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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Falcons Picked To Win West Division
July 23, 2002 | Football
July 23, 2002
DETROIT, Mich. - The Mid-American Conference media members have picked the Bowling Green State University football team as the favorite to win the league's West Division in 2002. The voting was announced at the league's annual media day in Detroit Tuesday (July 23).
Marshall was tabbed to win the East Division, garnering 43 of the 47 votes to win the East and 41 nods to win the championship game on Dec. 7. BGSU was selected by a close margin to capture the West, just ahead of defending MAC Champion Toledo.
"There are some high expectations, but that is an honor," said BGSU head coach Urban Meyer, who led the Falcons to an 8-3 record in his initial season. "The MAC is a tough league. The teams are well-coached and the kids play hard. It's a great time to be in the MAC and at Bowling Green."
The 2002 season marks changes in the league, as the University of Central Florida joins the MAC for football only and will compete in the East Division. BGSU moves from the East, where it has competed since 1997, to the West Division. The MAC went to divisional play in 1997 when it expanded from 10 to 12 teams. The addition of UCF gives the league 14 teams in the sport of football.
"Every game counts; each game matters in the standings," said Meyer. "That's a great motivation for the players as well as the coaches, and a real positive for the MAC."
While Marshall was a clear favorite in the East, the West race is expected to be very close and quite possibly could come down to the Nov. 30 meeting between the rival Falcons and Rockets. BGSU's 25 first place votes and 283 total points edged the Rockets' 266 point total and 13 first place notices. Western Michigan falls into the No. 3 slot with 205 points and three first place votes as the Broncos, divisional winners in 1999 and 2000, seek a return to the top spot. The No. 4 and No. 5 places, respectively, go to Northern Illinois (201) and Ball State (188), two teams that tied Toledo for the divisional title last year. The Huskies (4) and Cardinals (2) also were named on ballots to win the division. Central Michigan (118) and Eastern Michigan (55) round out the West Division.
Miami and UCF appear to be the top challengers to the Thundering Herd in the East Division. The RedHawks earned a 257 to 248 point margin over the Golden Knights for the second spot in the division. Miami was recognized with three first place votes and UCF one. Kent State, which won four of its last five games last year to finish with its first winning mark in 15 seasons, is predicted in fourth place. Akron (136), which finished with two wins to end the season is slated for the fifth spot. Ohio (111), looking to rebound from a one win season was selected for sixth place. Buffalo (66), which closed strong with two late season victories, finished seventh.
Marshall was a convincing favorite to win the MAC title game, which will be held at the home stadium of the East Division winner. The Herd received 41 votes, while Miami and Toledo had two each and Bowling Green and UCF one each.
The Falcons open the 2002 campaign with a Thursday night game, hosting Tennessee Tech on August 29. That game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. at Doyt Perry Stadium. BGSU then hosts Big 12 Conference member Missouri in a Sept. 14 contest.
After a Sept. 21 game at Kansas, the Falcons open the MAC slate with an Oct. 5 contest vs. Ohio. That game, which marks homecoming, begins at 4:00 p.m. BGSUs other home games come against Western Michigan (Oct. 19), Ball State (Oct. 26) and Eastern Michigan (Nov. 23).
MAC FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL
East Division West Division Team (FPV) Pts Team (FPV) Pts 1. Marshall (43) 324 1. Bowling Green (25) 283 2. Miami (3) 257 2. Toledo (13) 266 3. UCF (1) 248 3. Western Mich. (3) 205 4. Kent State 174 4. Northern Ill. (4) 201 5. Akron 136 5. Ball State (2) 188 6. Ohio 111 6. Central Michigan 118 7. Buffalo 66 7. Eastern Michigan 55MAC Championship Game Winner Marshall (41), Miami (2), Toledo (2), Bowling Green (1), UCF (1).
Points awarded on the basis of 7-6-5-4-3-2-1. FPV - first-place votes received
