Give this Ohio newbie a few college football conferences to track, and predictions will quickly follow. Let's start our prediction week with a look at the Mid-American Conference. The rest of this week's schedule: Big Ten (Tuesday), Ohio Athletic Conference (Wednesday), Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (Thursday) and Mountain East Conference (Friday).

Mid-American Conference Predictions

East

1. Bowling Green -- Averaging 30 points per game isn't necessary with the Falcons' defense.

2. Ohio University -- Injuries a massive problem last season. Expect another bowl appearance in 2013.

3. Kent State -- Running back Dri Archer and defensive tackle Roosevelt Nix are stars. The supporting cast is pedestrian.

4. Buffalo -- Not a threat to beat Ohio State in Week 1. But capable of upending any of the division's top three teams.

5. Miami -- Coach Don Treadwell could be in trouble if Redhawks post another four-win season.

6. Akron -- Zips will score. They will also get scored on at alarming rates.

7. UMass -- Gillette Stadium boasts state's lowest population density on Saturday afternoons.

West 

1. Northern Illinois -- Did the smart thing and promoted Don Carey to head coach when Dave Doeren bolted to North Carolina State. Another BCS-busting season possible.

2. Ball State -- Pete Lembo is a rising coaching star. Some Big Ten athletic directors might want to add his number to speed dial. 

3. Toledo --Only one returning starter on the defensive front will result in some shootouts.

4. Western Michigan -- Bill Cubit left new coach P.J. Fleck some nice pieces. Broncos' talent the best among Michigan's compass schools.

5.  Central Michigan -- Don't see a No. 1 overall NFL draft pick anywhere on this roster. Don't see a .500 season in Chippewas' immediate future, either.

6. Eastern Michigan -- The Eagles can run the ball. The problem? They can't stop the run.  

-- Guy Cipriano | @newsheraldguy