4 Underdogs That Can Win the MAC in 2023

Football in the Mid-American Conference is truly something special.

Notably, "MACtion" (NCAA football games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) has been a favorite of bettors and television networks alike since first applied in 2000. Additionally, the raw passion for the gridiron that these Mid-American institutions -- and the communitities they represent -- display is undeniably contagious.

With Toledo besting Ohio in last year's conference title game, the Rockets and Bobcats commence the upcoming season as market favorites to win the MAC. So, let us cycle through some underdogs that may stand a chance to win the 2023 MAC Championship Game at Ford Field -- home of the Detroit Lions.

Worth mentioning: like the Mountain West, MAC football has featured a different conference winner in each of the past four seasons.

In terms of 2023, here are the MAC championship odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

*Denotes 2022 MAC Football Championship Game participant

Buffalo Bulls

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +700

The University at Buffalo is looking to return to the MAC Football Championship for the second time in the past four campaigns. Head coach Maurice Linguist is entering his third season leading the Bulls. Last year, they managed to go 7-6 (5-3 in conference), which was a major improvement from 4-8 in Linguist's inaugural season.

Linguist -- who played safety at Baylor from 2003 to 2006 -- coaches with a 4-3 defensive emphasis. In 2022, Buffalo's D allowed 26.7 points per game, which left them splitting the nation (66th of 131 FBS schools).

Still, they were one of the hottest MAC teams through last October, even edging out a tight game against eventual conference champion Toledo. Yet, a November skid prevented the Bulls from playing in their respective title game.

Coming off a narrow win over Georgia Southern in the 2022 Carmellia Bowl (Buffalo's third bowl victory of all-time), the Bulls are currently showing 7/1 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook to win their first MAC football title since 2008 -- yes, I am saying there's a chance.

Be sure to look out for their leaders on both sides of the ball: linebacker Shaun Dolac and Duke transfer receiver Darrell Harding Jr.

Miami (OH) RedHawks

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +700

In the small college town of Oxford, you won't find many aspects of life that trump RedHawk football.

Miami University -- named after the Miami River and not to be confused with the University of Miami in Florida -- is a proud football institution and is most known for being the alma mater of two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger.

Miami of Ohio is led by head coach Chuck Martin. Entering his 10th season with the RedHawks, Martin is looking to produce Miami's second football conference title since arriving. They last won the title in 2019 over Central Michigan, and the RedHawks are the most recent school from the MAC-East to wear the conference crown.

In 2023, Brett Gabbert will start over last season's QB1, Aveon Smith. Gabbert earned half as much playing time as Smith a year ago but showcased a superior passing efficiency rating: 135.4 compared to Smith's 112.2.

The RedHawks will look to jolt new life into the program by going with Gabbert from the jump. He was certainly impressive in his most recent start against conference runner-up Ohio, tossing 3 touchdowns and 244 yards behind a 76.9% completion clip that night.

Eastern Michigan Eagles

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +900

Transparently, Eastern Michigan has not won a MAC football title since The Simpsons were just a short on The Tracey Ullman Show (1987). Of course, much has changed in the world between then and now, but the Eagles from EMU are currently coming off their best season since that last championship.

Eastern is entering their 10th year with head coach Chris Creighton. As mentioned, his best campaign came just last season, leading the Eagles to nine wins for the first time this millennium. Given the current landscape of the conference, EMU just may have the best value in this market with 9/1 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

The Eagles will attempt to continue their success on the offensive side of the ball. In 2022, they managed 29.8 points per game, which ranked them 55th out of 131 eligible programs.

Eastern will have a change at signal-caller in 2023, handing over the keys to the car to junior Austin Smith. He'll look to follow up on the Eagles' first season with a bowl win in 36 years.

Northern Illinois Huskies

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +1100

Winners of the MAC just two seasons ago, the Northern Illinois Huskies seem like a side to watch, especially considering their current +1100 conference title price on FanDuel Sportsbook. Still, in four years under head coach Thomas Hammock (who is a former NIU tailback), the Huskies have showcased wildly mixed results.

Since Hammock took over the program for his alma mater in 2019, NIU has gone -- in chronological order -- 5-7, 0-6, 9-5, and 3-9. From last season, they will need to drastically improve on defense. Perhaps their recent roster overhaul via the transfer portal will pay dividends.

Coming over from Kansas is cornerback Cam'Ron Dabney. Also, the Huskies are adding former Virginia Tech defensive standout Keshon Artis.

However, in what perhaps is the best news for NIU, quarterback Rocky Lombardi (the signal-caller from their last title year in 2021) will be back as QB1 after an injury-riddled 2022.

Looking for the latest college football odds? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and check out all of the college football betting options.

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.