MACtion Football Betting
Lights, camera, MACtion.
The Mid-American Conference football games are already enjoyable, but when most of them are scheduled for mid-week in the late fall, it creates an annual frenzy for sports betting with a captivated national audience.
Latest Mid-American Conference odds: Spreads, totals, MAC title futures
This week’s MACtion games
MACtion is set to make a comeback in the autumn of 2025.
MACtion betting promos, odds boosts
Since the season is over, there are currently no MACtion promos available. However, you can visit our Michigan sports betting bonus page to stay updated on the latest promotions.
How did MACtion get its name?
At the turn of the century, the Mid-American Conference made a strategic move to gain recognition in the national college football scene. This decision, which seemed wise in hindsight, proved to be beneficial for both the Michigan sports betting industry and the entire nation.
Starting from 2000, the conference has scheduled mid-week football games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, effectively seizing the national attention during nights devoid of other football events.
Bettors quickly observed the rise of #MACtion, which gained popularity among both experienced gamblers and casual bettors, as well as on various social media platforms.
According to data from national sportsbooks, the MAC games broadcasted on ESPN and ESPN2, typically considered lower-tier in the Football Bowl Subdivision, are frequently betted on during each football season.
In addition, the games have produced remarkable moments, including extraordinary scores, breathtaking finishes, and incredible plays that surpass the capabilities of many other leagues. Alongside these highlights, there have also been a notable number of blunders and comical mishaps.
Typically, the games take place in front of small audiences since these mid-sized Midwest towns do not attract many visitors on weekdays. It’s understandable that students wouldn’t want to endure the cold weather.
Although MAC schools may not be widely known for their football success, they do boast some proud football histories. In addition to sharing some interesting betting information, here are a few lesser-known facts about the endearing and eccentric MAC.
What teams are in the Mid-American Conference?
MAC East Division
- Akron
- Bowling Green
- Buffalo
- Kent State
- Miami (Ohio)
- Ohio
MAC West Division
- Ball State
- Central Michigan
- Eastern Michigan
- Northern Illinois
- Toledo
- Western Michigan
There are potential reports suggesting that additional teams might join through expansion.
Former Mid-American Conference members
- Butler (1946-49)
- Football was the sole focus of Central Florida from 2002 to 2005.
- Cincinnati (1946-53)
- Marshall (1954-69 and 1997-2005)
- Massachusetts (2012-16, football only)
- Wayne State (1946-47)
- Western Reserve (1946-55)
When is the MAC Football championship game?
On December 3, 2022, the MAC championship game took place at Ford Field in Detroit.
Toledo defeated Ohio 17-7.
Rocket Mortgage sponsors the game, which brings together the East Division champion and the West Division winner.
Who has won the most MAC Football championship games?
Since 1997, the MAC has consistently matched up the winners of the East and West Divisions in a championship game.
From the inaugural seven seasons, the game took place on campus sites before relocating to Ford Field in 2004.
Marshall competed in the initial six MAC championship games, emerging victorious in five of them.
The following MAC teams hold the record for the highest number of appearances and titles in MAC Championship games:
| Appearances | Team | Years Won | Years Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Northern Illinois | 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2021 | 2005, 2010, 2013, 2015 |
| 6 | Marshall | 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002 | 2001 |
| 6 | Toledo | 2001, 2004, 2017 | 1997, 1998, 2002 |
| 5 | Miami (Ohio) | 2003, 2010, 2019 | 2004, 2007 |
| 4 | Bowling Green | 2013, 2015 | 2003, 2014 |
| 4 | Central Michigan | 2006, 2007, 2009 | 2019 |
| 4 | Ohio | None | 2006, 2009, 2011, 2016 |
| 3 | Buffalo | 2008 | 2018, 2020 |
| 3 | Western Michigan | 2016 | 1999, 2000 |
| 2 | Akron | 2005 | 2017 |
| 2 | Ball State | 2020 | 2008 |
| 2 | Kent State | None | 2012, 2021 |
Top 3 Wildest #MACtion moments
On November 6, 2007, Central Michigan emerged victorious in a close contest against Western Michigan, with a final score of 34-31. The game witnessed an astonishing total of 48 points being scored in the fourth quarter alone. The decisive moment arrived when Dan LeFevour successfully ran the ball into the end zone, securing the winning score for CMU.
On November 4, 2020, a unique event took place in the history of MAC. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing a shortened season, all 12 teams participated on the same Wednesday. The day began with Akron’s unsuccessful onside kick against Western Michigan. Later, a power outage occurred during the Central Michigan versus Ohio game in Mount Pleasant. Interestingly, six different teams struggled with their extra point attempts, causing significant repercussions in betting circles.
1. The birthplace of #MACtion as a viral social media trend can be traced back to a specific moment. In November 2011, Northern Illinois triumphed over Toledo with a score of 63-60, only for Toledo to later defeat Western Michigan with a close score of 66-63.
Toledo’s last-ditch lateral effort, which unfortunately stalled near the NIU red zone, could have made the first game even more exhilarating.
In the second game, the Rockets and Broncos collectively accumulated a total of 945 passing yards.
Biggest Mid-American Conference rivalries
Kent State and Akron are located just 15 miles apart, but their football programs have not experienced significant historical success. Since 1946, they have competed for the coveted Wagon Wheel trophy.
Toledo and Bowling Green face each other in an intense Ohio rivalry, with their campuses situated just 25 miles apart. These teams have collectively made it to the MAC Championship a total of 10 times. Since 2011, they have battled it out for the prestigious Battle of I-75 Trophy.
The ultimate MAC rivalry lies between Central Michigan and Western Michigan. With Western leading the all-time series 51-39-2, the competition between them is fierce. Certain segments of their fan bases harbor genuine animosity towards each other. Since 2008, the teams have fiercely battled for possession of the Victory Cannon.
MAC Men: 5 best MAC football players
Did you know that J.J. Watt, the defensive end who became a star for the Wisconsin Badgers, Houston Texans, and Arizona Cardinals, actually started his college football career at Central Michigan? Before his success in the NFL, Watt showed promise as a tight end for the Chippewas. However, he temporarily left the team and worked as a pizza delivery person in Mount Pleasant. Thankfully, he decided to give football another try, and it seems like that decision paid off.
Antonio Brown, a wide receiver from Central Michigan, had humble beginnings in Miami before finding his way to Mount Pleasant due to being overlooked by recruiters. Despite this setback, he emerged as a standout return specialist and showcased his exceptional skills as one of college football’s most electrifying players. Brown’s talent eventually earned him a place among the top wide receivers of his generation, first with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later joining forces with Tom Brady in both New England and Tampa Bay.
Byron Leftwich, the quarterback from Marshall, is best remembered for the iconic image of his teammates carrying him down the field during a game against Akron. Leftwich’s impressive performances earned him the title of MAC Offensive Player of the Year in both 2001 and 2002.
In 2003, Ben Roethlisberger, a quarterback from Miami (Ohio), emerged as the MAC Offensive Player of the Year, following in the footsteps of Leftwich who had previously won the award twice. This impressive streak of exceptional quarterbacking talent within the conference highlights Roethlisberger’s remarkable performance. Consequently, he was drafted as the 11th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers and went on to earn the prestigious title of NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Randy Moss, a wide receiver from Marshall University, had a remarkable career. He was awarded the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1998 and, in 2018, he was inducted into the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame. Throughout his career, Moss showcased his dominance while playing for various teams including Minnesota, Oakland, New England, Tennessee, and San Francisco.
MAC football players as recent first-round NFL Draft picks
(Since 1998)
In 2017, Corey Davis was drafted as the No. 5 pick by the Tennessee Titans from Western Michigan. Khalil Mack, a linebacker from Buffalo, was selected as the No. 5 pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2014. Jimmie Ward, a defensive back from Northern Illinois, was chosen as the No. 30 pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the same year. Eric Fisher, an offensive tackle from Central Michigan, was the No. 1 pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013. Muhammad Wilkerson, a defensive tackle from Temple, was selected as the No. 30 pick by the New York Jets in 2011. Larry English, a defensive end from Northern Illinois, was chosen as the No. 16 pick by the San Diego Chargers in 2009. Joe Staley, an offensive tackle from Central Michigan, was drafted as the No. 28 pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2007. In 2004, Ben Roethlisberger, a quarterback from Miami, was selected as the No. 11 pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Jason Babin, a defensive end from Western Michigan, was chosen as the No. 27 pick by the Houston Texans. Byron Leftwich, a quarterback from Marshall, was drafted as the No. 7 pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003. Chad Pennington, another quarterback from Marshall, was chosen as the No. 18 pick by the New York Jets in 2000. L.J. Shelton, an offensive tackle from Eastern Michigan, was selected as the No. 21 pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 1999. In the same year, Randy Moss, a wide receiver from Marshall, was chosen as the No. 21 pick by the Minnesota Vikings.