MAC releases preseason football poll; EMU picked sixth

Andy Rowdon Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations | Eastern Michigan Athletics Website

By East Michigan News

Jul 19, 2024

CANTON, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University football team was picked to finish sixth in the Mid-American Conference in the league's preseason coaches poll. The annual preseason poll was released Friday, July 19, at the conference's 2024 football kickoff event held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Eagles received 64 points in the annual poll, while Miami was selected first with 119 points followed by Toledo (109), Bowling Green (92), Northern Illinois (92), and Ohio (81).

Amid one of the most successful runs in program history, Eastern Michigan has made a bowl game appearance six times since 2016, tying for the most by any team in the Mid-American Conference.

This year marks the first integration of a new conference schedule format. This model will allow each team to face all 11 conference opponents home and away at least once during a three-year cycle. Additionally, it incorporates protected opponents based on geographic location and rivalries and eliminates the MAC East and West Divisions.

The 78th season of MAC football kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 29, and concludes with the 28th MAC Football Championship game on Saturday, Dec. 7 (12 p.m. ET) on ESPN between the top two teams based on conference winning percentage. This will be the 21st MAC Football Championship game at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions.

EMU will play five of its six games at home within eight weeks. Additionally, Eastern will defend its gray turf for all but one game during October.

Exclusive season ticket packages are available for fans seeking perks such as VIP seating and parking privileges. The benefits include a piece of turf from "The Factory" with an official certificate of authenticity, invitations to exclusive events, a printed group photo, and an official Eastern Athletics corporate partners coupon book.

Ultimate fan season tickets include improved chairbacks with increased legroom on the 50-yard line and VIP parking for $180. Additional chairback season tickets are available in Reserved Sections 104-109 for $150.

Reserved season tickets are available for $120; general admission season tickets are $108. Faculty, staff, and young alumni can purchase tickets for $84. Former EMU student-athletes can buy an E-Club membership for $200 which provides season tickets for all home football and basketball games. To purchase E-Club memberships or other ticket packages call Eastern Athletics Ticket Office at 734-487-3669.

The alumni season value pack includes four tickets per game for $240 while VIP parking in George Gervin GameAbove Center lot is available for $60.

2024 MAC Football Coaches Preseason Poll:

First Place votes in parentheses | *Coaches were not able to vote for themselves

1. Miami (9) – 119 points

2. Toledo (3) – 109 points

T3. Bowling Green – 92 points

T3. Northern Illinois – 92 points

5. Ohio – 81 points

6. Eastern Michigan – 64 points

7. Western Michigan – 60 points

8. Central Michigan –59 points

9 Ball State -42 Points