I realize this doesn't mean squat and isn't nearly as glamorous but it might be fun to chat just a little about the bowl games the MAC is involved in. Here's the run down:

December 18 - Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho

Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State

The Huskies were the only MAC team to make a Top 25 appearance this year before choking in the MAC Championship game against Miami (OH). Fresno State of the MWC basically enjoys a "home" game in this one played on Boise State's incredibly ugly blue field. Probably the most interesting MAC bowl game IMHO.

December 18 - New Orleans Bowl

Ohio vs. Troy

The Bobcats looked poised to challenge Northern Illinois for the MAC Championship until choking against Kent. Troy is the Sun Belt Conference Co-Champion. Side note: Two Ohio teams playing in Super Dome bowls this season.

December 26 - Little Caesars Bowl in Detroit

Florida International vs. Toledo

Another ho-hum match-up between the Sun Belt and the MAC in the Silverdome. The 2,000 or so Rockets fans in attendance won't have far to travel. FI is the other Sun Belt Co-Champion. Hope the Florida boys like snow, cold, and rust.

January 6 - GoDaddy.com Bowl in Mobile, Alabama

Middle Tennessee vs. Miami (OH)

Yet another ho-hum Sun Belt vs. MAC bowl game but apparently this is the "Grand Prize" for winning the MAC crown. But if it is, wouldn't it have made more sense to pit Troy or Florida International (Sun Belt Champs) against the MAC champion??? Wouldn't Troy (Alabama) make the most sense from a financial point of view? Why not Ohio vs. Florida International, Middle Tennessee vs. Toledo, and Troy vs. Miami? I didn't do my homework on the selection process so can someone explain the logic in all of this?

this may shed some light on the LC Bowl selection process..

http://www.toledoblade.com/article/20101206/COLUMNIST08/101209802

Glad Toledo is back to a bowl game. This will be the first of many in a row. I've been the the Motor City Bowl before and also the GMAC in Mobile. Mobile really takes care of the visitors and it's a great experience. That was Bruce's last and probably best game.

This team doesn't have the following they did in 2005 and Detroit is a much better fit. Toledo will probably sell 10k tickets. Toledo also told the MAC they wanted to avoid going to Boise or New Orleans since those games are on graduation day.

I could easily see the MAC going 0-4. Toledo probably has the best shot since it will be a home game. Next year this league will be much better.

Temple beat a team playing in the freakin' Fiesta Bowl and went 8-4 but doesn't garner a bowl? Dumb dumb dumb.

But, Goooooooo Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrockets! Enjoy Beckman while you still can.

This is not an exciting lineup of bowls for the MAC. I was hoping for a game or two against lower-ranked BCS teams.

FairwoodKing;590991 wrote:This is not an exciting lineup of bowls for the MAC. I was hoping for a game or two against lower-ranked BCS teams.

same here. big 10 always has 2 bcs teams so they never fill their slot in the detroit bowl. fresno is the best opponent out of the 4 and they are better than an average bcs team. that could be ugly for niu.

Tobias Fünke;590986 wrote:Temple beat a team playing in the freakin' Fiesta Bowl and went 8-4 but doesn't garner a bowl? Dumb dumb dumb.

But, Goooooooo Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrockets! Enjoy Beckman while you still can.

where would temple go? they didn't beat a MAC team with a winning record so I can see how the 4 MAC teams got in ahead of them.

Looking at these matchups, I think it's good reason why there are WAY TOO MANY bowls.

ernest_t_bass;591020 wrote:Looking at these matchups, I think it's good reason why there are WAY TOO MANY bowls.

True, but football is football and I enjoy watching these games. And since the MAC is in four of them, I will have someone to root for.

I could honestly see the MAC going anywhere from 4-0 to 0-4.

I think Toledo should win and Miami should lose. Fresno State is unpredictable and Northern Illinois isn't terrible, so no idea what to expect there.

OU and Troy is a complete toss up in my opinion.

I'd much rather watch teams that finish in the top 3 in their conference than a bowl game with the 7th and 8th place bcs conference teams.

Mulva;594486 wrote:I could honestly see the MAC going anywhere from 4-0 to 0-4.

I think Toledo should win and Miami should lose. Fresno State is unpredictable and Northern Illinois isn't terrible, so no idea what to expect there.

OU and Troy is a complete toss up in my opinion.

I haven't seen Fresno play since they beat UC, but looking at their second half schedule that is pretty impressive other than the Boise blowout. Much tougher and more successful than any MAC team. I thought NIU was really good but not sure what to think after they laid an egg against Miami.