I'm rooting hard for Albin. He's really likeable and it's a shame he's going to be fired and replaced by Scott Frost.
Also, what would Kurtis need to do to not be MAC player of the year? If he sits he still wins in my opinion. Two picks and a fumble with a huge comeback game by Carson Steele?
Steele has great numbers partly because he is durable and has more carries than anyone else in the league. His longest run is 38 yards and he has 2 more TD’s than Bangura who has over 100 less carries. He’ll be first team running back for sure, but probably shouldn’t be offensive player of year over Kurtis IMHO.
Rourke needs to go to MACC to solidify it. Steele's national number are already eye-popping enough in my opinion. Even on a mid-tier conference team.
Steele is 3rd in rushing yards and Rourke is 5th in passing yards in the NCAA. I'd say both have eye popping stats.
QB has won MAC PoY 14 of the last 21 times, so I think a lot of ties go to the QB.
OU played the tougher schedule with FAU/Penn State/Iowa State and Rourke struggled in those last two, so I guess it depends on who looks at what. Strong struggled v Tennessee. Played well vs UCONN. It will probably be a very close vote, though a MAC Title would probably solidify it for Rourke.
I think Albin wins regardless, though again - if BG wins tomorrow... would be hard for me to award it to the losing coach, even if the record was slightly better.