Now the REAL season begins!

[BGSU33]

I always look forward to the start of the MAC season. The non-conference portion of the schedule is fine and all, but with football over and hoops done with the non-conference, each and every game here on out carries way more weight and is much, much more important. And let's face it, no one is counting on BG to do squat again this year. BG was picked last in the MAC East again which seems to be the case annually for the better part of the last decade. The Falcons were also the only MAC East team to not place a guy on the preseason All-MAC team.

This game against Miami is one we need to win. I'd say it's almost a must-win right out of the gates because victories in the MAC might be very tough for BG to come by. Miami was also picked low, right ahead of BG at 5th in the East, and right after this game BG's schedule gets tough the next several weeks. Despite Miami being a cellar dweller in the MAC over the last few years, they have won 4 of the last 5 vs BG, including the last 3 played in the Stroh Center. Gotta start conference play off right. GO BG!!!

[Falconfreak90]

Looking forward to seeing what we can do in the MAC. Will be going to the DH this Sat at the Stroh...men at 2, women at 4.

GO BG

[BGSU33]

Our good friend at the CPD doesn't think much of BG again. Unlike in football, this one might be tougher for us to defend though.

Here is another look at his final 'eye test' list going into league play:

1. Eastern Michigan
2. Akron
3. Kent State
4. Western Michigan
5. Buffalo
6. Ohio University
7. Toledo
8. Central Michigan
9. Northern Illinois
10. Miami
11. Ball State
12. Bowling Green

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college ... iver_index" target="_blank

[fredthefalcon]

Our good friend at the CPD doesn't think much of BG again. Unlike in football, this one might be tougher for us to defend though.

Here is another look at his final 'eye test' list going into league play:

1. Eastern Michigan
2. Akron
3. Kent State
4. Western Michigan
5. Buffalo
6. Ohio University
7. Toledo
8. Central Michigan
9. Northern Illinois
10. Miami
11. Ball State
12. Bowling Green

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college ... iver_index" target="_blank

Based on the low level OOC schedule despite some successes and some misses, it would be difficult to argue that BG is better than his top 8 MAC teams. However, I don't see them as the bottom either but certainly in the bottom 1/3 of the conference.

[Globetrotter]

I wouldnt be surprise of any win or loss in the MAC by us this year.

[Flipper]

The MAC sucks this year... so it won't be as noticeable if we suck as well.

[BGSU33]

Our good friend at the CPD doesn't think much of BG again. Unlike in football, this one might be tougher for us to defend though.

Here is another look at his final 'eye test' list going into league play:

1. Eastern Michigan
2. Akron
3. Kent State
4. Western Michigan
5. Buffalo
6. Ohio University
7. Toledo
8. Central Michigan
9. Northern Illinois
10. Miami
11. Ball State
12. Bowling Green

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college ... iver_index" target="_blank

Based on the low level OOC schedule despite some successes and some misses, it would be difficult to argue that BG is better than his top 8 MAC teams. However, I don't see them as the bottom either but certainly in the bottom 1/3 of the conference.

The first two games of the MAC schedule will tell us more about the conference as a whole than all of the non-conference games for every team because the schedules have differed so much. I disagree seeing EMU and WMU that high and CMU, OU and UT that low. I think a few weeks into the season you will see that shift happen. As for BG not being the worst? We'll get to either prove or disapprove that ranking tomorrow as we play Miami.

[BGSU33]

Akron (at Buffalo) and Kent State (at WMU) each open with road wins on the opening night in the MAC.