The MAC experienced a great shift in power during the 2016 season.
The Northern Illinois Huskies have dominated in the conference over the course of the decade, but will not qualify for a bowl game in 2016. Northern Illinois has not been excluded from the postseason since 2007, constructing eight-consecutive winning seasons and earning six-straight MAC West titles.
Several 5-7 teams attained bowl eligibility this season, due to the insufficient number of six-win teams. Academic Progress Rating (APR) is factored in to rank the precedence of 5-7 teams.
The Huskies own an APR of 970 and required a loss by either Louisiana-Lafayette or South Alabama on Saturday to qualify for a bowl.