Bowling Green State University Athletics
Falcons Picked to Finish Fifth In East
July 31, 2009 | Football
Todd Walker's interview with Head Coach Dave Clawson
Todd Walker's interview with Tyler Sheehan
Todd Walker's interview with Jahmal Brown
The Mid-American Conference office has just announced the 2009 preseason football poll, with the Bowling Green State University Falcons picked to finish fifth in the East Division. The poll was comprised of 26 members of the league's media contingent and was announced at Friday's (July 31) media day at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.
Buffalo received 155 points to lead the East. The Bulls were followed by Temple (144), Akron (128), Ohio (116), BGSU (101), Kent State (51) and Miami (33) according to the MAC media members.
The last time the Orange and Brown were picked to finish fifth in the East race was prior to the start of the 2007 season, when they trailed Ohio, Kent State, Akron and Miami in the preseason poll. That season the Falcons went on to capture a share of the MAC East crown and advance to their third bowl game in five years.
Central Michigan was once again picked to win the West Division, capturing 154 points. Western Michigan was close behind with 126 points, followed by Northern Illinois (103), Toledo (71), Ball State (58) and Eastern Michigan (34).
The Falcons return 11 starters from last season's 6-6 squad that finished tied for second in the MAC East race.
Bowling Green opens the season on Sept. 3, when they play host to the Troy Trojans inside Doyt Perry Stadium. Opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
The complete poll is below.
East Division
1. Buffalo 155 points
2. Temple 144 points
3. Akron 128 points
4. Ohio 116 points
5. Bowling Green 101 points
6. Kent State 51 points
7. Miami 33 points
West Division
1. Central Michigan 154 points
2. Western Michigan 126 points
3. Northern Illinois 103 points
4. Toledo 71 points
5. Ball State 58 points
6. Eastern Michigan 34 points
Marathon MAC Championship Game Winner
Central Michigan 18, Western Michigan 4, Buffalo 2, Temple 2
