The West Division is represented by Central Michigan, who had a 10–2 record prior to the game, including a perfect 8–0 in the MAC.

[3] The MAC Championship Game matches the winners of the East and West divisions of the Mid-American Conference.

Although that didn't earn them a bid into the 2008 MAC Championship Game, they were able to go to the 2008 Motor City Bowl, where they would lose to the Florida Atlantic Owls in a 21–24 decision.

[5] In the MAC Preseason Media Poll, the Chippewas received 154 points, and was chosen to win the West Division of the conference.

However, in their next game against Big Ten opponent Michigan State, the Chippewas came out victorious, thanks to a game-ending field goal.

[7] In their home opener against the Braves of Alcorn State, the Chippewas had their way with a 48–0 victory, and they would end the first part of their out-of-conference season with a 2–1 record.

[8] They began conference play with a 48–21 victory over Akron, with starting quarterback Dan LeFevour having a hand in six of the seven Chippewa touchdowns.

In the first quarter of the game, LeFevour broke Byron Leftwich's previous MAC record of 939 completions in a career.

After a 24–10 victory over the Bowling Green Falcons, Central Michigan held a 5–0 conference record before traveling to Boston College for their final out-of-conference match-up.

[13] They followed that with a 35–3 victory over Ball State in Scheumann Stadium, and then returned home to defeat Northern Illinois in a 45–31 decision.