Believe it or not, LSU football has never played these FBS teams
By John Fye
Where’s LSU football’s MACtion?
Who doesn’t love them some MACtion? Apparently, the LSU Tigers don’t love it. LSU has only played half of the Mid-American Conference’s 12 teams.
Ball State Cardinals: When I think of Ball State, Willie Snead IV comes to mind. The Cardinals alum racked up 69 receptions and 984 receiving yards with the New Orleans Saints in 2015. Regardless, Ball State is not immune to playing top-tier college football programs. They have upcoming games against Georgia, Ohio State, and Auburn. However, the LSU Tigers are omitted.
Bowling Green Falcons: Something that has bothered me since childhood is that Bowling Green doesn’t wear green. Regardless, the Bowling Green, Ohio, program is arguably most notable as Urban Meyer’s first stop as a collegiate head coach. Meyer led the Falcons for two seasons before accepting the Utah head coaching job.
Thrilled to have Coach Urban Meyer back at Bowling Green to speak to the team this morning. We are proud to be the launching spot for his head coaching career. #RelentlessEffort // #AyZiggy pic.twitter.com/omOZO5Gt5Y
— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) August 10, 2019
Buffalo Bulls: Buffalo’s football program has been around since 1894, not including a 1970-77 hiatus due to funding. Recently, the Bulls have served as a stepping stone for FBS head coaches. Lance Leipold was the last UB head coach to leverage his success into a better gig at Kansas.
Northern Illinois Huskies: Northern Illinois is a MAC favorite among college football fans because of their 2012 run to the Orange Bowl. Like Buffalo, the Huskies’ football program is often a stepping stone for college head coaches. Recent examples include Jerry Kill, Dave Doeren, and Rod Carey.
Toledo Rockets: A little-known fact among college football fans is that Nick Saban coached the Rockets in 1990. He led Toledo to a 9-2 record before departing to join Bill Belichick’s staff with the Cleveland Browns. Regardless, the current Toledo Rockets are reigning MAC champions and coming off a Boca Raton Bowl win over Liberty.
Western Michigan Broncos: Western Michigan entered 2023 with a new head coach in Lance Taylor. The former Louisville offensive coordinator has his work cut out for him following the Broncos’ 5-7 finish last season. However, Western Michigan isn’t immune to winning. After finishing as undefeated MAC Champions, the Broncos appeared in the 2016 Cotton Bowl.