DETROIT, Mich. - The University of Toledo football team has been picked to finish in second place in the West Division of the Mid-American Conference by the members of the league's media contingent. The annual preseason poll was released today at the conference's annual Football Media Day held at Ford Field. Defending MAC champion Ball State was picked to win the West Division. Kent State was chosen as the East Division champion.

The Rockets received seven first-place votes and 104 total points in the poll, 10 points behind the Cardinals and one point ahead of third-place Western Michigan. Toledo also received five votes to win the 2021 MAC Championship Game.

Toledo is coming off a 4-2 season in 2020, its 11th consecutive season without a losing record. The Rockets return starters at every position, including nine players who have earned All-MAC honors in their careers.

Toledo opens its 2021 campaign with a home game vs. Norfolk State on Sept. 4, followed by a road trip to Notre Dame on Sept. 11. Season tickets can be purchased at UTRockets.com/FBtix, by calling the Rocket Ticket Office at 419-530-GOLD (4653) or by visiting the Rocket Athletic Ticket Office at Savage Arena during office hours.

2021 MAC Football Media Poll
Team (First Place Votes); Points
 
MAC West Division
1. Ball State (11) - 114 points
2. Toledo (7) - 104 points
3.  Western Michigan (4) - 103 points
4. Central Michigan - 68 points
5. Eastern Michigan - 44 points
6.  Northern Illinois - 29 points

MAC East Division
1.  Kent State (11) - 112 points
2.  Ohio (2) - 96 points
3.  Miami (5) - 94 points
4.  Buffalo (4) - 93 points
5.  Akron - 39 points
6.  Bowling Green - 28 points
  
2021 MAC Championship Game Winner:
Ball State (11), Kent State (11), Toledo (7), Miami (5), Western Michigan (4), Buffalo (4), Ohio (2).