The Western Michigan Broncos battle the Central Michigan Chippewas this week in a game that will feature the MAC’s second-leading receiver, Daniel Braverman (521 yards, 4 TDs), and second-leading passer, Cooper Rush (1,450 yards, 8 TDs). Things have continued to look bleak for Central Michigan (2-3), finding itselves on the losing end of two straight. The game starts at 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct 10 and will be available on AMSN and ESP3.
In its last game before the bye, Western Michigan struggled mightily against Ohio State 38-12. Daniel Braverman had a great game in the loss, pulling in 10 receptions for 123 yards and one TD. Central Michigan is hoping for another victory like last week’s performance, when it defeated Northern Illinois 29-19. Jesse Kroll had a huge game for the Chippewas, grabbing five receptions for 68 yards and two TDs. Cooper Rush put up 182 yards and two TDs through the air.
The Chippewas are a five-point underdog against the Broncos and the Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is currently not available.
Even with a subpar Straight Up (SU) record of 1-3, the Broncos played better than expected, going 3-1 Against The Spread (ATS) so far this year. When the Broncos pass the ball, they do so at a high percentage. They complete passes 67.8% of the time they throw, 14th in the nation.
As for their opponent, the Chippewas fare well ATS, sitting at 4-1. However, they are only 2-3 SU this season. Chances are Central Michigan will continue to rely on its passing attack, where its 298 passing yards per game ranks 20th in the nation.
Predictions: SU Winner – Central Michigan, ATS Winner – Central Michigan
Notes
Western Michigan is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games.
Western Michigan is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Western Michigan’s last 13 games at home.
Western Michigan is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Central Michigan.
Western Michigan is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Central Michigan.
Western Michigan is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Central Michigan.
Central Michigan is 2-0 SU when leading at the start of the 4th quarter this season. Western Michigan is 1-0 SU when leading after three quarters.
Central Michigan also seems to have an advantage in the passing game when comparing just conference ratings. Its offensive passing game (ranked second in the MAC) will face the third-ranked pass defense of Western Michigan, while its second-ranked pass defense will look to control the third-ranked aerial attack of the Broncos.
When analyzing just conference ratings, Western Michigan has the advantage in the run game. Its 11th-ranked rushing attack will face the 14th-ranked rush defense of Central Michigan, while its 11th-ranked run defense will look to contain the 14th-ranked run game of the Chippewas.
