Mid-American Bandwagon Episode 67

Hustle Belt: for Mid-American Conference fans

Happy Friday folks! It’s hard to believe it, but we are officially half way through the college football season. All of our favorite MAC teams had varying degrees of success through non-conference play. With two conference games under our belt, we’re starting to get a feel for who the true contenders are in the conference.

To open up the show this week, Steve and Zach take a look back at week six by giving their performances and disappointments of the week. Steve was especially impressed by Akron QB Zach Gibson, who came on in relief of starter Kato Nelson and promptly completed 14 of 15 passes for 177 yards and three scores. Gibson was the catalyst for the Zips come from behind, 35-20 victory over Bowling Green. Zach gave his performance of the week to Kent State WR Dante Cephas, who shredded the Buffalo secondary to the tune of 13 catches, 186 yards, and three scores. Cephas has had an incredible run lately: in his past three games, he has compiled 29 catches, 401 yards and four touchdowns.

On the other side of the spectrum Steve was especially disappointed by the performance we got from Western Michigan in their 45-20 home loss to Ball State. The Broncos were riding high, having won four in a row entering the game, but turned the ball over four times in an uncharacteristic performance. On defense, they allowed Drew Plitt to throw for 310 yards and four scores. Zach’s disappointment of the week was Toledo, who once again this year can’t seem to get out of their own way. Saturday’s loss to Northern Illinois, on homecoming, was especially disappointing. For the past several years, the Rockets have had one of the best rosters in the MAC, yet they consistently turn in these underwhelming performances. Penalties have been an issues as well, and the Rockets racked up 10 penalties for 100 yards against the Huskies. That is...not ideal.

To close out the show, the boys take a look at the week seven games in the MAC. Toledo and CMU battle it out in a contest between two teams that are still a bit of an enigma, and Ball State looks to extend their win streak to three as they travel to Eastern Michigan. For most fans, the highlight of the weekend will take place in Kalamazoo, as Kent State travels to Western Michigan between two teams that have their sights set on a conference title. This cross divisional match up could be a preview of the MAC championship at Ford Field in December.

As always, thanks for stopping by this week folks. We appreciate each and every one of you. Have a great weekend, enjoy all the football, and we’ll talk to you again next week!

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