Okay, Nick, have at it.

Some interesting games this week... The point spreads are out.

Nick’s Picks brings a 43-11 record into play this week as the MAC has the MAC has seven games this week which includes one non-conference game. As league play continues many of these picks become harder and harder with so much parody within the league.

Here is how I see Week 6.



Ball State 27 – Army 23
Army has already beaten MAC foe Buffalo but last week lost to Yale. That was the Ivy League’s first victory over any I-A team since the mid-1980s. Ball State will struggle but should win a close contest

Akron 33 – Eastern 14
I am a little leery on this pick because every time I start to believe in Akron they usually “zip” me right out into oblivion. Still, the Eagles are terrible and have almost no offense.

UMass 37 – Miami 34
Another tricky game here as we have two winless teams who have each have shown signs of life over the past month. I expect this to be an extremely close game and possibly go into OT. I like the Minutemen for no other reason than they seem to have more offensive weapons right now.

Central 27 – Ohio 17
Quick, what is the most lopsided MAC rivalry since 1975? Easy, Central owns a commanding 22-4-3 record over the Bobcats and the Chips always seem to have the OU’s number regardless of decade. I expect that trend to continue this weekend.

BGSU 45 – Buffalo 37
Look for offensive highlights throughout this contest as neither team can play defense.

NIU 52 – Kent State 10
The Huskies are on a mission to search and destroy all MAC teams as they try to build their resume again for a quality post season match up against any team not from the Sun Belt Conference.

Toledo 44 – Western Michigan 31
Toledo’s offense seems to be running on all cylinders even as they replace their starters with backups via the injury bug. Western is improving but has a long way to go.

(09-30-2014 09:51 PM)Nick in Cleveland Wrote:  Nick’s Picks brings a 43-11 record into play this week as the MAC has the MAC has seven games this week which includes one non-conference game. As league play continues many of these picks become harder and harder with so much parody within the league.

Here is how I see Week 6.



Ball State 27 – Army 23
Army has already beaten MAC foe Buffalo but last week lost to Yale. That was the Ivy League’s first victory over any I-A team since the mid-1980s. Ball State will struggle but should win a close contest

Akron 33 – Eastern 14
I am a little leery on this pick because every time I start to believe in Akron they usually “zip” me right out into oblivion. Still, the Eagles are terrible and have almost no offense.

UMass 37 – Miami 34
Another tricky game here as we have two winless teams who have each have shown signs of life over the past month. I expect this to be an extremely close game and possibly go into OT. I like the Minutemen for no other reason than they seem to have more offensive weapons right now.

Central 27 – Ohio 17
Quick, what is the most lopsided MAC rivalry since 1975? Easy, Central owns a commanding 22-4-3 record over the Bobcats and the Chips always seem to have the OU’s number regardless of decade. I expect that trend to continue this weekend.

BGSU 45 – Buffalo 37
Look for offensive highlights throughout this contest as neither team can play defense.

NIU 52 – Kent State 10
The Huskies are on a mission to search and destroy all MAC teams as they try to build their resume again for a quality post season match up against any team not from the Sun Belt Conference.

Toledo 44 – Western Michigan 31
Toledo’s offense seems to be running on all cylinders even as they replace their starters with backups via the injury bug. Western is improving but has a long way to go.

So funny, yet so true.

(09-30-2014 09:51 PM)Nick in Cleveland Wrote:  Nick’s Picks brings a 43-11 record into play this week as the MAC has the MAC has seven games this week which includes one non-conference game. As league play continues many of these picks become harder and harder with so much parody within the league.

Here is how I see Week 6.

I have to agree that with my team leading the way, too many MAC teams are parodies of college football teams.


Posted from the CSNbbs App.

(09-30-2014 09:51 PM)Nick in Cleveland Wrote:  Nick’s Picks brings a 43-11 record into play this week as the MAC has the MAC has seven games this week which includes one non-conference game. As league play continues many of these picks become harder and harder with so much parody within the league.

Here is how I see Week 6.



Ball State 27 – Army 23
Army has already beaten MAC foe Buffalo but last week lost to Yale. That was the Ivy League’s first victory over any I-A team since the mid-1980s. Ball State will struggle but should win a close contest

Akron 33 – Eastern 14
I am a little leery on this pick because every time I start to believe in Akron they usually “zip” me right out into oblivion. Still, the Eagles are terrible and have almost no offense.

UMass 37 – Miami 34
Another tricky game here as we have two winless teams who have each have shown signs of life over the past month. I expect this to be an extremely close game and possibly go into OT. I like the Minutemen for no other reason than they seem to have more offensive weapons right now.

Central 27 – Ohio 17
Quick, what is the most lopsided MAC rivalry since 1975? Easy, Central owns a commanding 22-4-3 record over the Bobcats and the Chips always seem to have the OU’s number regardless of decade. I expect that trend to continue this weekend.

BGSU 45 – Buffalo 37
Look for offensive highlights throughout this contest as neither team can play defense.

NIU 52 – Kent State 10
The Huskies are on a mission to search and destroy all MAC teams as they try to build their resume again for a quality post season match up against any team not from the Sun Belt Conference.

Toledo 44 – Western Michigan 31
Toledo’s offense seems to be running on all cylinders even as they replace their starters with backups via the injury bug. Western is improving but has a long way to go.

Since 1975, CMU is 22-4-3 =75.95 winning percentage against OU,
During the same time period the Rockets went 20-4-1=80.00 winning percentage against the Bobcats.

I'm conflicted on several games:

1). Akron is good but might come up flat (after a really big win) yet the EMU offense is sputtering badly. I don't see EMU winning 7 - 3. Lol.

2). CMU hung with Toledo in the Glass Bowl Saturday night. UT will find WMU much tougher at home. Hope the Bronco faithful turn out to watch a rapidly improving WMU team. WMU fans hope that their team didn't leave it all on the field in Va last Saturday.

(09-30-2014 10:39 PM)axeme Wrote:  

(09-30-2014 09:51 PM)Nick in Cleveland Wrote:  Nick’s Picks brings a 43-11 record into play this week as the MAC has the MAC has seven games this week which includes one non-conference game. As league play continues many of these picks become harder and harder with so much parody within the league.

Here is how I see Week 6.

I have to agree that with my team leading the way, too many MAC teams are parodies of college football teams.


Posted from the CSNbbs App.

I'll take Army, Miami and Ohio.

Army will rebound after their embarrassing lost last week to Yale.
Miami hasn't won in forever. They're at home. And other than a winnable game versus Kent, they have to see this as maybe their best shot at a win this year.
Ohio is due to break that streak...and CMU is overrated IMHO.

We shall see!

(09-30-2014 09:51 PM)Nick in Cleveland Wrote:  As league play continues many of these picks become harder and harder with so much parody within the league.

The MAC is down this year, but c'mon!

oops, sloppy seconds.

I like Buffalo this week.

Can see the future MAC changing. Miami is showing a pulse with nothing (good coaching). WMU is on its way back,showing some life. QBs at Buffalo & UMass having good year.

Saw UMASS on TV last week QB looked SOLID ,can not believe they have not won. They look like they have a good coach.

(09-30-2014 09:51 PM)Nick in Cleveland Wrote:  NIU 52 – Kent State 10
The Huskies are on a mission to search and destroy all MAC teams as they try to build their resume again for a quality post season match up against any team not from the Sun Belt Conference.

Woohoo double digit points!!

(10-01-2014 10:25 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  I like Buffalo this week.

Can see the future MAC changing. Miami is showing a pulse with nothing (good coaching). WMU is on its way back,showing some life. QBs at Buffalo & UMass having good year.

Saw UMASS on TV last week QB looked SOLID ,can not believe they have not won. They look like they have a good coach.

Buffalo is a tough sell...wins against Norfolk State and Duquense don't mean jack...the win against Miami ? Meh. They were getting trucked by a weak Army team until mounting a late comeback that just made it a close loss and Baylor drilled them about as badly as Wisky thumped BG.

I think BG takes this by 2-3 scores.

(10-02-2014 10:45 AM)El Grande Flippero Wrote:  

(10-01-2014 10:25 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  I like Buffalo this week.

Can see the future MAC changing. Miami is showing a pulse with nothing (good coaching). WMU is on its way back,showing some life. QBs at Buffalo & UMass having good year.

Saw UMASS on TV last week QB looked SOLID ,can not believe they have not won. They look like they have a good coach.

Buffalo is a tough sell...wins against Norfolk State and Duquense don't mean jack...the win against Miami ? Meh. They were getting trucked by a weak Army team until mounting a late comeback that just made it a close loss and Baylor drilled them about as badly as Wisky thumped BG.

I think BG takes this by 2-3 scores.

I agree with your analysis and that BG will probably win, but I don't see this team beating anyone by 2-3 scores with this defense. 2-3 points seems more likely...maybe 42-39.

(10-02-2014 11:25 AM)Redwingtom Wrote:  

(10-02-2014 10:45 AM)El Grande Flippero Wrote:  

(10-01-2014 10:25 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  I like Buffalo this week.

Can see the future MAC changing. Miami is showing a pulse with nothing (good coaching). WMU is on its way back,showing some life. QBs at Buffalo & UMass having good year.

Saw UMASS on TV last week QB looked SOLID ,can not believe they have not won. They look like they have a good coach.

Buffalo is a tough sell...wins against Norfolk State and Duquense don't mean jack...the win against Miami ? Meh. They were getting trucked by a weak Army team until mounting a late comeback that just made it a close loss and Baylor drilled them about as badly as Wisky thumped BG.

I think BG takes this by 2-3 scores.

I agree with your analysis and that BG will probably win, but I don't see this team beating anyone by 2-3 scores with this defense. 2-3 points seems more likely...maybe 42-39.

A couple of things about the defense...they moved Gabe Martin to MLB in the Umass game and split time in his spot between Sanford and Valdez who both had great games...Sanford in particular. They finally started getting some pressure on t he QB in the Umass game and that forced him to take quicker drops and work shorter routes. The back seven tackled well against Umass. The biggest issue we had in the game was the long completions of 60, 80 and 32 yds for TDs. If we can get the kind of pressure we had against UMass, I don't see UB having the opportunities to take the deep drop and go over the top on us...and the wind will be a factor there as well. With Lewis, Moore and Burbrink we have the WR's that can turn a 7 yd completion into a 50 yard gain...I don't think UB has that kind of talent at WR...I know they don't have the talent we do at RB. I think our offense will be able to handle the elements more readily and I think the defense is just itching to shut some people up on homecoming.

So..yeah..I see BG by 2-3 scores.

And props to Umass...they have a couple of very good WR's and that QB can really work it downfield when he gets his feet set. I could easily see them being above or at .500 in the MAC this year.

BTW, I've seen most, but not all, MAC teams and seen a lot of very good receivers (none at EMU).

Corey Davis and Braverman at WMU,
Russell at Toledo,
The WR at BG (Lewis?). Forgot his name.
Titus Davis at CMU.

Have not seen UMass and a few more teams.

(10-02-2014 11:39 AM)El Grande Flippero Wrote:  

(10-02-2014 11:25 AM)Redwingtom Wrote:  

(10-02-2014 10:45 AM)El Grande Flippero Wrote:  

(10-01-2014 10:25 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  I like Buffalo this week.

Can see the future MAC changing. Miami is showing a pulse with nothing (good coaching). WMU is on its way back,showing some life. QBs at Buffalo & UMass having good year.

Saw UMASS on TV last week QB looked SOLID ,can not believe they have not won. They look like they have a good coach.

Buffalo is a tough sell...wins against Norfolk State and Duquense don't mean jack...the win against Miami ? Meh. They were getting trucked by a weak Army team until mounting a late comeback that just made it a close loss and Baylor drilled them about as badly as Wisky thumped BG.

I think BG takes this by 2-3 scores.

I agree with your analysis and that BG will probably win, but I don't see this team beating anyone by 2-3 scores with this defense. 2-3 points seems more likely...maybe 42-39.

A couple of things about the defense...they moved Gabe Martin to MLB in the Umass game and split time in his spot between Sanford and Valdez who both had great games...Sanford in particular. They finally started getting some pressure on t he QB in the Umass game and that forced him to take quicker drops and work shorter routes. The back seven tackled well against Umass. The biggest issue we had in the game was the long completions of 60, 80 and 32 yds for TDs. If we can get the kind of pressure we had against UMass, I don't see UB having the opportunities to take the deep drop and go over the top on us...and the wind will be a factor there as well. With Lewis, Moore and Burbrink we have the WR's that can turn a 7 yd completion into a 50 yard gain...I don't think UB has that kind of talent at WR...I know they don't have the talent we do at RB. I think our offense will be able to handle the elements more readily and I think the defense is just itching to shut some people up on homecoming.

So..yeah..I see BG by 2-3 scores.

And props to Umass...they have a couple of very good WR's and that QB can really work it downfield when he gets his feet set. I could easily see them being above or at .500 in the MAC this year.

I am sorry, but you do know that our running back rushed for 222 yards last week and last I checked your run defense is not very good (ex. Wisconsin)

I am sorry, but your running back is not Melvin Gordon.

(10-02-2014 12:05 PM)emu steve Wrote:  BTW, I've seen most, but not all, MAC teams and seen a lot of very good receivers (none at EMU).

Corey Davis and Braverman at WMU,
Russell at Toledo,
The WR at BG (Lewis?). Forgot his name.
Titus Davis at CMU.

Have not seen UMass and a few more teams.

Actually UT's Corey Jones has more receptions than Alonzo Russell.
Jones is #5 and Russell #7 in the MAC for # of receptions.

(10-02-2014 03:20 PM)Redwingtom Wrote:  I am sorry, but your running back is not Melvin Gordon.

I don't think we will win because I think you guys can score more points than us, but it is comical that some BG fans think that the defense is going to finally click this weekend when our offense has been solid all season, even against Baylor.

(10-02-2014 04:02 PM)BullBoy Wrote:  

(10-02-2014 03:20 PM)Redwingtom Wrote:  I am sorry, but your running back is not Melvin Gordon.

I don't think we will win because I think you guys can score more points than us, but it is comical that some BG fans think that the defense is going to finally click this weekend when our offense has been solid all season, even against Baylor.

You've been solid all season...against garbage. You put three TD's on Baylor after you were down 35-0. I'm not that concerned about your offense. I will say this...if this weekend isn't the weekend where our defense shows some substantial improvement then I don't think we'll see much improvement all year. It's homecoming...our guys did a nice generating TO's last week and the weather is going to make throwing a lot of deep passes difficult. This is the week for our guys to lock down on somebody...if we can' t, I don't think we will