The MAC has become one of the most-popular Group of 5 conferences in the country, thanks in large part to their nationally televised midweek MACtion games.

Now, the conference is doing even more to stand out, and they have Power 5 teams in their crosshairs.

At MAC Media Days, commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said the conference teams would fly a pirate flag on campus each time they beat a Power 5 foe:

“The Mid-American Conference and its members are the pirates of the FBS,” Steinbrecher said. “Our ships, our stadiums are not always the largest, but we are manned by highly-motivated troops. Our players and coaches carry a chip on their shoulders to demonstrate an anywhere, anytime attitude. If respect is not freely given, we will earn it and we will take it.

“In the past, I have emailed a copy of the MAC Jolly Roger to schools that have won a non-conference game or a bowl game. This year, we will take that a step farther and provide a MAC Jolly Roger to each of institutions.”

Teams will fly the flag after beating Power 5 teams, so that should be interesting to see.

Western Michigan gets the first chance, hosting ACC squad Syracuse on Friday, Aug. 31. The following day, Central Michigan travels to Kentucky for the conference’s first chance to beat an SEC squad.