MAC Football Update

Well here we are, mid-week, and the biggest game in the MAC schedule for the week takes place tonight in Toledo. Should Northern Illinois win tonight they would wrap up the conference's West division. With so much riding on their possible perfection this season--although it appears that may not be good enough for a BCS spot unless Fresno State loses--the Huskies need to not only beat Toledo but look good doing so--plus rout Western Michigan in their season finale and then beat the East winner in the MAC title game. Of course, there is a problem with that scenario. The Rockets. Toledo has not only won five straight games and seven of eight, they have gone down to the wire with Northern Illinois in each of the last two seasons. Two years ago Toledo lost this series clash 63-60 and last year the teams were tied in the final minute when Quarterback Jordan Lynch led Northern on a nine play, 66-yard drive for the winning score in a 31-24 BCS-preserving victory. So what about tonight? Toledo will attempt to keep the ball out of Lynch's hand by running behind frosh sensation Kareem Hunt, who has rushed for 127y, 114y, 168y and 186y since moving up the depth chart. With a top-notch offensive line they just might be able to pull that off. But...there really is no stopping Lynch, a player who topped 9,000 career yards last week. In the team's biggest out-of-conference match-up, against Iowa week one, Lynch enjoyed a 141.5 QB rating. In the team's biggest conference game to date, last week against Ball State, he passed for 345y and rushed for 123y. He is not only a superstar but one who plays his best when the pressure is the greatest. the pick is for more heartbreak for Toledo in a game that will not be deiced until the end of the fourth quarter if not OT.