2008 Woodie Awards
Tiebreakers favor CMU
By: Brian Manzullo
Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
It might be a good idea for CMU fans to check the scoreboards on Saturday when Eastern Michigan plays at Toledo.
With a 3-0 divisional record, there are many tiebreaker scenarios CMU can depend on to make Dec. 1's Mid-American Conference Championship.
But if Eastern loses to Toledo, all CMU needs to do is beat Western on Tuesday to represent the MAC West at Ford Field in Detroit.
With wins in four of their last six games, the Rockets could end up doing just that.
It certainly would make the Chippewas' job a lot easier with more chances to win, but several things can happen for the team to make its second straight trip to the championship.
If EMU beats Toledo, Central can clinch with a win at home against the Eagles on Nov. 16, regardless of the outcome of its game against Western.
However, should CMU lose that game to Eastern, both teams will end up in a 4-1 tie atop the MAC West. Central needs a third team to tie - Ball State - or it will concede the MAC West to the Eagles.
If that's the case - which is possible, considering the Cardinals would have to beat the MAC West's two worst teams in Toledo and NIU - the tiebreaker will come down to crossover games.
EMU and BSU already have one loss in a crossover game, allowing Central to clinch if it beats Akron on Nov. 23.
The worst-case scenario for Central also could result in a trip to the MAC Championship. But it would need plenty of help.
Losses at Western and Eastern put CMU and Western at 3-2 in the MAC West. Toledo would have to beat Eastern to put the Eagles at 3-2 and Ball State to put the Cardinals at 3-2, at best. That also would make the Rockets 3-2.
With five teams in the division at 3-2, the tiebreaker again goes to crossover games. Central is the only team amongst the five without a crossover loss, meaning it can clinch with a win at Akron.
Does it sound confusing? That's because it is.
But one thing is constant through all of this - the Chippewas control their destiny. No matter what, as long as they beat Eastern, they're playing at Ford Field.
But should Toledo beat EMU - that would give Central a chance to clinch the division with a win over Western for the second consecutive year.
What better way to do it against your biggest rival, right?
bmanzullo@cm-life.com
With a 3-0 divisional record, there are many tiebreaker scenarios CMU can depend on to make Dec. 1's Mid-American Conference Championship.
But if Eastern loses to Toledo, all CMU needs to do is beat Western on Tuesday to represent the MAC West at Ford Field in Detroit.
With wins in four of their last six games, the Rockets could end up doing just that.
It certainly would make the Chippewas' job a lot easier with more chances to win, but several things can happen for the team to make its second straight trip to the championship.
If EMU beats Toledo, Central can clinch with a win at home against the Eagles on Nov. 16, regardless of the outcome of its game against Western.
However, should CMU lose that game to Eastern, both teams will end up in a 4-1 tie atop the MAC West. Central needs a third team to tie - Ball State - or it will concede the MAC West to the Eagles.
If that's the case - which is possible, considering the Cardinals would have to beat the MAC West's two worst teams in Toledo and NIU - the tiebreaker will come down to crossover games.
EMU and BSU already have one loss in a crossover game, allowing Central to clinch if it beats Akron on Nov. 23.
The worst-case scenario for Central also could result in a trip to the MAC Championship. But it would need plenty of help.
Losses at Western and Eastern put CMU and Western at 3-2 in the MAC West. Toledo would have to beat Eastern to put the Eagles at 3-2 and Ball State to put the Cardinals at 3-2, at best. That also would make the Rockets 3-2.
With five teams in the division at 3-2, the tiebreaker again goes to crossover games. Central is the only team amongst the five without a crossover loss, meaning it can clinch with a win at Akron.
Does it sound confusing? That's because it is.
But one thing is constant through all of this - the Chippewas control their destiny. No matter what, as long as they beat Eastern, they're playing at Ford Field.
But should Toledo beat EMU - that would give Central a chance to clinch the division with a win over Western for the second consecutive year.
What better way to do it against your biggest rival, right?
bmanzullo@cm-life.com
Be the first to comment on this story