Ohio at Central Michigan – Preview and Prediction
OHIO 1 CENTRAL MICHIGAN (49)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Ohio -2.5 Sagarin ratings – Pick em
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Ohio 25 Central Michigan 24 (Waiting for total)
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Ohio 28 C Michigan 24
The Game
Tuesday night MACtion !
The Ohio Bobcats are just one win away from clinching the MAC East Title and grabbing a spot in the MAC Title game. They have bagged seven wins and have only lost one game since the September 17th loss at Tennessee. The Chips are in a bit of a slump right now losing three straight and still need a win for bowl eligibility. With a record of 5-5, and games against Ohio and the JUGGERNAUT Eagles to come, Central Michigan is going to have their hands full.
The Match-Up
Ohio offense vs Central Michigan defense
The Bobcats are not flashy but they get the job done. RBs M Irons and D Brown have combined for over 1,000 yards on the ground and QB Quinton Maxwell is playing really well right now (236 passing yards, 50 rushing last week). They have some decent options in the passing game including WR Sebastian Smith who is averaging over 16 yards per catch.
The Chips defense has been a bit disappointing. It is hard to argue with the #34 ranking overall in terms of yards allowed but they are giving up a lot of points (#72 scoring defense). Part of that can be attributed to turnovers and 3rd down defense, but overall, the Chips have not created enough PENETRATION, nor have they been as good against the run as they were in the past two seasons.
Central Michigan offense vs Ohio defense
There is good news and bad news for Chips’ fans. The good news is that Cooper Rush can still get really hot and put up some yards. Furthermore, Ohio has given up over 300 yards passing in three of their last four games. The bad news ? Central Michigan has essentially zero running game right now and they are facing the #1 rush defense in the MAC. Ohio also leads the MAC in sacks per game (!) so we may see 46 bubble screens in the first 48 plays for the Chips. Rush has thrown 12 INTs already this season and will need to be accurate and have his best game of the season. However unlikely, any success they can find in the run game will allow them to take some deep shots. It would help if RB Devon Spalding was able to play in this one. He is currently listed as questionable.
MEGA MACtion MORSELS
Central Michigan had not lost to a MAC East team since 2011…..until they lost to Kent St two weeks ago….and then to the SURGING Redhawks last week…..Truly amazing FACTOID to impress your cheating poker buddies.…Ohio is THIRD in the FBS in sacks per game…..They are led by the aptly named Tarell BASHAM who has 9 sacks…..The under is 8-0-1 in the last 9 Ohio games.
Summary
Ohio is the more well-rounded team. There are playing really good football right now whilst the Chips are struggling. Seems like a gimme, but this is the MAC, and Ohio has been outgained in three of their last four games. That includes a game vs Buffalo.
Conclusion
Official play: None.
Lean: Ohio at -2.5 or better.