DETROIT - In the immediate aftermath of Bowling Green's upset of Northern Illinois in the Mid-American Conference Championship Game Friday night were reminders of realities of life in the MAC.
With the loss, Northern Illinois drops to 12-1 and misses the chance to play in its second straight BCS bowl game. Last year, each MAC program made about $360,000 from the league's BCS windfall.
That subject was broached with Bowling Green coach Dave Clawson in his postgame press conference.
"We won a championship but we aren't gonna be able to buy jock straps next year," Clawson said. "I'm kidding."
In the hours -- just hours -- after Northern Illinois beat Kent State in double overtime to win last year's MAC title game, then-Northern Illinois coach Dave Doeren accepted the job at North Carolina State. Even with his team going to the Orange Bowl, he was gone.
Also in that press conference, Clawson was asked if he'd be coaching at Bowling Green next year. Clawson said he understood but did not appreciate the question and said he wouldn't comment.
Again, realities. Programs with deeper pockets and bigger budgets always come calling for successful MAC coaches.
Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch had the national stage on Friday night, three days before the Heisman Trophy ballots are due in, and had arguably his toughest game of the season. He still produced 345 yards of offense but threw two interceptions.
"We came out a little flat and before you know it we were down, then 17," Lynch said. "We never really got that rhythm."
As Lynch spoke postgame, the celebrating Bowling Green players could be heard on their way to the winning locker room.
Of Lynch, Bowling Green defensive back Aaron Foster said "we wanted to let you guys (media) know that he's human."
