Week Two MAC Power Rankings

We are back with the week two rankings, and boy were there some shake ups. After a brutal week for the MAC and its national perception, the rankings see some high risers and some major drops. A big thank you to our friends at Sidelines Sports, Fifth Quarter, and CFB Home for voting in this week's rankings. 1. Toledo (+/- 0 spots from last week) - The Rockets didn't have the "close game hangover" in their home opener against FCS and HBCU Texas Southern. In fact, in a week where the MAC needed a dominant win over an inferior opponent, Toledo did just that. The Rockets raced out to a 50-3 halftime lead (a new school record), and routed TSU 71-3, their third highest point total in school history. They retain their top spot and set their sights on San Jose State this weekend. (1.125 average, lowest ranking: 2)

2. Ohio (+1 spot from last week) - The Bobcats took the trip to Boca Raton and took care of Florida Atlantic for the second year in a row. A strong defensive effort gave way to Kurtis Rourke and Co to secure the win after his one week hiatus. This qualifies as a good win over a quality fellow Group of Five program, and gives the Bobcats a little more confidence heading into Iowa State at Peden Stadium this Saturday. (1.875 average, lowest ranking: 2)

3. Miami (+9 spots from last week) - Whatever week one was for the RedHawks, this week was the total opposite. When their game against UMass kicked off, it was 3:30 PM on Saturday. When the game ended, it was just after midnight. The RedHawks stayed sharp through multiple weather delays and took care of the Minutemen. Brett Gabbert looked sharp with four TD passes, but the player of the day? Gage Larvadain, who *only* had 8 catches for 273 yards and three scores. A nice win over UMass and Miami moves up. The Battle for the Victory Bell is up next for Miami as they look to snap a 16-game losing streak in the rivalry with Cincinnati. (3.125 average, lowest ranking: 4)

4. EMU - (+/- 0 spots from last week) - Eagles fans were high on what they might do in Minnesota and all things considered, the defense played pretty well. The offense couldn't get anything consistent going, but honestly EMU looked pretty solid against a Minnesota team who looks to compete in the Big Ten this fall. MAC fans had mixed emotions seeing Corey Crooms have a good game against his former conference foe, but now Eagles fans are looking forward to hosting UMass, who is coming off a 41-28 loss to Miami OH. (4.75 average, lowest ranking: 8)

5. BGSU (+1 spot from last week) - After a week one loss to Liberty where the QB situation was very much the weakest link, the Falcons came home and took care of FCS Eastern Illinois in fairly dominant fashion. Connor Bazelak looked the part of starter, Terion Stewart had two scores on the ground and BGSU looked like a much different team. The Falcons spend the week preparing for their toughest test of the decade as they travel to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan this weekend. (5.125 average, lowest ranking: 9)

6. Akron (+/- 0 spots from last week) - Yuppppppp. The Zips stay in the top half this week thanks to their last minute win over Morgan State. While this game wasn't the best display of football for the MAC, you can't deny that Akron fought the entire game and earned the win. A close call a week ago and and finally a win, the Zips are on the rise, and now we know they have multiple capable QB's: Jeff Undercuffler and DJ Irons. This fall is going to be great for Akron as they look to secure more wins. They travel to Kentucky this weekend. (5.625 average, lowest ranking: 8)

7. CMU (+3 spots from last week) - Similar to Akron, the Chippewas found a last minute win against an FCS school. The high scoring affair with New Hampshire ended with a CMU field goal to secure the win. Myles Bailey paced all running backs with 108 yards and a score for CMU but defensive stops were at a premium. Bert Emmanuel went 7/19 with 2 TDs and 2 INTs. The Chips look to swell their win streak to two games this week as they take on Notre Dame in South Bend this weekend. (7.000 average, lowest ranking: 11)

8. WMU (-2 spots from last week) - In a game where the Broncos were poised to be competitive, they did everything the but be competitive. The offense made it a 10 point game in the first quarter, but Syracuse blew the doors off in the the second quarter and never looked back. Jalen Buckley had a strong day for the Broncos on the ground but that was truly the lone bright spot. The Broncos look to upset the Hawkeyes in Iowa City this weekend. (7.25 average, lowest ranking: 11)

9. Ball State (+2 spots from last week) - The Cardinals are the beneficiary of MAC teams losing to FCS schools, which boosts their ranking. A second week, a second loss to an SEC school, this time the two time defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs. There have been some bright spots for the Cardinals but when playing the top conference in the country to start your season, its really hard to get a read on the team. We find out more about what Mike Neu is cooking up in Muncie this week as the Cardinals host in state rival Indiana State in the Blue Key Victory Bell rivalry. (8.375 average, lowest ranking: 10)

10. NIU (-8 spots from last week) - Well, this wasn't pretty. NIU had the biggest (and worst) change in the power rankings, but losing to FCS Southern Illinois after a thrilling victory over Boston College will do that. Hangover from the win? Maybe. Rocky Lombardi had an uncharacteristically bad day in the turnover category despite throwing for almost 300 yards. 11 points rarely wins a game for anyone and that was the case this weekend. Any loss to an FCS is a dark mark on a season, but a chance at redemption for the Huskies come this weekend as they travel to Nebraska. (8.625 average, lowest ranking: 11)

11. Buffalo (-5 spots from last wee) - This was rough to witness live. The Bulls ran out to a 21-3 lead on FCS Howard, but the defense surrendered 17 unanswered points in the second quarter, and then fell behind schedule the rest of the day. Points were not lacking, however defense for both sides definitely was. This is the second straight year that the Bulls have lost to an FCS team, not ideal for a program who wants to contend for MAC titles. Still, title hopes are alive for Buffalo and an FCS loss can potentially be forgiven if they can find a way to contend for the league. The Bulls host Liberty this weekend (10.75 average, lowest ranking: 12)

12. Kent State (+/-0 spots from last week) - The Golden Flashes showed some flashes of brilliance on defense again this week, but that was about it against SEC foe Arkansas. While the defense showed some improvement, the offense still has plenty of work to do, being limited to two field goals in consecutive weeks, the only MAC team without a touchdown on the year. Kent State gets to host FCS Central Connecticut this weekend and will look for their first touchdown and win. (11.75 average, lowest ranking: 12) Is someone too high? Too low? Let us know what you think! A big thank you to SSN Ball State, SSN Buffalo, SSN EMU, SSN Kent State, SSN NIU, SSN Toledo, FQ MACtion and CFBHome for voting on this week's power rankings.