As Northern Illinois looks to bust the BCS’ postseason party, the Huskies officially know which team will serve as its last regular season hurdle.
On the strength of a 24-7 road win over Buffalo Saturday afternoon, Bowling Green clinched the MAC East divisional title. Both teams entered the regular season finale tied at the the top of the standings at 6-1, and they are the only teams in that division with a conference record above .500.
BGSU has now won 17 games the past two seasons under fifth-year head coach Dave Clawson.
The Falcons Saturday claimed just its second division title since the conference split back in 1997. That last division title came in 2003; BGSU last won a MAC championship in 1992.
Standing in the way of the 15th conference championship in the football program’s history is 12-0 and 14th-ranked Northern Illinois. The two teams will square off at Detroit’s Ford Field Friday, Dec. 6, and, if NIU can remain unbeaten, the Huskies stand a very good chance of playing in a BCS bowl for the second consecutive season.