CMU Picked to Win MAC Championship

MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University has been tabbed as the favorite to win its third consecutive Mid-American Conference West Division football title and third straight MAC Championship Game.

The MAC News Media Association released its official MAC preseason poll Tuesday morning.

Central Michigan garnered 29 of a possible 36 first-place votes in the West Division. The Chippewas were selected by 24 voters as the favorites to win the 2008 MAC Championship Game.

CMU has won the last two West Division and championship game crowns, but was not the predicted favorite either season. In 2006, CMU was picked to finish fourth in the West Division. Last season saw the Chippewas ranked second in the preseason West Division poll.

The complete MAC preseason poll is below.

CMU opens the 2008 season at home against Eastern Illinois on Thursday, Aug. 28. The Chippewas’ first conference game is at Ohio on Saturday, Sept. 13.

2008 MAC News Media Association Preseason Poll

West Division

1. Central Michigan (29 first-place votes)

2. Ball State (5)

3. Western Michigan (2)

4. Toledo

5. Eastern Michigan

6. Northern Illinois

East Division

1. Bowling Green (17)

2. Miami (7)

3. Buffalo (3)

4. Kent State (2)

5. Temple (2)

6. Ohio (3)

7. Akron (2)

MAC Championship Game

Central Michigan (24), Ball State (5), Bowling Green (4), Buffalo (1), Miami (1), Western Michigan (1)