A fiercely independent publication covering all of Mid-American Conference sports! Formerly Hustle Belt. Visit our website at https://www.bythebelt.comhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mz6ug4fv2k22Friday night proved cathartic for MAC newcomer Sacramento State, as they forced five turnovers in a lopsided 31-10 victory over Kent State to secure the program's first win over an FBS member since their promotion: https://www.bythebelt.com/sacramento-state-hornets-win-first-fbs-game-against-kent-state-golden-flashes-recap-score-stats-october-30-2026/31 Oct 2026 17:53 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz6ug4fv2k22https://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mz3uok4tlk2pIt's a nationally-televised #MACtion game under the lights on a Friday night, as the Kent State Golden Flashes travel to the West Coast to take on the Sacramento State Hornets: https://www.bythebelt.com/kent-state-golden-flashes-at-sacramento-state-hornets-mac-football-game-preview-how-to-watch-listen-stream-odds-predictions-week-9-2026/30 Oct 2026 13:20 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz3uok4tlk2phttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myvjhmehuk2rMAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher sat down for another radio interview last weekend-- this time with the Ball State Radio Network. Steinbrecher talked about Sac State, the MAC's commitment to adding for strength and also teased a "not-too-distant" media deal: https://www.bythebelt.com/mid-american-conference-commissioner-jon-steinbrecher-interview-ball-state-radio-network-realignment-new-media-deal/28 Oct 2026 00:43 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myvjhmehuk2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myvg6gqt722r* Dru DeShields is a Wagon Wheel legend * The Southwick Jug lives! * Toledo has so many offensive weapons * Is Buffalo sneaking up on us as a contender? Those thoughts and more from Week 8 of #MACtion: https://www.bythebelt.com/monday-mac-musings-2026-week-8/27 Oct 2026 23:44 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myvg6gqt722rhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mysackddl22eA madcaps second quarter highlighted the first conference clash between Ball State and Sacramento State, but it would be the hosting Cardinals who pulled away in the second half to take a 34-17 victory on Saturday afternoon: https://www.bythebelt.com/ball-state-cardinals-sacramento-state-hornets-mac-football-game-recap-stats-score-october-24-2026/26 Oct 2026 17:21 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mysackddl22ehttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mys5bufd6s2eWayne Harris' improvisational heroics and Dru DeShields' calm under pressure helped the Kent State Golden Flashes retain the Wagon Wheel on Saturday, defeating archrival Akron by a final score of 35-20: https://www.bythebelt.com/kent-state-golden-flashes-akron-zips-mac-football-game-recap-stats-score-october-24-2026-wagon-wheel-rivalry/26 Oct 2026 16:27 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mys5bufd6s2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mys54rh3ps2eBoth Toledo and Western Michigan needed a win on Saturday to stay atop the MAC table, and the game lived up to the hype. UT raced out to a 31-14 halftime lead, WMU went on a 24-7 run to tie it up late, and the Rockets found enough breaks for a 45-38 win: https://www.bythebelt.com/toledo-rockets-western-michigan-broncos-mac-football-game-recap-stats-score-october-24-2026/26 Oct 2026 16:24 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mys54rh3ps2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mypnheeoac2eBuffalo's electric league play continues, taking down Bowling Green 31-24 on the strength of halfback Messiah Burch, who rushed for 100+ yards for the fifth-straight game to help seal the victory on Saturday afternoon: https://www.bythebelt.com/buffalo-bulls-bowling-green-falcons-mac-football-game-recap-stats-score-october-24-2026/25 Oct 2026 16:39 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mypnheeoac2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mypng7pp3c2eThe Ohio Bobcats and Eastern Michigan Eagles put on a show Saturday afternoon, needing every last second on the clock to decide the game-- with Ohio clinching the 24-20 win on a late redzone stop to remain undefeated in MAC play: https://www.bythebelt.com/ohio-bobcats-eastern-michigan-eagles-mac-football-game-recap-final-score-stats-october-24-2026/25 Oct 2026 16:38 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mypng7pp3c2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mypnfejhgc2eThe game looked to be slipping away for Miami at the start of the third quarter after a pick-six and a vicious hit taken by QB Caleb Heavner. But he got right back up and played through the pain, leading Miami to a crucial 28-27 win over CMU on Saturday: https://www.bythebelt.com/miami-oh-redhawks-central-michigan-chippewas-mac-football-game-recap-stats-score-october-24-2026/25 Oct 2026 16:38 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mypnfejhgc2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myno2y7vvk27Central Michigan QB Angel Flores is out for the season after getting surgery to repair his ankle. (h/t Double C Sports)24 Oct 2026 21:44 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myno2y7vvk27https://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myn26lgstk26The atmosphere in Hartford was electric ahead of the latest edition of the UGame, but UMass wound up shrinking under the lights, taking a tough 35-16 loss to the UConn Huskies on Friday night: https://www.bythebelt.com/umass-minutemen-uconn-huskies-football-game-recap-stats-score-october-23-2026/24 Oct 2026 15:49 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myn26lgstk26https://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mykwz3twe22xA battle of two unexpected 2-1 MAC teams is set for this Saturday, as the Bowling Green Falcons visit the Buffalo Bulls: https://www.bythebelt.com/bowling-green-falcons-at-buffalo-bulls-mac-football-game-preview-how-to-watch-stream-listen-odds-predictions-week-8-2026/23 Oct 2026 19:46 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mykwz3twe22xhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mykroyssf22xBall State. Sacramento State. You know what it is. It is, of course, a game between two teams in desperate need of a win to keep their dim postseason hopes alive: https://www.bythebelt.com/sacramento-state-hornets-at-ball-state-cardinals-mac-football-game-preview-how-to-watch-listen-stream-odds-predictions-week-8-2026/23 Oct 2026 18:11 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mykroyssf22xhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mykqwl55uc2xNot even a 5,500 gallon chemical spill will stop what could be the MAC game of the year between Toledo and Western Michigan. The Rockets have won 9 of 10 at home, while Broncos have won eight-straight vs. MAC teams. Buckle up... Title stakes are on the line: https://www.bythebelt.com/2026-mac-football-week-8-game-preview-western-michigan-broncos-at-toledo-rockets/23 Oct 2026 17:58 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mykqwl55uc2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mykqfmy6uk2xWAGON WHEEL WEEK! The hatred between Akron and Kent State is no secret. Now, the two Northeast Ohio programs compete for the Wagon Wheel this Saturday at Dix Stadium in a rivalry which has been 9-9 since 2008, 6-6 since 2014, and 2-2 since 2022: https://www.bythebelt.com/2026-mac-football-week-8-game-preview-akron-zips-at-kent-state-golden-flashes/23 Oct 2026 17:48 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mykqfmy6uk2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mykldspd7c2xThe UGame is finally here, and this year, the stakes feel as high as ever. UConn hopes to retain the Southwick Jug, while UMass-- with QB Pop Watson III potentially back in the line-up-- look to continue their march to a potential postseason bid: https://www.bythebelt.com/umass-minutemen-at-uconn-huskies-football-game-preview-how-to-watch-stream-listen-odds-predictions-week-8-2026/23 Oct 2026 16:18 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mykldspd7c2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myj2ztwvok2qThe tie at the top of our Power Rankings from last week is still unresolved-- but below the top three, a wacky week of games has stirred the rest of the table: https://www.bythebelt.com/mac-football-power-rankings-week-7-2026/23 Oct 2026 01:53 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myj2ztwvok2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myix7zdtl22qFormer Toledo and Miami QB Dequan Finn has landed with the UFL's Columbus Aviators as a training camp invitee after participating in the league's showcase earlier this week.23 Oct 2026 00:45 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myix7zdtl22qhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myioawtq3c2yMAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher had an interview with the Chippewa Radio Network over the weekend, discussing topics such as: * The 24-team Playoff ("not a huge fan") * potential conference expansion ("we never say never") * and other discussions around the NCAA: https://www.bythebelt.com/mac-commissioner-jon-steinbrecher-radio-interview-college-football-playoff-expansion-opposition-potential-conference-realignment/22 Oct 2026 22:04 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myioawtq3c2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myillwoevs2yThe Central Michigan Chippewas-- potentially down starting QB Angel Flores-- get set to host the Miami RedHawks and their potentially rejuvenated running game on Saturday afternoon in a game both teams really need to have: https://www.bythebelt.com/miami-oh-redhawks-vs-central-michigan-chippewas-mac-football-game-preview-how-to-watch-listen-stream-odds-predictions-week-8-2026/22 Oct 2026 21:17 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myillwoevs2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myif6xcg3c2yUPDATE: We have talked to the Mid-American Conference and can confirm the Puerto Rico Bowl is still on as scheduled in Bayamon on Dec. 22nd. The new bowl game announced by the ACC and Sun Belt earlier today is a separate event which will be held about a week prior. [contains quote post or other embedded content]22 Oct 2026 19:22 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myif6xcg3c2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myi37pi72k2xThe Akron Zips and San Jose State Spartans canceled a future football series last week, giving our own @omarrashonborja.bsky.social a chance to look back at one of the most successful periods of Zips football history: https://www.bythebelt.com/akron-zips-san-jose-state-spartans-cancel-football-series-2004-silicon-valley-football-classic-snub-retrospective/22 Oct 2026 16:24 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myi37pi72k2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myhyxtzjkc2tThe Puerto Rico Bowl, previously announced to include a MAC team vs. an at-large conference, has shifted affiliations. The bowl game is now scheduled for an ACC vs. Sun Belt match-up, per On3's Brett McMurphy.22 Oct 2026 15:44 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myhyxtzjkc2thttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myfhpff2js2rSome old friend news: Former #MACtion legend and Heisman candidate QB Jordan Lynch is set to have his jersey retired at Northern Illinois this weekend.21 Oct 2026 15:29 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myfhpff2js2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mydttvtp6s2jIt was a normal Tuesday presser until CMU head coach Matt Drinkall was asked about the 24-team College Football Playoff. After that followed 11 minutes of raw, unfiltered opinions which featured references to boxing, the Lorax and prostitution: https://www.bythebelt.com/matt-drinkall-opposition-college-football-playoff-expansion/21 Oct 2026 00:01 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mydttvtp6s2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mycxnwfqyc2jJust got off the weekly press conference with Central Michigan head coach Matt Drinkall. We asked him about the proposed 24-team Playoff, and now we have about 10 minutes of quotes to transcribe. Hope to be able to share that soon.20 Oct 2026 15:37 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mycxnwfqyc2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myb5o4pjss2h* Ball State/Bowling Green makes the case for MAC game of the year * Toledo, WMU and Ohio separate from the pack * ... and UMass takes another heart-breaking loss Those thoughts and more in this week's edition of Monday MAC Musings: https://www.bythebelt.com/monday-mac-musings-2026-week-7/19 Oct 2026 22:19 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myb5o4pjss2hhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myb5jwsfs22hKent State had a 2-0 lead in the second quarter and the ball on the 1-yard line-- but a fumbled snap on a QB sneak attempt turned the entire tide of the game, allowing USF to take the lead, and an eventual 29-2 victory: https://www.bythebelt.com/kent-state-only-manages-safety-in-29-2-loss-at-south-florida/19 Oct 2026 22:17 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myb5jwsfs22hhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3myb5i5bdq22hWelcome to the Andrew Zock Show. Toledo’s star defensive end registered 9 tackles, 2 sacks, a forced fumble, and 9 QB pressures as the Rockets bounced back to crush Eastern Michigan 34-14: https://www.bythebelt.com/zock-dominates-toledo-bounces-back-with-34-14-win-at-eastern-michigan/19 Oct 2026 22:16 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3myb5i5bdq22h