November 13, 2008

Has the MAC eclipsed the Big 10?

Michigan talk-show host Bill Simonson has thrown down the gauntlet - saying that the MAC is as good or better than the Big 10 conference.

"Ball State could be on its way to a BCS bid this year if the Cardinals win out. Western Michigan had more votes in The Associated Press Top 25 poll this week than Iowa, and the Hawkeyes just beat No. 2 Penn State. (Hey, JoePa, at least Bill Cubit and the Broncos could win in Iowa City last year).

I think America sees the growth of this so-called mid-major conference into a college football machine. Central, Western and Ball state all could beat any Big Ten team this year -- that includes Ohio State and Penn State."

The MAC has four wins this season over the Big 10, including the Toledo win over Michigan. And yet still... I'm not sure that the MAC has eclipsed the Big 10.

There's no question that the conference has made strides this season.

But... Ball State is an undefeated 10-0... and well out of the current BCS discussions. At a minimum that indicates that the MAC hasn't reached the level of national awareness that the Mountain West and WAC are enjoying, let alone leaving the Big 10 in its wake.

I think TheRivalry, Esq says it best:

If there was ever any question that the MAC can field top 25 teams and compete with the (upper) middle class of the Big 10, that question was answered in 2008. It remains to be seen whether the other Midwest Bowl Subdivision conference can build on this years success, but one word of simple caution to all Big 10 teams: If you see a MAC school with a spread offense and a veteran quarterback, brace yourself...

Indeed.

Comments:

Has the MAC eclipsed the Big 10?
Michigan talk-show host Bill Simonson has thrown down the gauntlet - saying that the MAC is as good or better than the Big 10 conference.
"Ball State could be on its way to a BCS bid this year if the Cardinals win out. Western Michigan had more votes in The Associated Press Top 25 poll this week than Iowa, and the Hawkeyes just beat No. 2 Penn State. (Hey, JoePa, at least Bill Cubit and the Broncos could win in Iowa City last year). I think America sees the growth of this so-called mid-major conference into a college football machine. Central, Western and Ball state all could beat any Big Ten team this year -- that includes Ohio State and Penn State."
The MAC has four wins this season over the Big 10, including the Toledo win over Michigan. And yet still... I'm not sure that the MAC has eclipsed the Big 10. There's no question that the conference has made strides this season. But... Ball State is an undefeated 10-0... and well out of the current BCS discussions. At a minimum that indicates that the MAC hasn't reached the level of national awareness that the Mountain West and WAC are enjoying, let alone leaving the Big 10 in its wake. I think TheRivalry, Esq says it best:
If there was ever any question that the MAC can field top 25 teams and compete with the (upper) middle class of the Big 10, that question was answered in 2008. It remains to be seen whether the other Midwest Bowl Subdivision conference can build on this years success, but one word of simple caution to all Big 10 teams: If you see a MAC school with a spread offense and a veteran quarterback, brace yourself...
Indeed.