The conference was a hybrid of NCAA Division I-A and I-AA programs. Central Michigan and Toledo were I-A while the other teams were classified as I-AA for the 1982 season only.
The 1982 Eastern Michigan Hurons football team represented Eastern Michigan University in the 1982 NCAA Division I-A football season. The Hurons compiled a 1–9–1 record (1–7–1 against conference opponents), finished in ninth place in the Mid-American Conference, and were outscored by their opponents, 205 to 85. Mike Stock was the head coach for the first three games, compiling a 0–3 record, part of a 27-game losing streak dating back to the 1980 season. Bob LaPointe was the head coach for the final eight games, compiling a 1–6–1 record. Stock had been the head coach since 1978.[1][2] The team's statistical leaders included Steve Coulter with 1,290 passing yards, Ricky Calhoun with 656 rushing yards, and Rick Simpson with 385 receiving yards.[3]