Whether you're a dedicated college football enthusiast or a casual fan, the term "MACtion" has likely echoed through the conversations of fellow football enthusiasts. In recent years, MACtion has surged in popularity, celebrated for its thrilling and unpredictably entertaining games. Notably, when #MACtion takes over the screens during November's Tuesday and Wednesday nights, it becomes a welcomed interlude between NFL's Monday and Thursday Night football. Fear not if you've ever been perplexed by this midweek college football phenomenon. We're here to unravel the mystery, providing insight into the excitement and charm defining the unique world of MACtion.
What is MACtion in college football?
MACtion in college football refers to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and the uniquely entertaining games played midweek in November. Established in 1946, the MAC hosts conference matchups, with a distinctive focus on Tuesday and Wednesday nights during this period. This scheduling quirk has given rise to the term "MACtion," embraced by fans for its thrilling unpredictability. With teams competing in the Great Lakes region, particularly during near-winter nights, MACtion has become a sensation, renowned for its wild games and the potential spectacle of weather elements, including the much-anticipated "Snow Games." The term captures the essence of midweek MAC football's captivating and unpredictable nature.
What teams are in the MAC?
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) for college football consists of 12 teams, divided into East and West divisions. The MAC East includes the Akron Zips, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Kent State Golden Flashes, Miami (OH) Redhawks, and Ohio Bobcats. You'll find the Ball State Cardinals, Central Michigan Chippewas, Eastern Michigan Eagles, Northern Illinois Huskies, Toledo Rockets, and Western Michigan Broncos in the MAC West. Since its establishment in 1946, the MAC has experienced changes, with five universities, including Butler, Cincinnati, Marshall, Wayne State, and Case Western Reserve, having left for new conferences. Additionally, UCF, UMass, and Temple were football-only members for various periods.
Current MAC standings
Entering Week 11 of the 2023 season, the MAC standings encompass both East and West divisions in college football.
MAC East Standings
Miami (OH) Redhawks (4-1, 7-2)
Ohio Bobcats (3-2, 6-3)
Bowling Green Falcons (3-2, 5-4)
Buffalo Bulls (3-2, 3-6)
Akron Zips (1-4, 2-7)
Kent State Golden Flashes (0-5, 1-8)
MAC West Standings
Toledo Rockets (5-0, 8-1)
Central Michigan Chippewas (3-2, 5-4)
Northern Illinois Huskies (3-2, 4-5)
Western Michigan Broncos (2-3, 3-6)
Eastern Michigan Eagles (2-3, 4-5)
Ball State Cardinals (1-4, 2-7)
MACtion Schedule and Results for 2023
For fans seeking a midweek college football treat, here's a glimpse of the Tuesday and Wednesday night MACtion schedule.
| Date, Time and TV Channel | Home Team | Away Team |
| Tues. Oct. 31, 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU) | Central Michigan, 37 | Northern Illinois, 31 |
| Tues. Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2) | Toledo, 31 | Buffalo, 13 |
| Wed. Nov. 1, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2) | Bowling Green, 24 | Ball State, 21 |
| Wed. Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. ET | Akron, 31 | Kent State, 27 |
| Tues. Nov. 7, 7 p.m. ET (CBSSN) | Northern Illinois | Ball State |
| Tues. Nov. 7, 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU) | Western Michigan | Central Michigan |
| Tues. Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2) | Buffalo | Ohio |
| Wed. Nov. 8, 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU) | Miami (OH) | Akron |
| Wed. Nov. 8, 7 p.m. ET (CBSSN) | Kent State | Bowling Green |
| Wed. Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2) | Toledo | Eastern Michigan |
| Tues. Nov. 14, 7 p.m. ET (TBD) | Bowling Green | Toledo |
| Tues. Nov. 14, 7 p.m. ET (TBD) | Northern Illinois | Western Michigan |
| Tues. Nov. 14, 7 p.m. ET (TBD) | Eastern Michigan | Akron |
| Wed. Nov. 15, 7 p.m. ET (TBD) | Ohio | Central Michigan |
| Wed. Nov. 15, 7 p.m. ET (TBD) | Miami (OH) | Buffalo |
| Tues. Nov. 21, TBD (TBD) | Buffalo | Eastern Michigan |
| Tues. Nov. 21, TBD (TBD) | Western Michigan | Bowling Green |
List of MAC Champions in College Football
Since the 1997 expansion, Ford Field in Detroit, MI has hosted every Mid-American Conference football champion in the annual MAC Championship Game.
| Year | MAC Champion | Runner-Up |
| 2022 | Toledo Rockets | Ohio Bobcats |
| 2021 | Northern Illinois Huskies | Kent State Golden Flashes |
| 2020 | Ball State Cardinals | Buffalo Bulls |
| 2019 | Miami (OH) Redhawks | Central Michigan Chippewas |
| 2018 | Northern Illinois Huskies | Buffalo Bulls |
| 2017 | Toledo Rockets | Akron Zips |
| 2016 | Western Michigan Broncos | Ohio Bobcats |
| 2015 | Bowling Green Falcons | Northern Illinois Huskies |
| 2014 | Northern Illinois Huskies | Bowling Green Falcons |
| 2013 | Bowling Green Falcons | Northern Illinois Huskies |
| 2012 | Northern Illinois Huskies | Kent State Golden Flashes |
| 2011 | Northern Illinois Huskies | Ohio Bobcats |
| 2010 | Miami (OH) Redhawks | Northern Illinois Huskies |
| 2009 | Central Michigan Chippewas | Ohio Bobcats |
| 2008 | Buffalo Bulls | Ball State Cardinals |
| 2007 | Central Michigan Chippewas | Miami (OH) Redhawks |
| 2006 | Central Michigan Chippewas | Ohio Bobcats |
| 2005 | Akron Zips | Northern Illinois Huskies |
| 2004 | Toledo Rockets | Miami (OH) Redhawks |
| 2003 | Miami (OH) Redhawks | Bowling Green Falcons |
| 2002 | Marshall Thundering Herd | Toledo Rockets |
| 2001 | Toledo Rockets | Marshall Thundering Herd |
| 2000 | Marshall Thundering Herd | Western Michigan Broncos |
| 1999 | Marshall Thundering Herd | Western Michigan Broncos |
| 1998 | Marshall Thundering Herd | Toledo Rockets |
| 1997 | Marshall Thundering Herd | Toledo Rockets |
Best MAC teams of all-time
The premier program in MAC football history is the Miami (OH) Redhawks, boasting a 674-446-44 record since 1888. With a .598 winning percentage, they share the top spot with the Central Michigan Chippewas but hold 71 more wins. Miami (OH) secured a record 15 MAC championships. Meanwhile, the Toledo Rockets lead in bowl appearances (15) and victories (10). The 2003 Redhawks, led by QB Ben Roethlisberger, stand as arguably the most incredible MAC team, concluding the season 13-0 with a MAC title and a GMAC Bowl win. In 2012, the Northern Illinois Huskies, quarterbacked by Jordan Lynch, crashed the BCS party, finishing 12-2 with an Orange Bowl appearance, marking a historic chapter in MAC football lore.
Best MAC players of all-time
Explore our rankings of the 10 greatest MAC football players ever, considering their college and NFL careers for assessment.
Randy Moss, WR (Marshall)
Jack Lambert, LB (Kent State)
Ben Roethlisberger, QB (Miami-OH)
Antonio Gates, TE (Kent State)
Gerry Philbin, DE (Buffalo)
Jason Taylor, DE (Akron)
James Harrison, LB (Kent State)
Greg Jennings, WR (Western Michigan)
Dan LeFevour, QB (Central Michigan)
Michael Turner, RB (Northern Illinois)
Randy Moss, a standout at Marshall in the MAC, easily earns a spot on our list of the greatest MAC football players. Another noteworthy inclusion is former CMU quarterback Dan LeFevour, who achieved 90+ passing touchdowns and 35+ rushing touchdowns in college.
