Around the MAC: Kent State upsets No. 15 Rutgers; Ohio taken down
The Mid-American Conference is second only to the Southeastern Conference with six eligible bowl teams.
The league flexed its muscles in non-conference play again Saturday when Kent State knocked off undefeated No. 15 Rutgers. It was the MAC's second win over a ranked team in as many weeks. On a low point, the MAC's only ranked school, Ohio, lost its first game Saturday.
Kent State 35, No. 15 Rutgers 23
The Golden Flashes won their first game over a ranked opponent after 22 attempts, mostly due to six interceptions thrown by Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova. Kent State defensive end Mark Fackler had two interceptions, one returned 25 yards for a touchdown. Keith Spencer threw two touchdowns for Kent State.
Miami 23, No. 24 Ohio 20
The Bobcats lost their undefeated record and top-25 ranking on a last-second decision. Ohio could have attempted a short field goal with no timeouts and nine seconds remaining from the seven-yard line, but coach Frank Solich went for the win. Miami sacked the Bobcats quarterback Mickey Tettleton as time expired.
Ball State 30, Army 22
Army received its second loss from the MAC in as many weeks, even though the Black Knights had two 100-yard rushers. Ball State scored on its first possession and never looked back, keeping the lead the entire game. Quarterback Keith Wenning threw for 189 yards and two touchdowns.
Northern Illinois 48, Western Michigan 34
WMU jumped out to a 14-7 lead from two Tyler Van Tubbergen touchdown passes - but NIU quarterback Jordan Lynch took over after that. He scored two consecutive touchdown runs, then threw two straight touchdown passes. He finished the day with 274 passing yards, 136 rushing yards and six total touchdowns.
Bowling Green 24, Eastern Michigan 3
During the first possession of the game, Falcon running back Jordan Hopgood threw a 53-yard touchdown on a running-back pass, which was all the offense the BGSU defense would need. That defense held the Eagles to only 178 yards of total offense and out of the end zone - they also forced three turnovers.
Toledo 25, Buffalo 20
The Rockets used three third-quarter touchdowns to reclaim the lead from Buffalo and take control of the game. Both teams scored in the first quarter from defensive touchdowns. Toledo running back David Fluellen rushed for 228 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Rockets to their eighth-straight win.
Vanderbilt 49, Massachusetts 7
UMass avoided a shutout halfway through the fourth quarter on a touchdown pass from the backup quarterback Deion Walker. Vanderbilt nearly doubled the Minutemen's total yards with 443. The Commodores scored a touchdown from an interception return and also a punt return in the third quarter.
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