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Nick's 2007 MAC Football Picks - Week #3 Picks

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Week #3 MAC Football Notes

LAST WEEK (Sept. 8) - Buffalo in the East, and Ball State and defending league champion Central Michigan in the West all captured divisional wins to take 1-0 records in their respective divisions ... Ohio was the lone MAC team to capture a non-conference win with a 31-23 triumph at Louisiana-Lafayette.

THIS WEEK (Sept. 15) - Just one league game with Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois ... Miami hosts Cincinnati for the 112th meeting in the series ... Kent State hosts Delaware State in the Golden Flashes home opener ... all other MAC teams are on the road.

NEXT WEEK (Sept. 22) - Two East Division games highlight the schedule with Temple visiting Bowling Green in the Falcons home opener and Kent State playing at rival Akron ... three other MAC teams are at home with Ohio hosting Wyoming from the Mountain West Conference, Toledo welcoming Iowa State of the Big 12, and Eastern Michigan hosting Howard from the MEAC. All other MAC teams are on the road including Ball State at Top 25 ranked Nebraska and Miami at Big 12 member Colorado.

WATCH FOR: Toledo head coach Tom Amstutz (34 wins) needs one conference victory to tie Gary Darnell (WMU 1997-03) for 15th place all-time in MAC-only wins ... NIU’s Joe Novak needs one win to claim sole possession of ninth place in league history for overall wins. He is tied at 60 wins as a head coach in the MAC with Paul Schudel (BSU, 1985-94) and Gary Blackney (BGSU, 1991-00).

STRANGE STAT: Four of the top five teams in scoring offense in the league are in the MAC West Division, however, four of the top five teams in total offense reside in the MAC East Division.

MOST PLAYED RIVALRIES: The Miami-Cincinnati rivalry is the fifth longest in I-A history according to the NCAA record book. The top five are:

Games - Opponents

116 - Minnesota-Wisconsin

114 - Kansas-Missouri

113 - Nebraska-Kansas

113 - Texas-Texas A&M

111 - Miami (Ohio)- Cincinnati

Eastern Michigan @ Northern Illinois

Eastern Michigan (0-2, 0-1 MAC West, 0-1 MAC Overall) at Northern Illinois (0-2, 0-0 MAC West, 0-0 MAC Overall) - 11 a.m. (CT)

SITE: Huskie Stadium (24,000/FieldTurf) - DeKalb, Ill.

TELEVISION: ESPN Regional (Michael Reghi, Doug Chapman)

SERIES RECORD: NIU leads 22-13-2 ... the Huskies have won six in a row, including a 27-0 shutout last year ... EMU’s most recent win was a 39-32 verdict in 2000 ... the first meeting came in 1927.

COACHES: EMU-Jeff Genyk (9-27, fourth season); NIU-Joe Novak (61-68, 12th season).

EMU @ NIU - GAME NOTES:
Both teams are looking for their first win of 2007 ... EMU was stalled in a 38-16 home loss to Ball State and NIU was stunned late in a 34-31 defeat at the hands of Southern Illinois last week ... NIU has opened with an 0-2 mark for the third consecutive year, yet still holds a current streak of seven consecutive winning seasons, the longest among the MAC schools ... the Huskies allowed SIU to score 13 points in the final 61 seconds for the win ... Huskie RB Justin Anderson scored three touchdowns (1 rush, 2 receiving) while amassing 165 all-purpose yards ... QB Dan Nicholson has thrown six interceptions in two games but has complete 68.1 percent of his passes, the second best percentage in the league ... EMU has scored just one offensive TD in two games and is averaging a league-low 9.5 ppg ... the Eagles’ lone strike came vs. BSU on a 65-yard pass play from Andy Schmitt to DeAnthony White ... EMU’s Dontayo Gage returned a kickoff 90 yards for a TD last week and leads the MAC in kick return average (36.0 ypr).

Nick’s Pick: NIU 20 – Eastern Michigan 14

Line: NIU by 15

Comment: NIU had a devastating loss in the final seconds to I-AA Southern Illinois but NIU also lost a lot of firepower at RB in that game as well. Eastern Michigan has had offense issues for the past two seasons and has a terrible knack for losing close games in the final moments during the Genyk era. Look for more of the same this weekend with NIU holding off the Eagles in DeKalb.

> Check out Ticket City's selection of Northern Illinois football tickets today!

Cincinnati @ Miami

Cincinnati (2-0, 0-0 Big East) at Miami (1-1, 0-0 MAC East, 1-0 MAC Overall - Noon

SITE: Yager Stadium (24,286/FieldTurf) - Oxford, Ohio

TELEVISION: ESPN Regional/ESPN Game Plan (Jim Barber, Bob Chmiel)

SERIES RECORD: Miami leads 59-45-7 ... the series has been continuous since 1945 and started in 1888.

COACHES: UC-Brian Kelly (3-0, first full season at UC; 140-51-2, 17th season overall); Miami-Shane Montgomery (10-15, third season).

UC @ Miami - GAME NOTES:
The RedHawks fell in a triple-overtime game 41-35 at Minnesota last week ... UC is fresh of a 34-3 dusting of Oregon State and will be playing its first road game of 2007 ... the Bearcats are coached by former Central Michigan head coach Brian Kelly ... in his time at CMU, Kelly’s Chippewas played Miami once, winning in Oxford 38-37 on Sept. 10, 2005 ... Miami racked up 577 yards of total offense at UM, its biggest total since the 2005 game against Temple ... the emergence of Daniel Raudabaugh last week at UM (13-34, 222 yards, 2TDs, in the fourth quarter rally and overtime) may open up options at QB for the RedHawks ... Mike Kokal has completed 31-of-54 attempts for 314 yards and a touchdown in the first two games ... the ground games is paced by Brandon Murphy, who is averaging 100 yards per game and 65. yards per carry, however Murphy may miss Saturday’s game due to injury and will be replaced by Andre Bratton (12 rushes for 50 yards and a TD at Minnesota) ... UC has outscored its first two opponents 93-6 and not allowed a touchdown ... three UC players have at least two interceptions each and UC has forced 13 turnovers thus far, the most in the nation.

Nick’s Pick: Cincinnati 24 – Miami 17

Line: Cincy by 9

Comment: Cincinnati’s defense is rock solid and may be the best “D” Miami will face all season. Miami could very well be 2-0 but faded in OT at Minnesota after they missed a short FG that would have won the game in the second OT. Brian Kelly is getting it done at Cincy like he did at Central Michigan. Cincy will win a close game with Miami having a chance late in the game but falling just short.

Central Michigan @ Purdue

Central Michigan (1-1, 1-0 MAC West, 1-0 MAC Overall) at Purdue (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) Noon

SITE: Ross-Ade Stadium (62,500/Prescription Athletic Turf/Bermuda Grass - West Lafayette, Ind.

TELEVISION: ESPN2

SERIES RECORD: Purdue leads 2-0 ... the Boilermakers won 58-16 in 1999 and 48-0 in 2000.

COACHES: CMU-Butch Jones (1-1, first season); PU-Joe Tiller (77-49, 11th year at school; 116-79-1, 17th year overall).

CMU @ Purdue - GAME NOTES:
The Chippewas gave head coach Butch Jones his first career victory with Saturday’s 52-31 victory over Toledo ... of the 50 players who saw game action vs. UT, 30 were freshmen or sophomores ... Purdue is coming off a 52-6 win over Eastern Illinois ... CMU snapped out of its first-week offensive woes (7 points at Kansas) to score its most points at home since beating Ohio 56-27 in 1986 ... Ontario Sneed paced the attack with 168 rushing yards and three rushing TDs ... QB Dan LeFevour responded with 244 yards and two TDs ... CMU hasn’t beaten a Big Ten team since defeating Michigan State 24-20 in 1992 ... the Chippewas top the MAC in third down conversions, making 50.0 percent (14-of-28) such plays ... CMU is also a perfect 9-for-9 in red zone offense (8 TDs, 1 FG) ... Purdue QB Curtis Painter has 10 TDs passes and no interceptions in 79 attempts this year ... CMU’s LeFevour also has not thrown a pick in 69 attempts this season.

Nick’s Pick: Purdue 51 – Central Michigan 34

Line: Purdue by 20

Comment: Purdue has beaten Toledo this season by 28 while Central Michigan beat UT last week at home by 21. Purdue could have easily beat Toledo by much more and have a veteran offense that can light up the scoreboard. Central’s offense looks to back on track after a slow start at Kansas in week #1 but will not be able to keep up with the Boilermakers. This will be a fun contest to watch if you like offense.

> Check out Ticket City's selection of Central Michigan football tickets today!

Akron @ Indiana

Akron (1-1, 0-0 MAC East, 0-0 MAC Overall) at Indiana (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) - Noon

SITE: Memorial Stadium (52,354/Astro-Play) - Bloomington, Ind.

TELEVISION: Big Ten Network

SERIES RECORD: First meeting.

COACHES: UA-J.D. Brookhart (19-19, fourth season); IU-Bill Lynch (2-0, first season at school; 83-67-3, 15th season overall).

Akron @ Indiana - GAME NOTES:
The Zips, off a 20-2 loss at Ohio State, will be playing their second consecutive Big Ten opponent ... the Zips were limited to 69 yards of total offense by the Buckeyes and rank last in the MAC with 178 yards per game of total offense ... UA’s defense, however, forced five Buckeye turnovers ... John Mackey and Reggie Corner nabbed interceptions, and Doug Williams, Parris McNeal and Eric Lively each recovered a fumble ... the Zips +6 turnover margin is the best in the MAC and ranks sixth nationally ... UA is also second in the MAC in scoring defense, allowing 17.0 ppg ... IU won a 37-27 road game at Western Michigan last week ... Hoosiers QB Kellen Lewis has thrown three TD passes in each of the first two games.

Nick’s Pick: Indiana 28 – Akron 14

Line: Indiana by 12

Comment: Akron has the MAC’s best defense and they are good enough to keep the Zips in the game against a much improved Indiana team. However, Indiana has too many offensive weapons and Akron’s offense has yet to play very well. Indiana has won 19 straight against MAC teams dating back to a 21-20 setback to Miami in 1977. Indiana will pull away in a tightly-contested battle.

> View the VanDelay Sports selection of Akron Zips apparel.

Buffalo @ Penn State

Buffalo (1-1, 1-0 MAC East, 1-0 MAC overall) at Penn State (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) - Noon (ET)

SITE: Beaver Stadium (107,282/Natural Grass) - University Park, Pa.

TELEVISION: Big Ten Network

SERIES RECORD: UB leads 1-0 ... the only game play was 107 years ago on November 29, 1900, a 10-0 UB victory in a game at Buffalo

COACHES: UB-Turner Gill (3-11, second season); PSU-Joe Paterno (364-121-3, 42nd season).

UB @ PSU - GAME NOTES:
Buffalo stands alone in first place in the MAC East Division after a convincing 42-7 win at Temple ... the 42 points are the most by UB in a MAC road game in its nine-year’s in the league ... it also marked UB’s second conference-opening win in nine tries ... UB leads the MAC in rushing defense, allowing only 99.5 yards per game ... QB Drew Willy tops the league charts in pass completion at 72.2 percent after his 20-of-22 performance vs. the Owls ... Willy’s 90.9 percent rate was the third highest in a game in MAC history ... UB got ground support from soph Mario Henry who, coming off a redshirt season in 2006, rushed for 125 yards on 17 carries ... Henry’s 7.0 yards per carry average is the best in the MAC ... this week’s MAC East Division Player of the Week Larry Hutchinson leads the MAC in sacks (3) and forced fumbles (2) ... the Nittany Lions scored a 31-10 victory over Notre Dame ... PSU has outscored its first two opponents by a combined 90-10 margin and is one of eight teams in the Big Ten with 2-0 records

Nick’s Pick: Penn State 38 – Buffalo 13

Line: Penn State by 34

Comment: No one doubts that Penn State has far more talent than UB, but PSU is coming of a huge drubbing of Notre Dame and will not bring their “A” game this weekend against an improved Buffalo squad. Don’t be surprised if this game is fairly close at the half before PSU pulls away in the 4th quarter.

> Check out Ticket City's selection of Buffalo Bulls football tickets today!

Temple @ Connecticut

Temple (0-2, 0-1 MAC East, 0-1 MAC overall) at Connecticut (2-0, 0-0 Big East) - Noon

SITE: Rentschler Field (40,000/Grass) - Storrs, Conn.

TELEVISION: ESPN Regional/ESPN Game Plan

SERIES RECORD: Temple leads 7-2 ... UConn captured the most recent meeting, 45-31 in 2004 ... Temple’s last win came in 2002, 38-24.

COACHES: TU-Al Golden (1-13, second season); UC-Randy Edsall (43-51, ninth season).

Temple @ UConn - GAME NOTES:
Temple played its first-ever conference game in the MAC last week and suffered a 42-7 setback at the hands of Buffalo ... the Owls have started the season 0-2 for the fourth year in a row ... the Owls have struggled via the ground, averaging only 19.0 yards per game thus far ... QB Adam DiMichelle is sixth in the MAC in passing efficiency with a 120.7 rating (34-of-52, 359 yards, 2 TDs, 4 int.) ... LB John Haley leads the MAC in fumble recoveries with two ... Haley’s cousin is five-time Pro Bowl DL Charles Haley ... this is the first of three consecutive road games (also Bowling Green and Army) the Temple program last won a road game at Middle Tennessee State in 2003 ... UConn beat Maine 38-0 last week ... the Husky defense has allowed 14 points in eight quarters,

Nick’s Pick: UConn 38 – Temple 14

Line: UConn by 30

Comment: At the beginning of the season I had thoughts of possibly picking Temple here in a mild upset. However the Owls took a huge step backwards last weekend getting drilled at home by Buffalo 42-7. UConn is a solid team that is trying to move up in the very competitive Big East Conference. If UConn was in the ACC, this team would win eight games this season. Sadly for the Huskies they play in the vastly improved Big East Conference where they will be lucky to win seven games and they need this game badly for any chance at bowl eligibility.

> View the VanDelay Sports selection of Temple Owls hats & apparel.

Western Michigan @ Missouri

Western Michigan (0-2, 0-0 MAC West, 0-0 MAC Overall) at Mizzou (2-0, 0-0 Big 12) - 1 p.m. (CT)

SITE: Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium (68,349/FieldTurf) - Columbia, Mo.

TELEVISION: None

SERIES RECORD: Missouri leads 1-0 ... the Tigers won the only previous meeting 48-34 in 1999.

COACHES: WMU-Bill Cubit (15-11, second season at school; 49-29-1, 8th season overall); UM-Gary Pinkel (39-35, seventh season at Mizzou; 112-72-3, 17th season overall).

WMU @ Mizzou - GAME NOTES:
WMU is out to snap a three-game losing streak dating back to last year and is in danger of going 0-3 for the first time since 1986 ... in last week’s loss to Indiana, QB Tim Hiller established career-highs in passing yards (343), completions (28) and attempts (51) ... Jamarko Simmons grabbed 14 receptions for 158 yards ... Simmons leads the nation in receptions per game (14.0) and is third in receiving yards per game (151.0) ... the Tigers are undefeated after last week’s 38-25 victory at Mississippi ... Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel compiled an 8-2 record vs. WMU when he was head coach at Toledo (1991-2000).

Nick’s Pick: Missouri 48 – Western Michigan 24

Line: Missouri by 21

Comment: Western Michigan is the MAC preseason favorite but they certainly have not looked the part against WVU and Indiana. Granted, WVU is a national champ contender and Indiana is vastly improved, but still, the preseason MAC champ should have been able to play closer against both opponents. The QB area continues to be a problem for the Broncos while Missouri is quietly moving up the charts and are poised to break into the national top-25 within the next two weeks. Don’t be surprised if this Mizzou team wins the Big 12 North division this season. Missouri will win Saturday by a comfortable margin.

> Look to DFN Sports partner sites for a great selection of Mizzou apparel & hats!

Ohio @ Virginia Tech

Ohio (2-0, 0-0 MAC East, 0-0 MAC overall) at Virginia Tech (1-1, 0-0 ACC) - 1:30 p.m.

SITE: Lane Stadium (65,115) - Blacksburg, Va.

TELEVISION: ESPN360

SERIES RECORD: VT leads 3-0 ... the Hokies prevailed 45-0 in 2005, the most recent meeting.

COACHES: OU-Frank Solich (15-12, third season at OU; 73-31, ninth season overall); VT-Frank Beamer (157-83-2, 21st season at school; 199-106-4, 27th season overall;

Virginia Tech vs. Ohio - GAME NOTES:
The Bobcats are 2-0 for the second year in a row, the first time that has happened since the 1996 and 1997 seasons, and are the only MAC team without a loss ... Ohio has been outgained by its opponents 863-848 in total yards, yet has outscored its foes 67-37 ... TB Kalvin McRae leads the MAC in touchdowns (5) and is second in rushing yards per game (113.0) ... McRae had four TDs last week at ULL, which also marked Ohio’s first game on natural grass since Oct. 23, 2005, at Bowling Green ... QB Brad Bower is the MAC leader in passing efficiency at 139.4 (32-of-53, 444 yards, 2 TDs, 1 int.) ... the Hokies dropped a 48-7 contest at LSU last week ... VT’s Frank Beamer will be after his 200th career win as a head coach.

Nick’s Pick: Virginia Tech 41 – Ohio 12

Line: V-Tech by 20

Comment: The Hokies were blasted by LSU on national television last week meaning this is not the week the Bobcats want to play a very angry group of ‘V-Tecters.’ VT has a solid roster and needs a pillow to punch this week and sadly for the MAC and Ohio University, it will be the Bobcats who get slapped around this weekend in Blacksburg.

> Check out Ticket City's selection of Ohio football tickets today!

Delaware State @ Kent State

Delaware State (2-0, 1-0 MEAC) at Kent State (1-1, 0-0 MAC East, 0-0 MAC Overall) - 4 p.m.

SITE: Dix Stadium (29,287/FieldTurf) - Kent, Ohio

TELEVISION: None

SERIES RECORD: First meeting.

COACHES: DS-Al Lavan (21-14, fifth season at school; 23-15, sixth season overall); KSU-Doug Martin (13-23, fourth season)

DSU @ Kent State - GAME NOTES:
Kent State is playing its first home game of 2007 ... KSU is 5-1 in its last six home openers ... last week the Golden Flashes dropped a 56-20 contest at Kentucky ... KSU has the MAC rushing leader in Eugene Jarvis (244 yards) and the third leading rusher in Julian Edelman (210 yards) ... last week Jarvis (131) and Edelman (career-high 135) gave the Flashes their first 100-yard rushing duo since 2004 (David Alston 174, Joshua Cribbs 132, vs. Buffalo) ... KSU is averaging a MAC-leading 263 rushing yards per game, 84 more yards per game than the No. 2 rushing team (Ohio) ... Jameson Konz, junior OLB, is tied for second in the MAC with two sacks after not having a sack during his first two years (22 games played, 12 starts) ... Leneric Muldrow has touched the ball twice this year with both plays resulting in TDs (42-yard reception at Iowa State, six-yard run at UK) ... the Hornets are coming off a 20-7 win over Florida A&M ... head coach Al Lavan formerly coached in the MAC at Eastern Michigan and as the Eagles interim head coach at the end of the 2003 season went 2-1 (W vs. UCF and Ball State; L vs. Northern Illinois).

Nick’s Pick: Kent State 27 – Delaware State 14

Line: NL

Comment: Kent State has been their own worst enemy with regards to turnovers and lack of red zone execution through two weeks of play. DSU is coached by formed EMU assistant coach Al Lavan who has done a wonderful job with this Hornet program. DSU has beaten Coastal Carolina and FAMU thus far and has the talent to keep this game close, especially if the Golden Flashes continue to self-destruct on offense. However, Kent State does have more talent and should be able to win this game by double digits.

> View the VanDelay Sports selection of Kent State hats & apparel.

Ball State @ Navy

Ball State (1-1, 1-0 MAC West, 1-1 MAC Overall) at Navy (1-1, Independent) - 5 p.m.

SITE: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (34,000/Natural Grass) - Annapolis, Md.

TELEVISION: CSTV

SERIES RECORD: Ball State leads 1-0 ... the Cardinals won the only meeting 33-10 in 1991.

COACHES: BSU-Brady Hoke (16-32, fifth season); Navy-Paul Johnson (38-26, sixth season at school; 100-35, 11th season overall).

Ball State @ Navy - GAME NOTES:
Ball State plays its first non-conference game and second of three consecutive road games ... QB Nate Davis had a career-high 306 passing yards (10th best in school history) and 4 TDs (one shy of tying school record) in last week’s 38-16 win at Eastern Michigan, which was BSU’s third consecutive MAC road win dating back to last year ... Davis has a league-best five TD passes ... BSU’s 15.0 ppg allowed is the lowest in the MAC ... the Cardinals also lead the MAC in total defense, giving up 279 ypg... Navy opened the season with a 30-19 win over MAC member Temple and then followed with a 41-24 loss to Rutgers last week ... the Midshipmen rely on the ground games as they have rushed 110 times and attempted just 19 passes in two games ... this will be Navy’s home opener and the first of three consecutive home games (Duke, Air Force to follow).

Toledo @ Kansas

Toledo (0-2, 0-1 MAC West, 0-1 MAC Overall) at Kansas (2-0, 0-0 Big 12) - 6 p.m. (CT)

SITE: Memorial Stadium (50,071/AstroPlay) - Lawrence, Kan.

TELEVISION: None

SERIES RECORD: Kansas leads 2-1 ... Toledo won last year’s meeting 37-31 in overtime.

COACHES: UT-Tom Amstutz (50-27, seventh season); KU-Mark Mangino (27-35, sixth season).

Kansas vs. Toledo - GAME NOTES:
The Rockets have allowed 52 points in each of their first two games, dropping a 52-31 encounter last week at Central Michigan ... UT has played 35 freshmen and sophomores the first two weeks ... WR Stephen Williams had 157 receiving yards last week, the 11th highest total in school history ... Williams 21.5 ypc is the best in the MAC ... soph QB Aaron Opelt played the entire game last week (25-of-41, career-high 334 yards and two TDs) ... Brett Kern tops the MAC in punting with his 50.1 ypk ... the Jayhawks beat Southeast Louisiana 62-8 last week and have outscored their last two opponents 114-15 ... UT hasn’t started a season with three consecutive losses since 1988 ... this game will be the third of four consecutive home games to start the season for KU.

Nick’s Pick: Kansas 73 – Toledo 21

Line: Kansas by 23

Comment: Last year Kansas dominated statistically but lost five turnovers which resulted in Toledo’s 37-31 OT victory in the Glass Bowl. The Rockets now return to Lawrence where they lost to the Jayhawks 63-14 in 2004. This year’s game may be much closer to that contest than the 2006 outing considering how terrible Toledo’s defense and special teams units have played to date. If the Rockets continue to play like they have in the first two weeks of the season, this contest could be the weekend’s biggest Division I-A blowout. Toledo can score points, but not nearly as many as Kansas will on Saturday.

> View the VanDelay Sports selection of Toledo Rockets hats & merchandise online.

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Nick's 2007 MAC Football Picks & Recaps

• MAC Football Week #2 - Recap
• MAC Football Week #2 - Picks
• MAC Football Week #1 - Recap
• MAC Football Week #1 - Picks