Ay-Ziggy-Zoomba.com

the league office says YES!

"Bob Gennarelli, the associate commissioner/external operations for the MAC, believes Miami is the most recognizable team in the conference, and its success on the football field is paying off for everyone."

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbc ... 001/SPORTS

Though it pains me to say it, I'd venture to say Marshall is the most recognized. After they jump ship, I'll take a blind guess and say it'd come down to Miami, Toledo, BG and Kent

When CUSA was forced to expand, I tried to do a little amateur "internet research" on teams and leagues. Miami is now probably the most recognizable team in the MAC. Marshall may have been, but the grief of the plane crash and the publicity around Randy Moss contributed heavily to that perception.

However, the interesting thing that I learned was, as a Southern football fan, I knew very little about the MAC. I quickly found out that there was some really good football played in the MAC and that the conference was overlooked. I was aware of the NCAA basketball tourney upsets by Miami so I knew that there was some significant basketball played in the conference. I just had no clue regarding the high quality of football played in the league. Geez, look at the bowl history - there's a good number of wins over CUSA teams. Perhaps my lack of knowledge of the MAC is because of marginal national coverage, perhaps there is a regional perception based on attendance numbers; I'm not sure - but I now know that there is really good football played in the MAC......one of middle America's secrets.

oldtiger, there are fans at MAC schools that don't know the rich tradition this conference has. They've been brainwashed into thinking that if it isn't on the BCS radar, that it' second rate.

Thanks for doing your homework and sharing your impressions of our conference

Flipper wrote:oldtiger, there are fans at MAC schools that don't know the rich tradition this conference has.

Worse yet, I was at a party last night, talking to a BallsTate grad, who was at least semi-sports knowledgeable, and when I told him I went to Bowling Green, he asked if it was in Kentucky, cause "that's where they make Corvettes, ya know". Ugh.

Big Ben's success in the NFL probably hasn't hurt Miami recognizability, especially since the announcers mention the Redhawks every game. I also agree with the fact that they been to the NCAA tournament and had some very big wins helps too. Even Wally's World being a decent star with the T-wolves helps with Miami's recogniton. Until Josh starts playng in the NFL and we make the NCAA tourney, we probably won't be the most recognized MAC school among the casual fan.