We are heading into another pivotal week of NCAA football with all these big-time rivalry games. In this week’s MAC rundown, we go over upcoming games as well as the online betting lines. Let’s take a look at what to expect for this week.
Buffalo Bulls vs Bowling Green Falcons
College Football Odds: Buffalo -32
Buffalo has been rolling and that was most notable after their 42-10 victory over Miami University. The Bulls have been able to enjoy success due to their terrific rushing attack that begins and ends with their offensive line, which has been dominant. Meanwhile, Bowling Green has struggled and hasn’t had success in the passing game. The Falcons had success in the run game as well but it was nowhere near where they need it to be in order to win. In their last two matchups, Bowling Green has been outscored 100-27. The Falcons have not proven that they can compete with the best of the best and the matchup against a rolling Buffalo team only proves to be worse.
Pick: Buffalo -32
Akron Zips vs Kent State Golden Flashes
College Football Odds: Kent State -24
Akron comes into this contest 0-2 while Kent State comes in 2-0. This matchup will mark the 63rd game between these teams. Kent State is led by quarterback Dustin Crum, who has thrown for 490 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception in his first two games. The Golden Flashes have a committee at the running back position with true freshman Bryan Bradford averaging 7.4 yards per carry. However, Akron has been pretty good when defending the pass through their first two games so this will be a great test for both of these units. Akron has also been led by redshirt freshman quarterback Zach Gibson, who has thrown for 343 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Zips have one of the best running backs in the MAC in Teon Dollard, who has rushed for 232 yards and averages 6.2 yards per carry. While Akron has some things going for it, Kent State has been far better and should cruise.
Pick: Kent State -24
Western Michigan Broncos vs Central Michigan Chippewas
College Football Odds: Central Michigan -1.5
Western Michigan improved to 2-0 after overcoming Toledo, 41-38. The Broncos were able to recover an onside kick with less than a minute to go and win off a fake kneel play that resulted in a touchdown. They really should be 1-1.
Taking a look at the numbers, they average 49.5 points per game while averaging 460.5 yards per game. Their quarterback, Kaleb Eleby, has thrown for 546 yards and six touchdowns. Meanwhile, Central Michigan also is 2-0 after their big 40-10 victory over the Northern Illinois Huskies. Both of these teams have explosive offenses, which means the winner will be the team that is able to slow down the opposing offense first. With such a small spread, this game could definitely go either way, but Central Michigan has been able to face off against tougher teams during its first two games, and should be prepared to take this game.
Pick: Central Michigan -1.5
Northern Illinois Huskies vs Ball State Cardinals
College Football Odds: Ball State -14
The Huskies have had terrific success due to their defense being outstanding on third downs. They are currently allowing a nation low 20% conversion rate on third downs. It had led to their defense avoiding fatigue as much as possible and keeping their offense in a rhythm by getting off the field quickly. Their offense hasn’t been as explosive, though, as their rushing attack has been underwhelming. But they still dominant ball control, something that Ball State will have to win if they plan on winning this game.
Pick: Ball State -14
Toledo Rockets vs Eastern Michigan Eagles
NFL Odds: Toledo -6.5
The 1-1 Toledo Rockets will be going up against the 0-2 Eastern Michigan Eagles. Toledo is coming off a crushing loss to Western Michigan where the Broncos scored, recovered an onside kick, and then scored again within the final two minutes to steal the win.
Toledo has been averaging 38 points per game and is 16th in D-1 in average rushing yards per game. However, the Rockets have picked up the slack there with their passing game that is led by quarterback Eli Peters. In his last game, Peters threw for 339 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Toledo has proven that its offense is one of the most explosive that we have in the MAC while their defense has played outstanding football as well. They get an 0-2 Eagles team that has struggled on the defensive side of the ball. The spread here is close, but Toledo should be able to bounce back and win this game.
