A couple of schools that like to mix in a lot of running plays, Chippewas (+4.5) are gearing up to welcome the Western Michigan Broncos (-4.5) to Central Michigan. This MAC game starts at 3:00 p.m. ET and fans can tune in to the action on ESPN+.
Betting Preview: Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Western Michigan Broncos
Central Michigan enters this MAC game as the underdog and is currently getting 4.5 points. If they want to take the moneyline, bettors would currently have to spend $200 in order to win $100 back on the Broncos (-200). The Chippewas are getting +170 moneyline odds. Vegas has placed the over/under (O/U) at 58 points, and if one team finds paydirt early, it’ll likely lead to a worthwhile betting opportunity in-game.
The sharp action is siding with the Chippewas. The opening line was 5.5, while the game’s total has yet to change after being set initially at 58.
The Broncos have gained 3.0 units so far in 2018 and are 2-5 against the spread (ATS). The team’s posted an O/U record of 3-3.
The Chippewas have lost 4.8 units this season. The team is 4-3 ATS and owns an O/U record of 3-4.
The Broncos are 5-2 straight up (SU), including 3-0 SU against conference opponents. The Chippewas are 1-6 SU overall and 0-3 SU in conference play.
When these two programs met last year, Central Michigan won by a touchdown 35-28.
Western Michigan enters this matchup on a zero-game winless skid while Central Michigan has won each of its last zero. The Broncos are coming off a 42-35 victory over Bowling Green last week. Jon Wassink completed 22 passes for 286 yards, two scores and two interceptions. LeVante Bellamy (145 yards on 24 rush attempts) and Jamauri Bogan (75 yards on 15 carries, four TDs) provided the ground attack while Giovanni Ricci (seven receptions, 64 yards) and Jayden Reed (four catches, 67 yards) handled the receiving duties in the win.
Central Michigan narrowly suffered a 24-23 defeat to Ball State. The team’s defense allowed the Cardinals to eat up the clock by rushing for 157 yards on 51 attempts, including two rush TDs. Malik Dunner had a productive showing in the win for Ball State, recording 55 yards on five catches. For Central Michigan, Tommy Lazzaro completed 11-of-22 passes for 127 yards and one touchdown. Lazzaro (110 rushing yards on 25 attempts, one TD) and Romello Ross (111 yards on 14 carries) spearheaded the running game while Devon Spalding (two receptions, 45 yards) and Tony Poljan (two catches, 37 yards, one TD) led all Central Michigan pass-catchers in the loss.
When breaking down offensive play-calling, each squad sports a similar run-pass ratio on the season. Western Michigan’s run the ball on 55.0 percent of its offensive possessions while Central Michigan has an overall rush percentage of 56.7. Having said that, the Broncos have produced 208.1 rush yards/game (including 185.7 per game against Mid-American opponents) and have 16 touchdowns on the ground this year. The Chippewas haven’t been quite as successful, as they’re totaling 138.9 rushing yards per game (197.7 in conference) and have five total rush TDs.
The Broncos offensive scheme has averaged 277.7 yards in the air overall (320.0 per game versus conference opposition) and has 16 passing scores so far. The Chippewas have recorded 147.9 pass yards per game (152 against MAC competition) and have eight total pass TDs.
Defensively, Western Michigan has allowed opponents to rush for an average of 171.9 yards and throw for 223.4 yards per game. The Central Michigan D has allowed 153.4 yards per game to opposing passers and 198.4 yards per game to opposing runners. The Chippewas are giving up an adjusted net yards per pass attempt (ANY/A) of just 3.83 to opponents, while the Broncos have allowed an 8.30 ANY/A.
Offensively, Wassink has amassed 1,709 passing yards this season. He’s connected on 62 percent of his 204 attempts with 15 passing scores and five interceptions. Wassink’s got an 8.51 adjusted net yards per pass attempt overall, although that number is 6.97 over the past two games.
Tommy Lazzaro has connected on 50-of-94 passes for 490 yards, four TDs and four INTs for Central Michigan. His ANY/A stands at a terrible 3.29 for the season and 1.73 over his past two outings.
Western Michigan Broncos at Central Michigan Chippewas Free NCAA Betting Tip
SU Winner: Western Michigan, ATS Winner: Western Michigan, O/U: Over
Team Betting Notes
- The Central Michigan defense has sacked opposing QBs 18 times this year. Western Michigan has recorded 14 sacks.
- The Central Michigan offense has lost four fumbles in 2018 while Western Michigan has let three get away.
- The Broncos offense has tallied seven pass plays of 40 or more yards, while the Chippewas have put up zero such plays.
- The Western Michigan defense has allowed six pass plays of 40+ yards, while Central Michigan has given up zero such plays.
- The Western Michigan offense has created 10 rushing plays of 20+ yards, while Central Michigan has created three such runs.
- The Broncos defense has allowed 11 rushing plays of 20 or more yards, while the Chippewas have given up 12 such runs.
- The Over/Under for Central Michigan’s previous outing was set at 55. The under cashed in that 24-23 defeat to Ball State.
- Over its last three matches, Central Michigan is 1-2 ATS and the over cashed in two of those three.
- In its last three games, Western Michigan is 0-3 ATS and the over cashed in two of those three.
- The O/U for Western Michigan’s previous game was set at 68.5. The over cashed in the team’s 42-35 victory over Bowling Green.
- As a team, Western Michigan has averaged 4.2 yards per rush attempt across its last three games and 4.6 over its last two.
- Central Michigan has averaged 4.6 yards per carry over its last three outings and 5.0 over its last two.
