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Nick's 2009 MAC Football Picks - Week #9 Recap

Ohio at Ball State

Theo Scott found Terrence McCrae for a 7-yard touchdown with just over 3 minutes remaining and then converted a 2-point conversion to pull away from a stubborn Ball State team who was led by backup QB Tanner Justice. While OU had a sizable edge in total offense (316-247), their two turnovers kept the Cardinals in the game.

Nick’s Pick: Ohio 23 – Ball State 19

Actual Score: Ohio 20 – Ball State 17

Akron at NIU

Trailing 10-6 in the 4 th quarter, NIU scored three touchdowns, two by Chad Spann, to lead the Huskies come-from-behind victory. Spann finished with 125-yards of NIU’s 275-yard rushing output. The Huskies held the ball for 37-minutes to just 23 for the Zips. NIU had nine penalties for 105-yards. Akron true freshman QB Patrick Nicely went 11-27 for 124 yards.

Nick’s Pick: NIU 37 – Akron 24

Actual Score: NIU 27 – Akron 10

Temple at Navy

Bernard Pierce rushed for 267 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown with 2:41 left, while James Nixon returned a kickoff 100 yards for a score as Temple became bowl eligible for the first time since 1979. Navy did have a five-game winning streak coming into this contest. Even though Navy held the ball for over 35-minutes and rushed for 227 yards as a team, it was the Owls big-plays that propelled Temple to the win. Temple passed for just 37-yards in the game while Navy passed for 27.

Nick’s Pick: Temple 27 – Navy 23

Actual Score: Temple 27 – Navy 24

Toledo at Miami

Toledo ’s bid from a 17-point deficit to force overtime failed as Danny Noble fumbled going into the endzone during the final minute. By rule, the ball went to Miami at the 20 yard line who then ran out the clock. Zac Dysert passed for 344-yards as the RedHawks snapped a 13-game losing streak. Adonis Thomas rushed for 107 yards while DaJuane Collins added 82 for the Rockets. Total yardage was nearly identical as the UT held a slim 444-436 edge in total offense.

Nick’s Pick: Miami 28 – Toledo 20

Actual Score: Miami 31 – Toledo 24

Western Michigan at Kent State

Kent State is playing some of their best football in many years right now. Spencer Keith threw for 373 yards and two touchdowns while Tyshon Goode finished with 11 catches for 198 yards and Jacquise Terry added 90 yards rushing for KSU. The Broncos’ Tim Hiller was 31-for-49 for 255 yards and touchdown passes and was sacked four times.

Nick’s Pick: Kent State 26 – Western Michigan 24

Actual Score: Kent State 26 – Western Michigan 14

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Central Michigan at Boston College

BC snapped the Chippewas’ seven-game winning streak—their best since consecutive seasons with eight-game streaks from 1979-1980. Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour, who entered fifth in the nation in completion percentage, was 20 of 34 for 152 yards and one interception. After a slow start, BC held a commanding edge in total offense; 412-311.

Nick’s Pick: Boston College 27 – Central Michigan 17

Actual Score: Boston College 31 – Central Michigan 10

Eastern Michigan at Arkansas

Arkansas led 42-0 at halftime and held the Eagles without a first down until their second possession of the third quarter. Ryan Mallett passed for 248-yards and three touchdowns while Broderick Green added a 99-yard touchdown run for the Razorbacks. Arkansas outgained Eastern Michigan 390-39 in the first half. Kyle McMahon threw three second half TDs for the Eagles.

Nick’s Pick: Arkansas 49 – Eastern Michigan 7

Actual Score: Arkansas 63 – Eastern Michigan 27

Nick’s Picks went 7-0 this weekend and now stand at 59- 22 (73%) YTD.

Week #9 MAC Football Power Ranking:

1. Central Michigan

2. Temple

3. Kent State

4. NIU

5. Ohio

6. BGSU

7. Western Michigan

8. Buffalo

9. Miami

10. Toledo

11. Akron

12. Ball State

13. Eastern Michigan

Assessing the 2009-2010 MAC Bowl Picture – Very Early Prognosis

GMAC Bowl Central Michigan versus Wake Forest or Duke

Motor City Bowl NIU or Kent State versus Northwestern

International Bowl Temple versus UConn or Rutgers

Eagle Bank Bowl Ohio versus Marshall (*** MAC gets picked to fill bowl***)

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> Attention Football Fans! Check out the 2009 NFL preview now live over at Pro Football Fans!