Media Pick Marshall to Win Fifth MAC Football Title

7/23/2002

Head Coach Bob Pruett

DETROIT, Mich. -- By an overwhelming margin, the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team was tabbed today by league media members to reclaim the Mid-American Conference football title that it won from 1997-2000.

The voting was announced at the league's annual football media day. Marshall was tabbed by 43 of 47 voters to win the East Division and garnered 41 nods to win the championship game on Dec. 7. Bowling Green was selected by a close margin to capture the West Division just ahead of defending MAC Champion Toledo.

The 2002 season marks changes as the University of Central Florida joins the MAC for football only and will compete in the East Division. BGSU moves from the East, where it has competed since 1997, to the West Division. The MAC went to divisional play in 1997 when it expanded from 10 to 12 teams.

While Marshall was a clear favorite in the East, the West race is expected to be very close and quite possibly could come down to the Nov. 30 meeting between the rival Falcons and Rockets.

BGSU's 25 first place votes and 283 total points edged the Rockets' 266 point total and 13 first place notices. Western Michigan falls into the No. 3 slot with 205 points and three first place votes as the Broncos, divisional winners in 1999 and 2000, seek a return to the top spot. The No. 4 and No. 5 places, respectively, go to Northern Illinois (201) and Ball State (188), two teams that tied Toledo for the divisional title last year. The Huskies (4) and Cardinals (2) also were named on ballots to win the division. Central Michigan (118) and Eastern Michigan (55) round out the West Division.

Miami and UCF appear to be the top challengers to the Thundering Herd in the East Division. The RedHawks earned a 257 to 248 point margin over the Golden Knights for the second spot in the division.

Miami was recognized with three first place votes and UCF one. Kent State, which won four of its last five games last year to finish with its first winning mark in 15 seasons, is predicted in fourth place. Akron (136), which finished with two wins to end the season is slated for the fifth spot. Ohio (111), looking to rebound from a one win season was selected for sixth place. Buffalo (66), which closed strong with two late season victories, finished seventh.

Marshall was a convincing favorite to win the MAC title game, which will be held at the home stadium of the East Division winner. The Herd received 41 votes, while Miami and Toledo had two each and Bowling Green and UCF one each.

East Division
Team (first place votes) Points Team (first place votes) Points
1. Marshall (43) 324
2. Miami (3) 257
3. UCF (1) 248
4. Kent State 174
5. Akron 136
6. Ohio 111
7. Buffalo 66

West Division
Team (first place votes) Points
1. Bowling Green (25) 283
2. Toledo (13) 266
3. Western Michigan (3) 205
4. Northern Illinois (4) 201
5. Ball State (2) 188
6. Central Michigan 118
7. Eastern Michigan 55

MAC Championship Game Winner: Marshall (41), Miami (2), Toledo (2), Bowling Green (1), UCF (1).

Points awarded on the basis of 7-6-5-4-3-2-1.