Caleb Wilfinger
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The midweek MACtion keeps rolling on Wednesday with a pair of games that should be plenty compelling and have real implications as it relates to the conference standings and the title race. The Central Michigan Chippewas are in the midst of a disappointing season, while the Ohio Bobcats are struggling mightily compared to preseason expectations. Who will prevail in this MAC game on Wednesday? Let’s find out. Here is my Central Michigan vs Ohio Same Game Parlay for Wednesday’s matchup, which will be televised on ESPNU starting at 7:00 pm ET. Also, be sure to check out our NCAAF predictions for all the big games this week.
Ohio alt spread -13.5 (+120)
Alternate under 42.5 (+136)
Same Game Parlay odds: +420
Ohio Bobcats alt spread -13.5 over Central Michigan Chippewas (+120)
Outside of an upset win in non-conference play against South Alabama, the Chippewas haven’t had a season to remember. Central Michigan ranks 93rd in total offense and defensively 127th in passing success rate allowed and 127th in EPA per pass allowed (College Football Data). While the Ohio offense hasn’t scored more than 20 points in 4 games, I expect that to change as QB Kurtis Rourke should find success against a lackluster pass defense. Just last week, CMU gave up 333 yards and 3 touchdowns through the air against Western Michigan, who rank 82nd in passing efficiency. The Bobcats rank 22nd in passing success rate and should have no trouble moving the ball in this matchup.
Ohio has the edge on both sides of the ball behind the MAC’s top defensive unit. Not only are they the best defense in the MAC, but Ohio ranks 5th in total defense among FBS teams and has the number one rush defense in terms of EPA/Play. I expect the Bobcats’ defense to come up with big plays as it’s done all season considering Central Michigan ranks 117th in finishing drives on the year. Given that the spread on this game is 10.5, let’s take the Bobcats to win and cover by 2 touchdowns and get a bit of extra value.
Read our full Central Michigan vs Ohio predictions
Alternate under 42.5 (+136)
If you know anything about either of these teams, you’ll know that offense is not the strong suit of either side. Ohio has the luxury of having Kurtis Rourke at quarterback but the veteran signal-caller hasn’t been aided by his offensive line and receiving corps this season. As a result, the Bobcats are outside the top 80 in EPA per dropback, while also sitting at an even worse 126th in EPA per rush, per CFB-Graphs. On the other side, it’s not like Central Michigan has fared much better, with Chippewas QB Jase Bauer sitting at 107th in EPA among 146 qualifying FBS quarterbacks to this point. Both teams struggle mightily to score and I’m expecting a defensive battle in this one, so let’s back an alternate under for a bit more value.
