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The Mid-American Conference has shifted in football.
With UMass joining the East division in 2012, the league announced Wednesday that Bowling Green has moved to the West division. The alignment, which was approved in a unanimous vote by the MAC's presidents, is in football only.
UMass will be in the East along with Akron, Buffalo, Kent State, Miami and Temple. Bowling Green's competition in the West will be Ball State; Central Michigan; Eastern Michigan; Northern Illinois; Toledo and Western Michigan.
Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said a number of alignment options were considered and the final decision was made based on the ''core principles of geography, travel and rivalries.''
This will be the first time since 2006 that the MAC will have balanced divisional schedules.
UMass will begin conference play for the 2012 football season and be eligible for the conference championship game and a bowl in 2013.
