The Northern Illinois Huskies have been picked to repeat as MAC champions by conference media in the MAC Preseason Poll. The Huskies, who are led by a potential Heisman candidate in quarterback Jordan Lynch, are heavy favorites to win the MAC West ahead of Toledo and Ball State and are picked to beat East division champ Ohio in the MAC Championship Game.
Aside from Northern Illinois, Toledo, Ball State, and Central Michigan all received first place votes in the West division. Over in the East, Bowling Green, Kent State, and Buffalo also received first place votes. Both NIU and Ohio return 16 starters from 2012, but the Huskies must overcome turnover at head coach, where former offensive coordinator Rod Carey is replacing Dave Doeren, who left to take the N.C. State job prior to NIU's Orange Bowl appearance.
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