In 2008 Ball State ended their regular season with a perfect 12-0 record including a win against a lower level Big 10 team (Indiana). BSU was by far the best MAC team that year. That year's East division champ (Buffalo), led by a coach with Nebraska ties (Turner Gill), had a less impressive record (7-5) and was a prohibitive underdog for the championship.

What happened? Ball State **** the bed in the MACC, fumbling four times and throwing an interception that led to a 42-24 loss. Their coach left for greener pastures a few days later and they went on to lose their bowl game 45-13.

I hope this doesn't happen because it would be great for the MAC to get that New Year's Day slot but I found the parallels interesting.