DETROIT - Marshall is still king of the Mid-American Conference.

        Despite failing to win the MAC football title last season for the first time since joining the league in 1997, the Thundering Herd are expected to be back on top this season, according to the annual preseason media poll released Tuesday.

MAC POLL

Results of the Mid-American Conference preseason media poll, with first-place votes in parentheses. Teams receive seven points for a first-place vote, six points for second place, five for third, etc.   EAST DIVISION   1. Marshall (43) 324   2. Miami (3) 257   3. Cent. Florida (1) 248   4. Kent State 174   5. Akron 136   6. Ohio 111   7. Buffalo 66   WEST DIVISION   1. Bowling Green (25) 283   2. Toledo (13) 266   3. W. Michigan (3) 205   4. N. Illinois (4) 201   5. Ball St. (2) 188   6. Cent. Michigan 118   7. E. Michigan 55   CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WINNER   1. Marshall 41   2. Miami 2   2. Toledo 2   4. Bowling Green 1   4. Cent. Florida 1

        Marshall got 43 of 47 first-place votes for the East Division crown, which would be its fifth straight, and 41 votes for the conference championship. Miami University, 7-5 last season, was picked second in the East, followed by league newcomer Central Florida, which joined the MAC after six years as an independent since moving to Division I-A in 1996.

        Marshall lost to Toledo in the 2001 title game, ending a run of four straight league titles.

        “Our goals this year are the same as they are every season,” Marshall coach Bob Pruett said. “We want to be ranked in the top 15, and we want to win a bowl game. Last year, we (beat) East Carolina in the GMAC Bowl, but we lost the MAC title game and we were not in the top 15, so that's a disappointment.”

        Marshall is led by senior quarterback Byron Leftwic h, one of the best passers in the country.

        “It's great for me and the program that people are talking about me and the Heisman (Trophy),” said Leftwich, the only MAC quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a season.

        In the West, Bowling Green was picked first, ahead of rival Toledo. The Falcons are changing divisions after several years in the East.

        “This is an exciting change for us, because it gives new meaning to our games with Toledo,” Bowling Green coach Urban Meyer said. “The campuses are very close, and now the games might be for a championship.”

        Toledo followed its win over Marshall by beating Cincinnati in the Motor City Bowl last season.

        Miami, led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, travels this season to both defending division champions, Toledo on Oct.26 and Marshall Nov.2. MU opens its season Aug.31 at North Carolina.

Sports Stories

Buckeye rookies to face first test Marshall favored to reclaim MAC title Morrison gets wild card into Masters tournament

Moehler makes Reds' debut today
Bowden had Plan B ready
Moehler wanted to stay in Detroit
Rogers might say OK to Mariners
Boone gets contract extension
Analysis: Players like Boone
Reds 7, Pirates 2
Reds Box, Runs
Casey goes on DL with muscle tear
Reds Notebook: Gullett's return more likely
Rose headed to hall - boxing, that is
Should Cinergy fall quickly or slowly?
Cardinals 4, Giants 0
Diamondbacks 8, Rockies 5
Dodgers 8, Padres 6
Mariners 4, Rangers 1
Athletics 2, Angels 1
Louisville 2, Norfolk 0
Brown says Bengals need to win now
NFL Notebook: No. 3 Harrington signs with Lions