TOLEDO, Ohio – The University of Toledo football team was picked to finish in first place in the Mid-American Conference's West Division in a ballot of the league's head coaches that was released today by the conference office.

According to the league's head coaches, the West division should be hotly contested. The Rockets received 54 total points in the poll, including four first-place votes. Western Michigan was picked second with 53 points (two first-place votes), reigning division champion Central Michigan was picked to finish third (52, five first-place votes) and Ball State was picked fourth (50, one first-place vote).

Last year's MAC champion, Miami, was picked to win the MAC East Division (64 points, six first-place votes) ahead of Buffalo (58, four first-place votes).

The Rockets return 18 starters from last season's squad, including five All-MAC players: Bryce Harris (offensive line) and Bryce Mitchell (wide receiver), juniors Bryant Koback (running back) and Jamal Hines (defensive end), and sophomore Nick Rosi (offensive line).  

Toledo begins its 2020 season with a weeknight affair against arch-rival Bowling Green on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 8:00 p.m. on ESPNU. Click here for information on how to follow along with Rocket football all season long.
 

2020 MAC Head Coaches Poll

West Division

1. Toledo – 54 (4)
2. Western Michigan – 53 (2)
3. Central Michigan – 52 (5)
4. Ball State – 50 (1)
5. Eastern Michigan – 22
6. Northern Illinois – 21

East Division

1. Miami – 64 (6)
2. Buffalo – 58 (4)
3. Ohio – 48 (1)
4. Kent State – 42
5. Bowling Green – 23
6. Akron – 17 (1)

Team – Points (First-Place Votes)