


I even tried to train my dogs to high-five me like former Northern Illinois mascot Diesel the Husky high-fived his trainers. And I made the case that Buffalo’s Tyree Jackson should have been a first-round NFL draft pick this spring. I told anyone who would listen that 13-0 Western Michigan deserved a spot in the 2016 playoff. I stumped for NIU quarterback Jordan Lynch’s 2013 Heisman Trophy campaign.

I got deeply invested in the 2011 Toledo team that lost a nationally televised game 63-60 one week, then won another nationally televised game 66-63 the next. I’d like to think my love for the MAC blossomed out of its many beautiful, unusual football phenomena. When she told me that she vaguely knew Dri Archer during her time at Kent State, I felt compelled to ask her dozens of questions about it. My closest connection to MAC football is my girlfriend’s former roommate. I went to college in northern Illinois, but have never met anyone who went to Northern Illinois University. This may seem strange, because I did not attend a MAC school, nor did any of my family members or close friends. I have been in love with Mid-American Conference football for about eight years now.
