Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Western Michigan Broncos Predictions, Odds, Picks

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

4 minute read

Nov. 3, 2021

Stuart Durst
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

Wednesday night MACtion sees the Central Michigan Chippewas take on the Western Michigan Broncos. Kick off is set for 7:00 p.m. ET and will air on ESPNU from the Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Score Prediction

Western Michigan 38, Central Michigan 30

Best Bets

Central Michigan +10.5

Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Western Michigan Broncos Predictions

MAC action is back! To start us out on Wednesday, we have a rivalry game between Central and Western Michigan. As someone who proudly wears a Central Michigan basketball shirt (that was bought second hand, and gets confused with an CMU basketball player) I'm super invested in this game. Western Michigan is currently a 10-point favorite with the total set at 67.

While I'm highly invested in this game and my fake alumni, this hasn't been much of a rivalry recently. Western Michigan has won six of its last seven games against the Cippewas, and have won in three straight. Western Michigan is coming into this game with the record advantage at 5-3, and I think they keep it rolling this week.

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Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Western Michigan Broncos Betting Odds

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Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Western Michigan Broncos Betting Resources

Matchup: MAC
Date: Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Venue: Waldo Stadium
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
TV-Time: ESPNU - 7:00 p.m. ET

Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

SU: 4-4
ATS: 3-5
O/U: 3-5
ATS - Home: 2-2
ATS - Away: 1-3

One of the first things coach Jim McElwain said about the rivalry was, “We have to do something different because they’ve embarrassed us and that’s not good for this university. This university prior to the past 10 years (WMU 8-2 record) had a good stronghold on this rivalry, and I feel like since I’ve been here I’ve just simply let those people down.”

As someone who pays attention to coach-speak a lot, its evident throughout the week that CMU really wants this win. So far this season, Central Michigan's offense has looked good. The offense has been led by quarterback Daniel Richardson who has close to 1,500 passing yards and 14 touchdowns so far. They are averaging 29 points per game on offense, which is impressive but the defense has also allowed 28 points. While this game has shootout written all over it, CMU is used to playing in these high scoring games.

The line opened at -7 and I think there was some value there for Western Michigan. These two teams are fairly balanced and to see a 10.5 line seems way too inflated based on previous results. CMU may not win this game, but I believe their offense can keep it within 10.

Western Michigan Broncos Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

SU: 5-3
ATS: 4-3-1
O/U: 3-5
ATS - Home: 3-1
ATS - Away: 1-2-1

The Broncos rank No. 1 in the MAC in total defense (320.8 yards) and rushing defense (126.3). This is a unit that opponents have struggled playing against this season and clearly have some respect. Additionally, they rank second in the country in time of possession (36:38), which is an interesting stat for those brave enough to consider the under.

This Western Michigan team just dealt with a tough defeat last week against Toledo, where they only scored 15 points in defeat. Their offense is averaging 29 points per game this season, one more than CMU, and couldn't get the job done. I'm expecting a bounce back, beyond the obvious positive regression, CMU hasn't shown much on defense this season.

Kaleb Eleby has been a great leader for this team as the starting quarterback, completing 60.9% of passes for 1,977 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also absolutely demolished CMU in there rivalry game last year, throwing for 300+ and operating the RPO very efficiently.

Central Michigan has failed to cover the spread in 3 straight games when facing Western Michigan. (AP)

Inside the Stats - Central Michigan Chippewas

Record: 4-4
VI Ranking: 99
Points Scored: 232
Points Allowed: 227
PS/G: 29 (69th)
PA/G: 28.4 (82nd)

Inside the Stats - Western Michigan Broncos

Record:
VI Ranking: 84
Points Scored: 232
Points Allowed: 218
PS/G: 29 (70th)
PA/G: 27.2 (78th)

Key Players to Watch

CMU: Daniel Richardson - QB (109/187, 1,481 yards, 14 TD, 2 INT)
CMU: Lew Nichols - RB (166 carries, 917 yards, 5 TD)
WMU: Kaleb Eleby - QB (145/238, 1,977 yards, 12 TD, INT)
WMU: Skyy Moore - WR (56 catches, 753 yards, 5 TD()

Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Western Michigan Broncos Betting Conclusion

I considered the total in this game, but there is just so much volatility. Both of these teams can score 30+ points on any given night, but I think the CMU spread is safer. This line is sitting at 10.5 right now, and I have it projected at 7. These teams are going to be playing their hearts out, and I'm expecting a close game.

Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Western Michigan Broncos Betting Trends

WMU has failed to cover the spread in six straight home games when facing a school from Michigan.
CMU has failed to cover the spread in three straight games when facing WMU.
WMU has gone OVER the point total in seven of its last eight home games when playing in November.
The road team has won four of the last five meetings.