CANTON, Ohio-The Miami University football team was picked to finish second in the 2017 Mid-American Conference preseason poll. The poll was conducted by 26 MAC media members and was announced at the league's annual media day in Canton, Ohio at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday morning.
Ohio (131 points) edged Miami (129) in the media poll to represent the East Division at the MAC Championship contest in Ford Field. The RedHawks, who had 12 first-place votes, were followed by Bowling Green (88), Akron (79), Buffalo (41) and Kent State (36).
Miami returns 17 starters from last season’s team that finished 6-7 overall and finished in a tie for first in the MAC East.
In the West Division, Toledo (142) was picked to win. The Rockets were followed by Western Michigan (107), Northern Illinois (89), Eastern Michigan (74), Central Michigan (62) and Ball State (30).
One media member picked Miami to win the MAC Championship.
Miami opens the season on Sept. 2 at Marshall and will play host to Austin Peay on Sept. 19. Season tickets remain available and can be purchased HERE.
A complete list of the preseason poll can be found below.
Team (First Place Votes) Points MAC East Division 1. Ohio (11) 1312. Miami (12) 129 3. Bowling Green (1) 88 4. Akron 79 5. Buffalo 41 6. Kent State 36
MAC West Division 1. Toledo (22) 142 2. Western Michigan (1) 107 3. Northern Illinois (1) 89 4. Eastern Michigan 74 5. Central Michigan 62 6. Ball State 30 2017 MAC Championship Game Winner: Toledo (21); Western Michigan (1); Bowling Green (1); Miami (1).