2023-24 MAC Football Predictions with Betting Odds and Expert Picks
The Toledo Rockets are looking for a rare repeat in the MAC. Despite being the clear favorites in the West Division, the outlook in the East is way more competitive. Nine of the MAC’s 12 teams recorded at least five wins in ’22. It seems likely that Toledo, Ohio, and Miami (Ohio) are the top dogs, while there should be another year of parity in the middle with teams fighting to get bowl eligible at the six-win plateau. Doc’s Sports will look in-depth at the MAC below.
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The Favorite: Toledo (+170)
Toledo returns 16 starters and looks to repeat as conference champions. No team in the MAC has repeated since Northern Illinois accomplished that feat in 2010-11. Quarterback Dequan Finn returns to the offense, and he contributed 32 total touchdowns last season. The offense should flourish with his top two receivers returning as well as all five linemen. The defense was solid last season, allowing the fewest yards per play in the MAC and returns seven starters. The toughest game on the schedule is a road battle with Miami (Ohio). Toledo is a good bet to repeat.
The Challenger: Ohio (+280)
Ohio is banking on the recovery of ACL surgery for quarterback Kurtis Rourke that he suffered late in the ’22 season. Prior to the injury, Rourke was cementing himself as a top QB in all of college by throwing for 3,256 yards and 25 touchdowns. The Bobcats also return a 1,000-yard rusher in Sieh Bangura and arguably the MAC’s best receiving corps. If the defense can improve on giving up 28.3 points per contest in 2022, the offense could carry them to a MAC Championship.
The Dark Horse: Buffalo (+650)
The Bulls finished last season 7-6, which included a 34-27 upset victory over the eventual MAC champ, Toledo. The defense forced timely turnovers and had 26 takeaways altogether. The defensive unit also ranked fourth in the MAC in fewest points allowed with 26.7. The offense should be able to grow and take a step forward with the return of quarterback Cole Snyder, running backs Mike Washington and Ron Cook, and three starting linemen.
The X-Factor: Miami Ohio (+800)
They make an interesting case for the top spot in the MAC East but catch a tough break having to play Toledo in Athens. The RedHawks will surely benefit from the return of quarterback Brett Gabbert, who missed nearly all ’22 with an injury. The defense could be the best unit in the conference after holding teams to 22.6 points per game a season ago. Miami of Ohio is a solid choice to win the MAC.
The Disappointment: Akron (+3500)
The Zips finished 2-10 in Joe Moorhead’s debut as head coach last season and need a lot of things to go right to improve in 2023. The offensive line allowed 56 sacks a season ago, and the defense allowed a staggering 33.5 points per game to opponents. Those two areas will decide how far the Zips can climb in the MAC East.
The Rest
Eastern Michigan (+850)
After making only one bowl appearance in program history from 1987-2015, the Eagles have played in five postseason contests since ’16. The offense lost three starting linemen and their two top receivers from 2022. Eight starters are back on defense, but this unit must improve after giving up 28.5 points a game last season.
Northern Illinois (+1400)
This team was bitten by the injury bug last season after winning the MAC in 2021. The team slipped to 3-9 last year after losing their starting quarterback, Rocky Lombardi. His return this year should boost the offense that features one of the league’s best running backs in Antario Brown. The defense must improve after finishing 10th or worse in points allowed for three straight seasons.
Central Michigan (+1800)
The Chippewas had high hopes last season but fell to 4-8 after poor play in the trenches and unexpected quarterback issues. Turning the ball over 28 times is a problem and needs to be fixed this season. They brought back nine starters on defense that held opponents to 5.2 yards a snap. If the offense can fix its issues and lean on the defense, this team can become bowl eligible.
Bowling Green (+2500)
The Falcons went 6-7 and made their first bowl game for the program last year since 2015. Definitely an improvement after going 7-22 the three seasons prior. Five of Bowling Green’s wins came by one score, so the margin for error is small. The offense returns four starting linemen and playmakers like running back Terion Stewart and receiver Odieu Hiliare. This could be a team to watch out for in 2023.
Ball State (+3000)
After back-to-back bowl games in 2020-21, the Cardinals did not play up to expectations last season. Returning to the postseason will hinge on transfer quarterback Layne Hatcher and running back Marquez Cooper. Ball State won three games in MAC play but lost four others by one score. Improvement is also needed on the defense that ranked last in the conference against the run.
Western Michigan (+5000)
A ton of question marks surround this squad that should be a basement dweller in the standings. They have a first-year head coach in Lance Taylor and uncertainty at the quarterback position. The defensive unit was solid in ’22, holding teams to 24.1 points per game but returned only two starters from that unit. It could be a long season for Western Michigan.
Kent State (+15000)
Expect this team to be at the very bottom. They return zero starters on offense and four starters on defense. Enough said.
Projected MAC Standings
East
1. Ohio
2. Miami (Ohio)
3. Buffalo
4. Bowling Green
5. Akron
6. Kent State
West
1. Toledo
2. Eastern Michigan
3. Northern Illinois
4. Central Michigan
5. Ball State
6. Western Michigan
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