Previewing Wednesday night's MAC TV games

Wednesday night's TV games

Bowling Green (7-3) at Toledo (6-4)

Time/TV: 8 p.m. ET/ESPN2. Surface: Artificial.

Line: NL. Sagarin difference: Toledo by 7.13.

Synopsis: This cross-divisional MAC clash is potentially a preview of the championship game, but a Toledo loss would diminish the chances of that considerably. The Falcons have locked up the East crown and will be in the finale either way. The Rockets are in a three-way battle for the West and own a head-to-head win against Western Michigan, but last week's loss to Northern Illinois means Toledo must win tonight and next Friday at Eastern Michigan while hoping the Huskies lose. Making life more difficult for the Rockets is the fact that they're running short on QBs. Already without opening-day starter Phillip Ely, who went down with a season-ending knee injury in Game 2, freshman Michael Julian sustained a concussion last week and has yet to be cleared. With Logan Woodside slowed by a lower leg injury, it will likely be up to Dwight Macon to take the snaps against the Falcons. The former high school QB who'd been primarily a receiver in college threw well enough to at least give the Rockets a chance last week, but he'll need another big game from TB Kareem Hunt on the ground to keep LB Gabe Martin and the Bowling Green defense at bay. The Falcons are in much better health offensively, with the big-play tandem of QB James Knapke and WR Roger Lewis posing a constant scoring threat. Rockets' LB Junior Sylvestre should again be around the ball frequently.

Kent State (1-9) at Buffalo (4-6)

Time/TV: 8 p.m. ET/ESPNU. Surface: Artificial.

Line: Buffalo by 7. Sagarin difference: Buffalo by 8.52.

Synopsis: The undercard tonight features the Bulls, who still have an outside shot at a postseason invitation, playing their home finale in a tumultuous season. They were impressive in their last outing against Akron, and QB Joe Licata figures to have another big night if the elements permit. RBs Anthone Taylor and Jordan Johnson will be needed if passing is made difficult. The Golden Flashes need something good to happen as the long season winds down. QB Colin Reardon looks to bounce back from a disastrous four-INT outing against Bowling Green, though he and TE Casey Pierce are communicating well.

Lines furnished by Glantz-Culver.

Jeff Sagarin's power ratings show the relative strength of teams; 3.15 points were added to the home team's rating to calculate the difference.