Central Michigan (3-0)

Last week: Beat UNLV, 44-21, at home

Cooper Rush threw for 352 yards and six touchdowns for Central Michigan, which can start 4-0 for the first time since 1985 with a win at Virginia.

This week: At Virginia (0-3)

Western Michigan (3-0)

Last week: Won at Illinois, 34-10

The Broncos picked up their second win over a Big Ten school – also winning at Northwestern to start the year. They open Mid-American Conference play at Central Michigan on Oct. 1 in a game that is looking as if it will have major implications.

This week: Vs. Georgia Southern (3-0)

Toledo (3-0)

Last week: Beat Fresno State, 52-17, at home

The Rockets jumped out to a big lead early against Fresno St. and finished with 619 yards of offense. It’s been a pretty dominant start of the year for Toledo, which has outscored its opponents 128-30 in the three contests.

This week: Off

Akron (2-1)

Last week: Won at Marshall, 65-38

The Zips have been all over the place so far, but outscoring the Thundering Herd 34-0 in the second quarter certainly raises some eyebrows. With the apparent fall of Bowling Green, the MAC East seems up for grabs this year.

This week: Vs. Appalachian State (1-2)

Ohio (1-2)

Last week: Lost at No. 14 Tennessee, 28-19

The best loss of any team in the MAC this week, the Bobcats had the nationally ranked Volunteers on the ropes before Tennessee finally distanced itself late in the fourth.

This week: Vs. Gardner-Webb (1-2)

Ball State (2-1)

Last week: Beat Eastern Kentucky, 41-14, at home

The Cardinals allowed only three rushing yards to Eastern Kentucky on 27 carries, the fewest yards allowed by Ball State in nearly a decade. They could make things interesting in the race to the top of the MAC West.

This week: At Florida Atlantic (1-2)

Eastern Michigan (2-1)

Last week: Won at Charlotte, 37-19

It’s hard to believe that Eastern Michigan is ranked ahead of NIU. However, it picked up a win over a Conference USA program in Charlotte, and although it’s a good thing the Eagles have more wins now than all of last year, chances are they will drop off eventually.

This week: Vs. Wyoming (2-1)

NIU (0-3)

Last week: Lost to San Diego State, 42-28, at home

The final nonconference game against Western Illinois could be tricky for two reasons – the Leathernecks are a good FCS program, being ranked No. 13, and they had last week off, so they will have had two weeks to prepare for NIU.

This week: Vs. Western Illinois (2-0)

Bowling Green (1-2)

Last week: Lost to Middle Tennessee State, 41-21, at home

It’s amazing the two teams that played in the MAC Championship last year are so far down the list. Josh Cleveland did have a good day for Bowling Green last week, rushing for 153 yards in the loss.

This week: At Memphis (2-0)

Miami (Ohio) (0-3)

Last week: Lost to Western Kentucky, 31-24, at home

Kent State picked up its first win of the season, but losing close to a better team such as Western Kentucky gives the RedHawks the nod here. The RedHawks got within one score on a Hail Mary with a minute left in the game but couldn’t come up with the onside kick.

This week: At Cincinnati (2-1)

Kent State (1-2)

Last week: Beat Monmouth, 27-7

The Golden Flashes finally get in the win column, but it came against an FCS program. Their game this week likely will have a little different outcome.

This week: At No. 1 Alabama (3-0)

Buffalo (0-2)

Last week: Lost at Nevada, 38-14

Buffalo quarterback Tyree Jackson went 7 for 22 with 130 yards. Opposing teams might want to stack the box and focus on stopping the run.

This week: Vs. Army (3-0)