Bowling Green and Central Michigan both have impressive wins and head-scratching losses thus far. But both teams are 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the MAC standings and thus are factors in the conference title race.
Bowling Green had lost back-to-back games at Louisville and Ohio, both by double digits, going into its bout against Toledo at home. The Falcons scored 28 unanswered points against the Rockets, who were one of the favorites to win the MAC, en route to a victory.
CMU started the year with a win at San Jose State before two Power Four losses at Pitt and Michigan. But the Chippewas have won two of their last three games, including a 24-13 triumph against Eastern Michigan. But CMU’s last game was a 28-22 surprising loss at Akron, which was predicted to be one of the worst teams in the conference.
Both teams are aiming to get above .500 in this one.
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Central Michigan vs. Bowling Green Betting Odds
Bowling Green is a -3.5 college football betting odds favorite against Central Michigan, with the Over/Under being 43.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for Central Michigan is +145, while it’s -175 for Bowling Green.
Central Michigan vs. Bowling Green On TV
The matchup between Central Michigan and Bowling Green will be televised on CBSSN.
The game will kick off at noon ET on Saturday, Oct. 18. The contest is taking place at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Central Michigan vs. Bowling Green Prediction
I predict Bowling Green will win and cover the 3.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Under 43.5 total points.
These two teams are incredibly evenly matched in several statistical categories. The Falcons are seventh in the MAC in scoring offense (22.3 points per game) and sixth in scoring defense (25.3 PPG allowed) while CMU is eighth in both scoring offense (21.8 PPG) and in scoring defense (28.8 PPG).
Even when considering some of their strengths, I expect it to be a close battle. For example, CMU is top three in the MAC in rushing offense (188.5 yards per game) while Bowling Green is fourth in rushing defense (139.8 YPG allowed).
But after what we saw from both of these teams in their latest contests, I like how Bowling Green is playing recently. Led by Falcons linebacker Gideon Lampron, who leads the team with 57 tackles, I think BGSU’s defense will make critical plays down the stretch to help the Falcons win at home.
