The Mid-American Conference announced the 2008 preseason poll, and the Bowling Green State University football team has been picked as the East Division favorites. The MAC News Media Association Preseason Poll was announced at the league's football media day at Ford Field in downtown Detroit on Tuesday (July 29).
In the East preseason rankings the Falcons earned 206 points, followed by Miami (202), Buffalo (145), Kent State (137), Temple (120), Ohio (119) and Akron (78).
The Falcons received 17 of the 36 first-place votes, followed by Miami (7), Buffalo (3), Ohio (3), Akron (2), Kent State (2) and Temple (2).
The Falcons will return 17 starters from a team that finished 8-5 overall, 6-2 in the MAC last season. They also finished as East co-Champions and advanced to their third bowl game in five years in 2007.
Central Michigan was the overwhelming preseason favorite in the West, receiving 207 points. They were followed by Ball State (169), Western Michigan (143), Toledo (98), Eastern Michigan (80) and Northern Illinois (60).
The Chippewas were also the favorites to capture the MAC Championship game, claiming 24 of the 36 votes. Ball State was second with five, followed by Bowling Green (4), Buffalo (1), Miami (1) and Western Michigan (1).
The MAC Championship game will be played on Dec. 5 at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich.
The Falcons open the season on Aug. 30 at Pittsburgh, a game that will be carried live on ESPNU starting at noon.
EAST DIVISION (7-6-5-4-3-2-1 point system)
1. Bowling Green 206
2. Miami 202
3. Buffalo 145
4. Kent State 137
5. Eastern Michigan 80
6. Ohio 119
7. Akron 78
WEST DIVISION (6-5-4-3-2-1 point system)
1. Central Michigan 207
2. Ball State 168
3. Western Michigan 143
4. Toledo 98
5. Temple 120
6. Northern Illinois 60
