoo, the Broncos have some serious holes to fill after what must have been considered a dream season in 2016. The Broncos would go 13-0 and capture the MAC crown before falling to Wisconsin in the Cotton Bowl as the Group of Six qualifier for a New Year’s Six bowl game. Despite heavy losses, the Broncos return a duo of talented running backs in Jarvion Franklin and Jamauri Bogan. With the passing operations potentially put on hold, the Broncos can go back to a run heavy approach and can easily repeat as MAC Champion. At this price, the Broncos are one of the more savory options as a defending conference champion play in future markets.
MIAMI OHIO +550 - The Redhawks were one of the feel-good stories of 2016. Miami Ohio would win six consecutive games to conclude their 2016-17 campaign after starting off 0-6 out of the gate. The resulting effort would land the Redhawks in the St. Petersburg Bowl against SEC constituent Mississippi State, where they would fall by a score of 17-16. Despite losing the contest, Miami Ohio jumped out to a large initial lead and made an impression against an on-paper stronger opponent. Though they were ultimately edged out in dramatic fashion, the Redhawks carry a tremendous amount of mojo with them from the conclusion of the 2016-17 season. A dangerous team worth keeping an eye on.
BEST MAC FOOTBALL DARK HORSE
EASTERN MICHIGAN +1500 - Historically, the Eagles have been considered a scheduled win. However, the culture has changed in Ypsilanti as Eastern Michigan qualified for its first bowl game in nearly 20 years after winning just one game in 2015. The 2016 Eagles were one of the biggest turnaround stories in NCAA history. There is no question that Coach Chris Creighton has the Eagles heading into unfamiliar waters but the temperature is more than fine. Attendance at EMU home games has skyrocketed by nearly triple compared to 2015, signaling a re-ignited fan base that believes this unit is on its way to greener pastures. With EMU still donning the regalia of a cupcake despite their Bahamas Bowl appearance in 2016, the Eagles are once again set up to be a lethal sleeper team in 2017.
Odds to Win the Mid America Conference
Betting odds from BetOnline Sportsbook to compare. Click on the link to get the live futurews odds to win the AMC title.
- Toledo -140
- Western Michigan +450
- Miami Ohio +650
- Ohio +650
- Northern Illinois +1000
- Central Michigan +1100
- Akron +1800
- Eastern Michigan +2000
- Bowling Green +3300
- Ball State +3300
- Kent State +5000
- Buffalo +10000