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Nick's 2007 MAC Football Picks - Week #1 Picks
THURSDAY - August 30th
Buffalo @ Rutgers
Rutgers leads the all-time series 4-1 which includes a 17-3 victory in 2005. Buffalo should be much improved, but this Rutgers team may be the best in their school's history, and that's a huge statement considering the Scarlet Knight's 11-2 breakthrough season in 2006. Buffalo will play well but Rutgers should win by a considerable margin.
Line: Rutgers by 31
Nick's Pick: Rutgers 35 – Buffalo 6
Miami @ Ball State
On paper this could be the most entertaining MAC contest of the weekend. Ball State won last season 20-17, but Miami leads the overall series 15-9-1. The RedHawks are looking to quickly forget last season's 2-10 campaign while Ball State is trying to get off to a quick start. BSU is just 2-9 overall in season openers over the past eleven seasons. Expect a very close contest, and don't be surprised if this game goes into overtime. Look for QB Nate Davis to have a big game for the Cardinals.
Line: Ball State by 6
Nick's Pick: Ball State 35 – Miami 28
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Kent State @ Iowa State
This pick is a mild upset. Iowa State leads the overall series 4-0 and KSU is just 1-6 versus current Big 12 teams. Kent State is just 2-27-1 in season openers since 1977 which includes last year's 44-0 home loss to Minnesota to start the campaign. But there is something different in the air this season at Kent and this team does finally have the talent to win a game like this, especially since ISU is breaking in a whole new coaching staff. Last year ISU beat MAC member Toledo 45-43 in three OTs to begin the season. Call it a gut feeling, but look for Kent State to possibly have their first quality non-conference win in the modern era.
Line: Iowa St by 4
Nick's Pick: Kent State 23 – Iowa State 20 (Upset)
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FRIDAY - August 31st
Navy @ Temple
Temple leads the series 4-2 but have lost badly in 2005 (38-17) and 2006 (42-6) to the Midshipmen. There is much fanfare expected for this Friday night contest in Philadelphia and the Owls should be much improved – how much though is the question. Navy will run the ball and run the ball and run the ball again. Temple looks to have improved their defense which gave up nearly 250-yards per game on the ground in '06. Expect Temple to play well and make a game of this but in the end Navy should leave the "city of brotherly love" win the 'W.'
Line: Navy by 21
Nick's Pick: Navy 31 – Temple 16
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SATURDAY - September 1st
Western Michigan @ West Virginia
Western Michigan is the MAC favorite by most of the MAC News Media entering the season. This is a team that beat Virginia on the road last year and nearly beat Florida State on the road as well. WMU is a very formidable opponent for almost any BCS conference team, but West Virginia is a legitimate national title contender entering this season and will prove to be too much for the Broncos to handle. Don't be surprised if Western Michigan keeps this game close until the end. WVU leads the overall series 1-0.
Line: West Virginia by 23
Nick's Pick: West Virginia 38 – Western Michigan 23
Iowa @ Northern Illinois (@ Soldier Field in Chicago)
What a game for NIU to "host" Iowa in Soldier Field and play in front of a sellout crowd in a NFL stadium. This will be a thrill of a lifetime for Coach Joe Novak's crew and the Huskies will rise to the occasion. Iowa leads the series 4-0 overall including last season's 24-14 home victory. Iowa held a commanding 405-196 total offense edge in that contest.
Line: Iowa by 11
Nick's Pick: Iowa 26 – NIU 17
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Eastern Michigan @ Pitt
Pitt leads the overall series 1-0 and EMU is just 1-6 all-time versus current Big East members. Their lone win came against UConn in 2000. EMU has lost eight straight home openers and they have come by an average of 26-points per contest. Pitt is not as strong as last year when they beat up on MAC member Toledo (45-3) but they have more than enough talent to put away the Eagles.
Line: Pitt by 20
Nick's Pick: Pitt 38 – Eastern Michigan 3
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Army vs. Akron (@ Cleveland Browns Stadium)
Like NIU above, this has to be a thrill for Akron players to play in a NFL stadium. Unlike NIU, this game will not be a sellout and depending upon the weather, may not draw more than 30K. Army leads the series 3-0 including a 20-0 win at Akron in 2005. The Zips do return some solid defenders while there are still major question marks on the offensive side of the ball, especially at QB. Army has a whole new coaching staff after veteran skipper Bobby Ross retired in January.
Line: Akron by 4.5
Nick's Pick: Akron 20 – Army 10
Central Michigan @ Kansas
This is the first meeting between these two schools and the first game in the Butch Jones era at Central Michigan. The 'Chips won the MAC title and the Motor City Bowl last season and return a solid group of players from that championship team. Kansas went 6-6 last season, but lost two games in overtime and two other games by a combined four points. KU lost at MAC member Toledo last season 37-31 in overtime, but dominated the game statistically in the loss. Kansas coach Mark Mangino has an impressive 19-7 record at home during his first five seasons. CMU will make a good game of this, but Kansas needs this game for bowl eligibility later in the year. Go with the Jayhawks in a close contest.
Line: Kansas by 8
Nick's Pick: Kansas 26 – Central Michigan 14
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Purdue @ Toledo
Toledo leads the series 2-1 which includes a 36-22 home victory in 1997. The Rockets are 4-11 against the Big Ten, but Purdue struggled against both Miami (38-31 OT) and Ball State (38-28) last season. Toledo will be much improved from their 5-7, 2006 campaign while Purdue hopes to top last seasons eight win mark. Expect a real shootout with both offenses rolling up big numbers. Give the nod to Toledo at home as the Rockets have developed a knack to beat the big boys in the Glass Bowl over the past decade.
Line: Purdue by 7
Nick's Pick: Toledo 34 – Purdue 30 (Upset)
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Bowling Green @ Minnesota
Minnesota leads the overall series 1-0 and BG is 4-12 all-time versus the Big Ten. All four wins have come against Purdue or Northwestern. BG has steadily moved backwards since wonder-coach Urban Line: Minnesota by 16 Nick's Pick: Minnesota 37 – BGSU 17 > Browse our online selection of BG Falcons hats & apparel! |
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Meyer performed his magic here in 2001 and 2002. Minnesota welcomes the Tim Brewster era but look for veteran offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar to quickly change the run-first mentality into a full spread offensive attack. Minnesota should win by double digits. 
Gardner Webb @ Ohio
This is the first meeting between these two schools and the Running Bulldogs were 6-5 last season. This is their first contest against a Division IA opponent. It's difficult to really gauge a game like this, but look for OU to win by a considerable margin.
Line: NL
Nick's Pick: Ohio 34 – Gardner Webb 9
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