MAC Reset

So here's how things stand.  And they stand in a good way for BG.  After last night's win over Akron, BG is 11-2, tied for first.  BG can finish no worse than 11-7.

As such, five teams are now eliminated out of the eight BG needs to eliminate.

WMU
OU
NIU
Ball State
EMU

Miami could still tie BG, and to do so they'd have to sweep the season series, so that's not gone completely, but would require Miami to win out and BG to lose out.

Akron could still tie BG, and to do so they'd have to split the season series, and be 1-1 against UB just as BG would be, so I don't know where that would leave anyone, but it is very unlikely to happen.

Which leaves CMU.  They can still finish with 12 wins, under the same scenario and they would beat BG.  However, one game and they are down to 11 or BG is up to 12 and BG beat them, so that would be that.

In other words, a win Friday against OU and BG will have clinched the bye.

Imagine that.

I still expect UT to finish in 3rd.  Their West-oriented schedule is just much easier.  They play only one team with a winning record whereas Kent is at UB and BG.

Which leaves BG dueling with UB for that top spot.  I expect UB to win out, only because their tougher games are at home and they have Miami and OU on the road.  For BG to matchup with them for the title in the finale, I suspect they will have to match that.  But who knows?