Some interesting takes, quite a bit of respect for some MAC games.

10 - Toledo vs Temple
11 - BGSU vs Georgia Southern
13 - Ohio vs App State
16 - NIU vs Boise
.....
28 - WMU vs Mid TN
35 - Akron vs Utah St
38 - CMU vs Minn

NIU game comment - Hey, look at that! Another good Group of Five game. This was a down season for Boise State, but the Broncos still won eight games and have a star in the making with freshman quarterback Brett Rypien. Rypien isnt the one to watch, though, it's sophomore RB Jeremy McNichols. NIU made it all the way to the MAC title game, but had to start a freshman walk on at QB due to injuries. That injury situation is one to keep an eye on.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/caaf-dr-sa...57782.html

I honestly hate discussions about lists and rankings, but I'll bite. Ohio vs App St at 13?

(12-07-2015 09:17 AM)NIUslumo Wrote:  I honestly hate discussions about lists and rankings, but I'll bite. Ohio vs App St at 13?

Yeah, that's a joke. The PB should be higher, and I think it would be were it not for the "down" years of both teams and our QB situation.

From what I've been reading on the Boise State message board, they are pretty pleased with NIU as a bowl opponent. Too bad both teams play each other on down years. Good thing is 8 wins for both teams is considered a "down" year.

A down year for Boise includes two wins over P5 teams and four weeks in the Top 25.

I think Ohio vs App State being #13 is because it's a battle to see who's better: MAC East vs Sun Belt. :)

The only P5 matchup for the MAC is against 5-7 Minn. Looking at all the bowl games, it's obvious the P5 doesn't want to play against mid-majors. I don't blame them but it clearly indicates discrimination.

Hope this game leads to a good relationship between the two ADs and ends up getting a 1-1 down the road.

(12-07-2015 01:36 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  Hope this game leads to a good relationship between the two ADs and ends up getting a 1-1 down the road.

that would be sweet.

(12-07-2015 12:39 PM)HuskieBowWow Wrote:  The only P5 matchup for the MAC is against 5-7 Minn. Looking at all the bowl games, it's obvious the P5 doesn't want to play against mid-majors. I don't blame them but it clearly indicates discrimination.

It's circular. Us G5 teams don't want G5's either unless they are top teams. Goes both ways.

Both teams should be major contenders for the access bowl bid next year...

(12-07-2015 04:20 PM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  Both teams should be major contenders for the access bowl bid next year...

I am not sure I am ready to say NIU will be at that level next year, defense kind of worries and of course its the Hare question. Boise St I would agree with though.

(12-07-2015 04:20 PM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  Both teams should be major contenders for the access bowl bid next year...

With NIUs returning offense, 2016 schedule with no P5 one would think this is the easiest schedule they have and will see for a while. I would say that alone gives them a chance, at least as good as anyone else. Undefeated goes farther than one loss late in year.

NIU is going to have a questionable defense next year, and if Hare is done, I honestly think it could be a long year. Graham and Fiedler have done a great job, but I just don't see them going from start to finish to win the West.

If you are a fan of college football and not a snobbish Walmart Wolverine, Meijer Mountaineer or Target Tiger, the match-up between Boise State and NIU is tremendously interesting - even in a down year.

(12-08-2015 04:57 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  NIU is going to have a questionable defense next year, and if Hare is done, I honestly think it could be a long year. Graham and Fiedler have done a great job, but I just don't see them going from start to finish to win the West.

Questionable defense?? My guess is they are only going to be better. Played a lot of young guys again this year. Most will be Juniors next year and I bet we see an even better jump from soph to juniors. Only players we are really going to miss is Perez and boomer. Moore is replaceable and Logan was horrible this year.