Computer Goes 6-0 Picking MAC Opening Night Winners

November 5, 2020 by Staff

The Congrove Computer Rankings at CollegeFootballPoll.com batted 1.000 last night on the opening six games of the Mid-American Conference's 2020 college football season.

All 12 teams played on Wednesday night with Western Michigan routing Akron 58-13, Miami (O) edging Ball State 38-31, Toledo thumping Bowling Green 38-3, Buffalo rolling past Northern Illinois 49-30, Central Michigan edging Ohio 30-27, and Kent State tripping up Eastern Michigan 27-23.

The computer picked 4 home teams and 2 visitors to be victorious in a scenario that played out to perfection.

It (computer) didn't perform as well against the spread as it correctly played just 2 of the 6 games.

Buffalo and Central Michigan are each conference's projected division winners, with Buffalo predicted to win the MAC title game.

Not a single MAC school changed its head coach from last season to this season.

Frank Solich, who is, by far, the longest-tenured head coach in the conference in his 16th season, is expected to have a 4-2 season with his Bobcats. Five other head coaches are on their 5th year or longer with their current team - Chris Creighton (Eastern Michigan, 7th), Jason Candle (Toledo, 5th), Mike Neu (Ball State, 5th), Lance Leipold (Buffalo, 6th), and Chuck Martin (Miami, 7th).

Projected west division winner Central Michigan is at the other end of the spectrum as head coach Jim McElwain is in his 2nd season. In his inaugural campaign, he led the Chippewas to an 8-6 season and a loss to Miami in the conference title game.Central Michigan hasn't captured the MAC championship since 2009 under Butch Jones who is now a special assistant to head coach Nick Saban at Alabama.

Saban is also a MAC alum, albeit for one year. He was the head coach of a 9-2 Toledo team in 1990 that tied Central Michigan for the conference title.