Temple University Athletics
Temple Predicted to Finish Fifth in MAC Play
7.29.08 | Football
July 29, 2008
DETROIT-- The Temple Owl football team has been selected to finish fifth in the East Division of the Mid-American Conference this fall, the MAC News Media Association announced at the annual MAC Football Media Day on Tuesday at Ford Field.
A record 10 teams received at least two votes to win their respective division, but in the end the MNMA preseason football poll touted Central Michigan to earn the 2008 MAC trophy. The Chippewas, two-time defending champion, are heavily favored to capture the West Division and the Marathon MAC Championship game, facing its toughest test from Bowling Green, tabbed to win the MAC East Division in a tight race over Miami.
In the six-team West, CMU grabbed 29 of the 36 first-place votes with Ball State (5) and Western Michigan (2) also receiving some top billing. The East is predicted much closer as every school in the seven-team division earned at least two first-place votes. Last year's three teams that tied for first place in the East are expected to slot those same positions this year.
The Falcons, who earned 17 first place nods, will be pursued by Miami (7) and Buffalo (3), respectively, for the East crown. Ohio also grabbed three top votes while Akron, Kent State and Temple earned two first-place votes each.
Six squads received votes for the question of capturing the championship game. Central Michigan had 24 votes, with the other split among Ball State (5), Bowling Green (4), Buffalo (1), Miami (1) and Western Michigan (1).
Temple, which begins training camp on August 3, opens the 2008 season at Army on Friday, August 29. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. before a national television audience on ESPN Classic.
In their home opener, the Owls host Connecticut on Sept. 6 at Lincoln Financial Field. Kickoff is also set for Noon for a national broadcast on ESPNU.
Temple football season tickets are on sale now for as low as $75, and can be purchased by calling the Temple Ticket Office at 215-204-8499. Fans are encouraged to visit www.OwlsTix.com for full season ticket pricing information.
2008 MAC FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL
EAST DIVISION (7-6-5-4-3-2-1)
1. Bowling Green 206 2. Miami 202 3. Buffalo 145 4. Kent State 137 5. TEMPLE 120 6. Ohio 119 7. Akron 78WEST DIVISION (6-5-4-3-2-1 point system) 1. Central Michigan 207 2. Ball State 168 3. Western Michigan 143 4. Toledo 98 5. Eastern Michigan 80 6. Northern Illinois 60
