Posted by ESPN.com's Graham Watson

OVERVIEW: For the first time in the past two seasons, Central Michigan is not the dominant team in the Mid-American Conference. Ball State and Western Michigan have risen to challenge of the two-time MAC champions while Akron, Bowling Green and Buffalo are trying to keep pace in the East Division. There's no question that the strength of this conference is in the West. There are four teams above .500 in conference, none are in the East. It would be surprising if all of the MAC's bowl bids didn't go to teams in the West.

OFFENSIVE MVP: Ball State running back MiQuale Lewis has been a major reason why Ball State is 7-0 halfway through the season. He's has rushed for 100 yards in each of the past six games. The only game he didn't rush for 100 was when he rushed for 95 to open the season. He has added diversity to a once pass-heavy offense.

DEFENSIVE MVP: Miami (Ohio) senior linebacker Joey Hudson has lived up to his preseason hype as he leads the RedHawks with 56 tackles. He also has nine tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, three quarterback hurries and a defended pass. He is one of the key components of a Miami (Ohio) defense that ranks second in total defense in the conference and 41st in the country.

WHAT'S NEXT: The meat of the MAC season begins this week with a clash between Central and Western Michigan for MAC West supremacy. Western Michigan currently sits atop the MAC standings, but it's played more conference games than either Central Michigan or Ball State. With half the season remaining, it's clear that the race to watch is in the West, but watch out for some of the East teams acting as spoilers. Looks like Akron and Bowling Green are going to lead the East's charge, but Buffalo, Ohio and even Temple have proven to be worthy adversaries.