Detroit, Mich. - Coach Don Treadwell's Miami RedHawks have been chosen by the Mid-American Conference media to place third in the MAC East Division race.

The Red & White were only seven points behind Bowling Green, projected to finish second in the East.

Ohio and Toledo were selected to win the East and West Divisions respectfully in the 2012 MAC Football Preseason Poll. The poll was announced Tuesday at the league's annual Football Media Day at Ford Field in Detroit and was determined by members of the league's media contingent. The Bobcats also were selected to win the 2012 Marathon MAC Football Championship.

In the West Division, it was a narrow margin as only eight points separated the top three spots with Toledo gathering 87 points, followed by second-place Northern Illinois with 83 points and third-place Western Michigan with 79 points.

The close races reflect upon the competitive nature of the MAC. Over the last four years the conference has witnessed six different programs compete in the Marathon MAC Football Championship Game and ten of the 13 football programs have appeared in a bowl game in that span.

The 2012 season kicks off on Thursday, August 30 with five games, including four non-conference games and one conference game between Ball State and Eastern Michigan. The 2012 Marathon MAC Football Championship Game is Friday, November 30 at 7:00 pm from Ford Field in Detroit.

Miami's eight MAC opponents this coming season include UMass, a first-year member, Akron (0-8 in the MAC in 2011), Bowling Green (3-5), Ohio (6-2), Buffalo (2-6), Kent State (4-4), Central Michigan (2-6) and Ball State (4-4). Those MAC teams that the RedHawks do not play in 2012 include Northern Illinois (7-1 in 2011), Toledo (7-1), Western Michigan (5-3) and Eastern Michigan (4-4).

The complete media poll:

Team (First Place Votes) Points

MAC East Division
1. Ohio (17) 119
2. Bowling Green 91
3. Miami 84
4. Kent State 76
5. Buffalo 52
6. Akron 31
7. UMass 23

MAC West Division
1. Toledo (7) 87
2. Northern Illinois (5) 83
3. Western Michigan (4) 79
4. Ball State 42
5. Eastern Michigan 34
6. Central Michigan (1) 32