Central Michigan vs Western Michigan Picks and Predictions: A MAC Spread Too Good To Be True?

The Central Michigan Chippewas nearly mirror the Western Michigan Broncos in the box score but find themselves as a double-digit underdog for Wednesday night’s showdown on ESPNU. 

Central Michigan is coming off a heart-breaking loss to Northern Illinois, losing 39-38 on October 23. Prior to that loss, the Chippewas won three of four, with the only loss coming to Miami (OH). 

Meanwhile, Western Michigan put together their worst performance of the season with a lackadaisical 34-15 loss to Toledo. The Broncos had scored 64 points against Kent State in their previous game before Toledo. Western Michigan will look to find that type of offense again against Central Michigan. 

Here are our picks and predictions for the Mid-American Conference battle between Central Michigan and Western Michigan. 

Central Michigan vs Western Michigan odds

Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.

Western Michigan opened as a 10-point favorite but make sure to shop around if you’re on either side of this bet. The total opened at 63 and has been bet up to 67.5 at some outlets. You can still find a 66 hanging, but nonetheless, the total has been bet up by at least a field goal.

Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until kickoff and be sure to check out the full college football odds before placing your bets.

Central Michigan vs Western Michigan picks

• Central Michigan +10.5 (-110)
• Under 67 (-110)

Picks made on 11/01/2021 at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis.

Central Michigan vs Western Michigan game info

• Location: Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI
• Date: Wednesday, November 3, 2021
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPNU

Central Michigan vs Western Michigan betting preview

Weather

Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NCAA football weather info.

Key injuries

Central Michigan: Darius Bracy RB (Probable), Troy Brown LB (Questionable), LaQuan Johnson DL (Questionable), Dishon McNary DB (Questionable).
Western Michigan: No injuries reported.
Find our latest NCAA football injury reports.

Betting trend to know

Broncos are 0-4 ATS in their last four games following a bye week. Find more NCAA betting trends for Central Michigan vs. Western Michigan.

Central Michigan vs Western Michigan predictions

Central Michigan +10.5 (-110)

These teams are very equal in the box score. Central Michigan is scoring 29 points per game while Western Michigan is also scoring 29 points per game.

On defense, Central Michigan gives up 28.4 points per game while Western Michigan gives up 27.3 points per game.

The one difference is that Central Michigan allows nearly 100 more yards per game in comparison to Western Michigan. But in the grand scheme of things, Central Michigan still has the better defense. 

Western Michigan is missing a ton of tackles and haven’t been great against the run. The one area Central Michigan does well is rushing the football, as they gain 161 yards per game behind freshman Lew Nicholls III who has five touchdowns on 166 attempts and 915 yards for an average of 5.5 yards per carry. 

Both of these offenses are very equal. Again, they both literally score 29 points per game and they both average over 430 yards per game on the offensive end. 

But on defense, Central Michigan is way more explosive, especially with their defensive front. The Chippewas have been dominant on the line and while the coverage isn’t all that great, it still beats Western Michigan’s.

I like this game to stay tight throughout but believe Central Michigan has the better defense. I wouldn’t even be afraid to sprinkle on the moneyline for Central Michigan here. 

Under 67 (-110)

The total is getting out of hand here. It opened at 63 and is now sitting at 67. At that point, it’s time to look under. 

Like I stated above, Central Michigan has a better defense than what the box score shows. They’ve got a powerful defensive line and are making big time tackles in the backfield. 

I can’t say the same for Western Michigan. The Broncos are fantastic at creating pressure against the quarterback but they’ve struggled against the run and continue to miss tackles. 

Regardless, you need two teams to tango here. If Central Michigan is going to win this game, the Under will likely hit. Central Michigan needs to put together a big defensive game to get the win. 

Pages related to this topic