The MAC produced an incredible Week 1 special teams highlight reel

From an opening kick return touchdown to successful fakes, there was no shortage of MACtion on special teams.

The 2024 Mid-American Conference season couldn’t have initiated in more perfect fashion.

The first kickoff of the season transpired at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday night at Doyt-Perry Stadium in a matchup between Bowling Green and FCS visitor Fordham. Before one snap was handled in the MAC football season, there were already points decorating the scoreboard.

Bowling Green return specialist Justin Pegues fielded the opening kickoff 100 yards to the house to provide the Falcons a 6-0 advantage within 12 seconds of action. Pegues set a school record in the 100-yard return, receiving significant assistance from fellow running back Jaison Patterson who laid down the hammer with several devastating blocks.

That wasn’t Bowling Green’s only notable special teams moment. In the late third quarter, Bowling Green faced a 4th and 25 from midfield. With a quarter of the field needed to move the sticks, it was the most unlikely of fake punt scenarios, but the Falcons decided to roll the dice anyway. It worked. Punter John Henderson, in his first game at Bowling Green, tucked the ball in and sprinted with a heap of daylight in front of him. Henderson unleashed a set of wheels, hauling 29 yards into Fordham territory before finally absorbing his first contact at the 23-yard line. Bowling Green logged a touchdown three plays later, set up by a rare 4th and 25 fake punt.

That was the Falcons’ final score in a seamless 41-17 victory, which had immense special teams impact throughout.

On Friday night, the special teams highlights continued for the MAC. Western Michigan traveled to Wisconsin for a rematch of the 2016 Cotton Bowl — one of the most iconic matchups in MAC football history. The Broncos sought for revenge after the Badgers ended their bid for an undefeated record eight years ago, and in order to do that, Western Michigan pulled out all the tricks.

In the late third quarter, Western Michigan lined up for a long field goal on 4th and 6 from the Wisconsin 30. Instead of going forward with the kick, the Broncos chalked up a gadget play similar to LSU’s famous Colt David fake field goal in 2007. Punter Ryan Millmore handled the snap and tossed the ball behind his head to kicker Palmer Domschke. Domschke, who is cited to have run a 4.5 to 4.6 40-yard dash, evaded a shoestring tackle and sprinted 26 yards toward the corner of the end zone, getting knocked out of bounds at the 4-yard line.

It was a play Western Michigan practiced for several weeks and its players even attempted it in CFB25. The fake field goal ultimately led to a go-ahead fourth quarter touchdown right after the “Jump Around,” but Wisconsin regained control in the final frame to win 28-14.

The special teams madness sustained Saturday.

Kent State traveled to the Steel City for its 2024 opener at Pittsburgh, and special teams produced a great impact on that game’s first half. Pitt returned a first quarter punt for a touchdown, but the Golden Flashes struck back with their own special teams score in the second quarter. Kent State punter Josh Smith sent his fourth attempt of the first half to former Akron wide receiver Konata Mumpfield.

Mumpfield fielded the punt off one hop but never secured the pigskin cleanly. Upon facing contact, the ball jarred loose and plopped into the hands of Kent State cornerback Naim Muhammad. Muhammad raced 34 yards down the left sideline for the Golden Flashes’ second touchdown of the afternoon.

That play sparked a 14-0 run for Kent State which remained within one score in the third quarter, but Pitt ultimately prevailed with a 55-24 victory at Acrisure Stadium.

What a special teams week it was for the MAC to kick off the 2024 college football season. An opening kickoff return touchdown, a touchdown stemming from a fumbled punt return, and two successful fakes highlighted a weekend full of captivating plays.

Some call it chaos, but here, we just call it MACtion.