Around the MAC 2026-2027

[Illini Zip]

I like the Sun Belt challenge. It’s good, comparable level of competition for the players. Fans get to see other quality competition in their building. And the home cooking is quite strong (both ways) so home fans are likely to go away happy with a win. The MAC might be stronger at the top and weaker on the bottom. Something along those lines. 

[kreed5120]

5 hours ago, Illini Zip said:

I like the Sun Belt challenge. It’s good, comparable level of competition for the players. Fans get to see other quality competition in their building. And the home cooking is quite strong (both ways) so home fans are likely to go away happy with a win. The MAC might be stronger at the top and weaker on the bottom. Something along those lines. 

 

Yeah, we've played 7 games in this challenge and are 4-3 in those games. Picked up our first road win of the challenge last week. It's an odd take to say the SB is beneath us when we're not exactly dominating, even at the top.

 

If we were sitting at 6-1 or something like that then yes that argument might carry some weight. If we go on to win our second match-up and sweep next year bringing our record to 7-3 then sure it's a discussion worth having.

 

Even then though it takes two to tango. The conferences most here would want us to play aren't interested in a challenge with the MAC.

Edited 2 hours ago by kreed5120

[Illini Zip]

1 hour ago, kreed5120 said:

 

Yeah, we've played 7 games in this challenge and are 4-3 in those games. Picked up our first road win of the challenge last week. It's an odd take to say the SB is beneath us when we're not exactly dominating, even at the top.

 

If we were sitting at 6-1 or something like that then yes that argument might carry some weight. If we go on to win our second match-up and sweep next year bringing out record to 7-3 then sure it's a discussion worth having.

 

Even then though it takes two to tango. The conferences most here would want us to play aren't interested in a challenge with the MAC.

I’ll just add that Akron is likely a top MAC team this year which just played a middle of the pack Sun Belt team for some reason.

 

Also, it’s a shame we didn’t get a chance to play that JMU team a few years ago straight up on a neutral court. I’m confident, win or lose Akron would have had a much better showing.

 

 

Edited 7 hours ago by Illini Zip

[csims0917]

JMU just gave a good fight to Kentucky yesterday 

[kreed5120]

Toledo wins at Marshall 81-76.

[Zippy87]

Miami struggling against Bellarmine at home. 

Edited just now by Zippy87