Key MAC Games Of 2010 Season

LeBron James stole our attention (and hearts) for a couple of days, but following his egotistical departure from Northeastern Ohio, many are turning their attention to football.

As the college football season slowly draws closer, here's a look at the biggest match-ups around the Mid-American Conference in 2010.

Sept. 11

Central Michigan at Temple--Interesting to see how Central Michigan rebounds from losing one of the best quarterbacks in MAC history, Dan LeFevour. Unfortuantly, they'll have to do it against the favorite to win the MAC East.

Sept. 18

Toledo at Western Michigan--Two of the better teams in the MAC West meet early in the season, giving both a chance to set the tone in that division.

Oct. 9

Temple at Northern Illinois--The probable favorites to face each other in the MAC Championship game in Detroit. The loser opens the door for the underdog teams of either division.

Akron at Kent State--Akron stopped Kent from bowl eligibility last season. If the Flashes want to reach that plateau, beating their arch-rivals for the first time in four years is a must. Not to mention the all-time series lead is on the line (both teams are 19-19-1).

Oct. 16

Buffalo at Northern Illinois--Looks like NIU drew the toughest schedule in the conference. The Bulls are on the cusp of contention in the East, and a win here on the road would do a lot towards putting up a fight with the likes of Temple, Ohio and Kent State.

Oct. 23

Temple at Buffalo--Temple and Buffalo continue the rough stretches of both their schedules, together.

Oct. 30

Northern Illinois at Western Michigan--The Huskies are rather prominent on this list, aren't they? After two tough games against East opponents Temple and Buffalo, NIU takes on an underrated Western Michigan.

Nov. 4

Buffalo at Ohio--A good matchup in the East on Thursday night.

Nov. 5

Western Michigan at Central Michigan--The Michigan rivals battle on a Friday night that could shape the West down the stretch.

Nov. 6

Temple at Kent State--The fantastic football weekend continues with two of the three teams in real contention of the East title.

Nov. 16

Ohio at Temple--The two favorites in the East meet in what could decide who represents the division in Detroit. It'll be interesting to see how things come together on a Tuesday night.

Nov. 26

Ohio at Kent State--The Flashes bring both Temple and Ohio--the two top dogs in the East--to Dix Stadium. Ohio comes to town as the last game of the season, as they end their season with the three toughest games on their conference docket. If the Flashes stay consistent throughout the season and Ohio beats Temple, this Friday match-up may act as a play-in game for the MAC Championship game.