CLEVELAND (AP) - Northern Illinois junior quarterback Jordan Lynch has been named the Mid-American Conference's player of the year.

Lynch rushed for 16 touchdowns and threw 23 TD passes while leading the No. 18 Huskies to an 8-0 league record. He has amassed 4,361 yards of total offense. Earlier this month against Toledo, he became the first player in FBS history to pass for more than 400 yards and run for more than 150. He holds the NCAA record with nine consecutive 100-yard rushing games.

Kent State coach Darrell Hazell was named the MAC's top coach after leading the No. 18 Golden Flashes to their best season in school history. Kent State is ranked in the AP poll for the first time since 1973 and headed to a bowl for the first time since 1972.

In other awards, Bowling Green defensive tackle Chris Jones was named the MAC's top defensive, player, Kent State kick returner Dri Archer is the top special teams player and Western Michigan wide receiver Jaime Wilson is the top freshman.

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