MAC East Prediction:
1. Miami
2. Ohio
3. Akron
4. Buffalo
5. Bowling Green
6. Kent State
That causes me to ask again about your fifth place selection. If that comes to pass, will their coach be looking for other opportunities? His seat was very warm last year with the 1-8 start, but winning the last three games helped him limp back into a tie for third. If they really finish fifth, then any momentum they have from 2016 will have vanished, and his seat will be sizzling.
TBH, I haven't heard a lot of great things about Jinks just yet up this way. Closed well recruiting this year, but problems stem from too many coaching transitions in too few of years. I think it's gonna take a 4 year job to right it again.
I just had a gut feeling that the revolving door of coaches at BG would eventually catch up with them. Frankly I was impressed with how well they sustained success with all of the transitions that took place over a 5 year or so window. But I also think that the Falcon brass have high standards for football so if they limp to a poor record again this year I could see 2018 being a win or else year (if even given a third season).
The Bobcats definitely benefit getting Miami at home this year (if they live up to last year's strong finish). Will have to be road warriors to end the year with the last two games on the road. Infocision has been kind to the Cats really since it opened but Memorial Stadium in Buffalo not so much. Even when the team scratches out a win it is usually by narrow margins.