CLEVELAND — The Mid-American Conference football preseason coaches poll was released Friday morning ahead of MAC media day at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.
The University of Toledo was picked to finish second and Bowling Green State University was picked to finish third, tied with Northern Illinois.
Miami University was selected as the favorite to win both the regular season title and the MAC championship game crown.
The Rockets, who won the MAC West Division last season, received three votes to win the regular season championship and two votes for the championship game title.
The RedHawks received nine first-place votes for the regular season title and 10 for the conference title game. Last season, Miami beat Toledo at Ford Field to win the MAC championship.
Here's a look at the full coaches poll:
First Place votes in ( ) | *Coaches were not able to vote for themselves
- 1. Miami (9) – 119 points
- 2. Toledo (3) – 109 points
- T3. Bowling Green – 92 points
- T3. Northern Illinois – 92 points
- 5. Ohio – 81 points
- 6. Eastern Michigan – 64 points
- 7. Western Michigan – 60 points
- 8. Central Michigan – 59 points
- 9. Ball State – 42 points
- 10. Buffalo – 37 points
- 11. Akron – 24 points
- 12. Kent State – 13 points
Conference Champion: Miami (10), Toledo (2)
This season begins the integration of a new schedule format for the conference. The new format eliminates the MAC East and West Divisions and incorporates protected opponents based on geographic location and rivalries. This model will also allow for each team to face all 11 conference opponents home and away at least once during a three-year cycle.
Both the Rockets and Falcons open the season at home on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. Toledo will play Duquesne and BGSU will take on Fordham.
The MAC football championship game will be held at Ford Field on Saturday, Dec. 7 at noon.