By the Belt: A MAC Sports Blog
@bythebelt.bsky.social
A fiercely independent publication covering all of Mid-American Conference sports! Formerly Hustle Belt. Visit our website at https://www.bythebelt.com
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By The Belt
A fiercely independent website covering Mid-American Conference sports.
www.bythebelt.com
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The Central Michigan Chippewas will get the test of a lifetime against the Miami [FL] Hurricanes on Saturday, as they travel to Hard Rock Stadium for a late afternoon tilt on national TV: www.bythebelt.com/central-mich...
2026 MAC Football Week 4 Game Preview: Central Michigan Chippewas at Miami [FL] Hurricanes
Fresh off two-straight home games, Central travels to Miami for a game against a Top 10 football program.
www.bythebelt.com
September 23, 2026 at 11:32 PM
The Central Michigan Chippewas will get the test of a lifetime against the Miami [FL] Hurricanes on Saturday, as they travel to Hard Rock Stadium for a late afternoon tilt on national TV: www.bythebelt.com/central-mich...
Two former Buckeye greats take to the sidelines at the Doyt this week, as Heisman winner Eddie George (BG) and former star receiver Brian Hartline (USF) get set to lead their respective teams in non-conference action: www.bythebelt.com/south-florid...
2026 MAC Football Week 4 Game Preview: South Florida Bulls at Bowling Green Falcons
Two Buckeye greats turned coaches converge in Ohio for an American vs. MAC matchup.
www.bythebelt.com
September 23, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Two former Buckeye greats take to the sidelines at the Doyt this week, as Heisman winner Eddie George (BG) and former star receiver Brian Hartline (USF) get set to lead their respective teams in non-conference action: www.bythebelt.com/south-florid...
INBOX:
Sacramento State women's rowing is set to join the Mid-American Conference as an affiliate member starting in 2027. The Hornets will join from the West Coast Conference.
Current MAC WROW members include Delaware, Eastern Michigan, High Point, Massachusetts, Temple and Toledo.
Sacramento State women's rowing is set to join the Mid-American Conference as an affiliate member starting in 2027. The Hornets will join from the West Coast Conference.
Current MAC WROW members include Delaware, Eastern Michigan, High Point, Massachusetts, Temple and Toledo.
September 23, 2026 at 6:57 PM
INBOX:
Sacramento State women's rowing is set to join the Mid-American Conference as an affiliate member starting in 2027. The Hornets will join from the West Coast Conference.
Current MAC WROW members include Delaware, Eastern Michigan, High Point, Massachusetts, Temple and Toledo.
Sacramento State women's rowing is set to join the Mid-American Conference as an affiliate member starting in 2027. The Hornets will join from the West Coast Conference.
Current MAC WROW members include Delaware, Eastern Michigan, High Point, Massachusetts, Temple and Toledo.
ESPN College GameDay chose their fourth SEC campus in as many weeks for this weekend, spurning Kalamazoo-- which is set to host a high-stakes "G6" game between Western Michigan and Boise State.
And whether you watch the program or not, yes, that matters: www.bythebelt.com/espn-college...
And whether you watch the program or not, yes, that matters: www.bythebelt.com/espn-college...
ESPN College GameDay spurned Kalamazoo, and yes, that matters
ESPN College GameDay selected their fourth SEC campus in a row in the 2026 season, when this week provided a perfection diversion in Boise State vs. Western Michigan.
www.bythebelt.com
September 22, 2026 at 6:13 PM
ESPN College GameDay chose their fourth SEC campus in as many weeks for this weekend, spurning Kalamazoo-- which is set to host a high-stakes "G6" game between Western Michigan and Boise State.
And whether you watch the program or not, yes, that matters: www.bythebelt.com/espn-college...
And whether you watch the program or not, yes, that matters: www.bythebelt.com/espn-college...
CMU junior edge rusher Hunter Zirkle (right pectoral) is out for the season, per Matt Drinkall.
Zirkle had keyed in as part of the pass rush rotation, featuring prominently against Colgate with 4 tackles and a strip-sack.
Zirkle had keyed in as part of the pass rush rotation, featuring prominently against Colgate with 4 tackles and a strip-sack.
September 22, 2026 at 3:43 PM
CMU junior edge rusher Hunter Zirkle (right pectoral) is out for the season, per Matt Drinkall.
Zirkle had keyed in as part of the pass rush rotation, featuring prominently against Colgate with 4 tackles and a strip-sack.
Zirkle had keyed in as part of the pass rush rotation, featuring prominently against Colgate with 4 tackles and a strip-sack.
The Victory Bell series between Cincinnati and Miami (OH) ended after 129 meetings on Saturday
Chuck Martin has an idea for the future of the rivalry: “Take us at home, play at your place, and pay us. Let's go. Be wonderful. Go to Nippert.” www.bythebelt.com/cincinnati-m...
Chuck Martin has an idea for the future of the rivalry: “Take us at home, play at your place, and pay us. Let's go. Be wonderful. Go to Nippert.” www.bythebelt.com/cincinnati-m...
Cincinnati, Miami (OH) delivered a classic; now the Victory Bell faces an uncertain future
Chuck Martin and Scott Satterfield weigh in on the future of college football's oldest non-conference rivalry.
www.bythebelt.com
September 22, 2026 at 2:57 PM
The Victory Bell series between Cincinnati and Miami (OH) ended after 129 meetings on Saturday
Chuck Martin has an idea for the future of the rivalry: “Take us at home, play at your place, and pay us. Let's go. Be wonderful. Go to Nippert.” www.bythebelt.com/cincinnati-m...
Chuck Martin has an idea for the future of the rivalry: “Take us at home, play at your place, and pay us. Let's go. Be wonderful. Go to Nippert.” www.bythebelt.com/cincinnati-m...
* Toledo pulls off a comeback for the ages against Temple
* UMass is 3-0 going into MAC play (and receiving votes in a poll!)
* ... and Central's QB rotation might be a thing of the past.
All those observations and more in an evening edition of our #MondayMusings:
www.bythebelt.com/monday-mac-m...
* UMass is 3-0 going into MAC play (and receiving votes in a poll!)
* ... and Central's QB rotation might be a thing of the past.
All those observations and more in an evening edition of our #MondayMusings:
www.bythebelt.com/monday-mac-m...
Monday MAC Musings: 2026 Week 3
Toledo pulls off one of the biggest miracle comebacks we'll see all season. Oh, and UMass is 3-0.
www.bythebelt.com
September 22, 2026 at 1:01 AM
* Toledo pulls off a comeback for the ages against Temple
* UMass is 3-0 going into MAC play (and receiving votes in a poll!)
* ... and Central's QB rotation might be a thing of the past.
All those observations and more in an evening edition of our #MondayMusings:
www.bythebelt.com/monday-mac-m...
* UMass is 3-0 going into MAC play (and receiving votes in a poll!)
* ... and Central's QB rotation might be a thing of the past.
All those observations and more in an evening edition of our #MondayMusings:
www.bythebelt.com/monday-mac-m...
CMU and Wyoming traded some defensive jabs over 20 or so minutes of game clock before CMU QB Angel Flores broke through for a long rushing TD, allowing the Chippewas to wrestle back control of the game and eventually claim a 24-10 win on Saturday: www.bythebelt.com/central-mich...
Central Michigan stampedes Wyoming in rain-soaked 24-10 win
The Chippewas put up their best rushing performance since 2019 in a dominating victory.
www.bythebelt.com
September 20, 2026 at 11:24 PM
CMU and Wyoming traded some defensive jabs over 20 or so minutes of game clock before CMU QB Angel Flores broke through for a long rushing TD, allowing the Chippewas to wrestle back control of the game and eventually claim a 24-10 win on Saturday: www.bythebelt.com/central-mich...
The Bulls were out-gained 573-173 at Penn State in a 55-13 defeat on Saturday, dropping to 1-2 on the season.
Buffalo has now dropped five-straight games vs. FBS competition: www.bythebelt.com/koby-howard-...
Buffalo has now dropped five-straight games vs. FBS competition: www.bythebelt.com/koby-howard-...
Koby Howard, Penn State too much for Buffalo in 55-13 rout
The Bulls had no answer in Happy Valley as they dropped their fifth-straight game vs. FBS competition.
www.bythebelt.com
September 20, 2026 at 9:33 PM
The Bulls were out-gained 573-173 at Penn State in a 55-13 defeat on Saturday, dropping to 1-2 on the season.
Buffalo has now dropped five-straight games vs. FBS competition: www.bythebelt.com/koby-howard-...
Buffalo has now dropped five-straight games vs. FBS competition: www.bythebelt.com/koby-howard-...
A second added to the clock at Soldier Field for the Bears after the Vikings break up a pass in the end zone with seeming triple-zeroes on the clock.
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static.klipy.com
September 20, 2026 at 8:01 PM
A second added to the clock at Soldier Field for the Bears after the Vikings break up a pass in the end zone with seeming triple-zeroes on the clock.
Believe it or not, the UMass Minutemen are getting votes in a national football poll.
UMass received two votes in the Coaches Poll after their win over Stonehill this weekend: www.bythebelt.com/umass-footba...
UMass received two votes in the Coaches Poll after their win over Stonehill this weekend: www.bythebelt.com/umass-footba...
UMass receives votes in Week 3 Coaches Poll
The Minutemen, sitting at 3-0, get national recognition from FBS coaches.
www.bythebelt.com
September 20, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Believe it or not, the UMass Minutemen are getting votes in a national football poll.
UMass received two votes in the Coaches Poll after their win over Stonehill this weekend: www.bythebelt.com/umass-footba...
UMass received two votes in the Coaches Poll after their win over Stonehill this weekend: www.bythebelt.com/umass-footba...
Western Michigan loses votes in the latest edition of the AP Top 25 football poll.
Had 35 votes in Week 2, now sit at 27 votes.
Had 35 votes in Week 2, now sit at 27 votes.
September 20, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Western Michigan loses votes in the latest edition of the AP Top 25 football poll.
Had 35 votes in Week 2, now sit at 27 votes.
Had 35 votes in Week 2, now sit at 27 votes.
Eight different Ohio State players scored against Kent State in what was ultimately a rollicking 59-3 blowout on Saturday afternoon: www.bythebelt.com/kent-state-g...
Kent State falls 59-3 to Ohio State in national showcase
The Flashes were outmatched from the initial kickoff in a Saturday noon contest.
www.bythebelt.com
September 20, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Eight different Ohio State players scored against Kent State in what was ultimately a rollicking 59-3 blowout on Saturday afternoon: www.bythebelt.com/kent-state-g...
Bowling Green had no answers for Iowa State HB Aiden Flora, who collected 270 total yards and three total touchdowns (including a punt return) to help aid ISU's 55-7 blowout effort on Saturday: www.bythebelt.com/bowling-gree...
Aiden Flora's big day sinks BGSU in 55-7 loss to Iowa State
The Falcons couldn't contain #21 in cardinal, as Flora ran ruckshod for 270 total yards and three touchdowns.
www.bythebelt.com
September 20, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Bowling Green had no answers for Iowa State HB Aiden Flora, who collected 270 total yards and three total touchdowns (including a punt return) to help aid ISU's 55-7 blowout effort on Saturday: www.bythebelt.com/bowling-gree...
The Sac State Hornets looked as if they'd be ran over by a powerful North Dakota State side early on, down 28-0 in the early part of the 2Q.
But the team found its rhythm late, showing a foundation to build upon in a 31-10 loss: www.bythebelt.com/sacramento-s...
But the team found its rhythm late, showing a foundation to build upon in a 31-10 loss: www.bythebelt.com/sacramento-s...
Sac State finds footing too late in 31-10 loss to North Dakota State
The Hornets showed signs of life after falling behind 28-0, but their second-half response wasn’t enough in a 31-10 loss
www.bythebelt.com
September 20, 2026 at 4:37 PM
The Sac State Hornets looked as if they'd be ran over by a powerful North Dakota State side early on, down 28-0 in the early part of the 2Q.
But the team found its rhythm late, showing a foundation to build upon in a 31-10 loss: www.bythebelt.com/sacramento-s...
But the team found its rhythm late, showing a foundation to build upon in a 31-10 loss: www.bythebelt.com/sacramento-s...
With three minutes remaining, the Toledo Rockets had a less-than-one percent chance of winning against the Temple Owls.
But two touchdowns in 11 seconds and a miraculous onside kick gave them the push they needed to force overtime and win at the Glass Bowl: www.bythebelt.com/toledo-erase...
But two touchdowns in 11 seconds and a miraculous onside kick gave them the push they needed to force overtime and win at the Glass Bowl: www.bythebelt.com/toledo-erase...
Toledo erases 14-point deficit in final seconds, stuns Temple 49-48 in OT
An onside kick recovery swings the Rockets fortune in one of the most thrilling finishes of the season.
www.bythebelt.com
September 20, 2026 at 4:21 PM
With three minutes remaining, the Toledo Rockets had a less-than-one percent chance of winning against the Temple Owls.
But two touchdowns in 11 seconds and a miraculous onside kick gave them the push they needed to force overtime and win at the Glass Bowl: www.bythebelt.com/toledo-erase...
But two touchdowns in 11 seconds and a miraculous onside kick gave them the push they needed to force overtime and win at the Glass Bowl: www.bythebelt.com/toledo-erase...
The Ohio Bobcats, down several starters on offense, did their best to keep up in a hostile environment, but early turnovers doom a spirited effort in a 41-36 loss to South Alabama: www.bythebelt.com/ohio-bobcats...
Ohio sputters under the lights, lose 41-36 to South Alabama
Jaguars' dominant offensive performance leads the home team to victory
www.bythebelt.com
September 20, 2026 at 4:15 PM
The Ohio Bobcats, down several starters on offense, did their best to keep up in a hostile environment, but early turnovers doom a spirited effort in a 41-36 loss to South Alabama: www.bythebelt.com/ohio-bobcats...
It looked early on to be a banner day for the Miami RedHawks, who surged out to a three-possession lead in the first half over hated rival Cincinnati.
But the Bearcats rallied back, taking advantage of several Miami miscues to keep the Victory Bell: www.bythebelt.com/cincinnati-s...
But the Bearcats rallied back, taking advantage of several Miami miscues to keep the Victory Bell: www.bythebelt.com/cincinnati-s...
Cincinnati snatches final Victory Bell from Miami (OH), 35-31, in dramatic comeback
The Bearcats take a 62-60-7 lead in the oldest non-conference rivalry, with no more remaining games scheduled.
www.bythebelt.com
September 20, 2026 at 3:32 PM
It looked early on to be a banner day for the Miami RedHawks, who surged out to a three-possession lead in the first half over hated rival Cincinnati.
But the Bearcats rallied back, taking advantage of several Miami miscues to keep the Victory Bell: www.bythebelt.com/cincinnati-s...
But the Bearcats rallied back, taking advantage of several Miami miscues to keep the Victory Bell: www.bythebelt.com/cincinnati-s...
Reposted by By the Belt: A MAC Sports Blog
It's clear that they don't care about college football outside the SEC anymore. This should be at Western Michigan for the Boise State game.
ESPN's College GameDay is reportedly headed to Knoxville.
The show returns to Rocky Top for the first time since last season for Tennessee's top-15 clash vs. Texas.
➡️ www.rockytopinsider.com/2026/09/20/e...
The show returns to Rocky Top for the first time since last season for Tennessee's top-15 clash vs. Texas.
➡️ www.rockytopinsider.com/2026/09/20/e...
September 20, 2026 at 3:23 PM
It's clear that they don't care about college football outside the SEC anymore. This should be at Western Michigan for the Boise State game.
Yesterday, we eclipsed the 100 member mark for By the Belt. We thank you very much for all of your support and hope to grow that number in the future! 🎉
If you would like to sign up and get all our articles to your email, please follow the link here: www.bythebelt.com#/portal/
If you would like to sign up and get all our articles to your email, please follow the link here: www.bythebelt.com#/portal/
September 20, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Yesterday, we eclipsed the 100 member mark for By the Belt. We thank you very much for all of your support and hope to grow that number in the future! 🎉
If you would like to sign up and get all our articles to your email, please follow the link here: www.bythebelt.com#/portal/
If you would like to sign up and get all our articles to your email, please follow the link here: www.bythebelt.com#/portal/
Scores from the evening windows:
* Western Michigan 28, Rice 21
* South Alabama 41, Ohio 35
* Liberty 51, Ball State 15
* Cincinnati 35, Miami 31
* UMass 36, Stonehill 14
* NDSU 13, Sac State 0 (1Q, latest score pending review)
* Western Michigan 28, Rice 21
* South Alabama 41, Ohio 35
* Liberty 51, Ball State 15
* Cincinnati 35, Miami 31
* UMass 36, Stonehill 14
* NDSU 13, Sac State 0 (1Q, latest score pending review)
September 20, 2026 at 2:53 AM
Scores from the evening windows:
* Western Michigan 28, Rice 21
* South Alabama 41, Ohio 35
* Liberty 51, Ball State 15
* Cincinnati 35, Miami 31
* UMass 36, Stonehill 14
* NDSU 13, Sac State 0 (1Q, latest score pending review)
* Western Michigan 28, Rice 21
* South Alabama 41, Ohio 35
* Liberty 51, Ball State 15
* Cincinnati 35, Miami 31
* UMass 36, Stonehill 14
* NDSU 13, Sac State 0 (1Q, latest score pending review)
Reposted by By the Belt: A MAC Sports Blog
Tell everyone you know about 3-0 UMass
September 19, 2026 at 11:13 PM
Tell everyone you know about 3-0 UMass
We have three MAC games on offer for the late window, including WMU's trip to play Rice and Sac State's late-night excursion with fellow FBS newbie North Dakota State.
Join our game thread at BTB and be part of the conversation! www.bythebelt.com/2026-mac-foo...
Join our game thread at BTB and be part of the conversation! www.bythebelt.com/2026-mac-foo...
2026 MAC Football Week 3 Evening Live Game Thread
WMU is set to play an American Conference foe, while Sac State meets fellow FBS newbie North Dakota State.
www.bythebelt.com
September 19, 2026 at 11:38 PM
We have three MAC games on offer for the late window, including WMU's trip to play Rice and Sac State's late-night excursion with fellow FBS newbie North Dakota State.
Join our game thread at BTB and be part of the conversation! www.bythebelt.com/2026-mac-foo...
Join our game thread at BTB and be part of the conversation! www.bythebelt.com/2026-mac-foo...
Toledo just scored two TDs in under a minute to tie the game against Temple! Catch the ending with us in our game thread!
The late afternoon games are starting to kick off; join us in a new thread for the latest from the MAC games! www.bythebelt.com/2026-mac-foo...
2026 MAC Football Week 3 Late Afternoon Live Game Thread
More MACtion to whet your appetite!
www.bythebelt.com
September 19, 2026 at 10:33 PM
Toledo just scored two TDs in under a minute to tie the game against Temple! Catch the ending with us in our game thread!
Forgot to share this earlier, but here is what the MAC's new enhanced replay looks like on broadcast:
September 19, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Forgot to share this earlier, but here is what the MAC's new enhanced replay looks like on broadcast: