We’re all up in the MAC this week, but seriously, they have a ridiculous amount of teams and, thus, games.
12:00 PM- Miami at Central Michigan: Central Michigan hasn’t beaten anyone with a decent record yet, but Miami would count at this point. Otherwise, I don’t have much a feel for this game. Line: Central Michigan by 12.5. Well, this one seems easy. I think it could go either way, but I don’t think CMU can be counted on to blow anybody out just yet. I think Miami steals this one, 21-18.
1:00 PM- Bowling Green at Temple: Two teams seemingly heading in different directions, although Temple needs to get its offense on track soon if they’re going to uphold their title of East favorites. Line: Temple by 20. Ohio just did the Falcons by 24, so I suppose Temple should do the same thing this week. Let’s say Temple gets their offense on track and wins this one 31-10.
1:00 PM- Eastern Michigan at Ball State: Worst game of the year since last week (NM vs NMSU out west). Line: Ball State by 14.5. I think Ball State should win, but that’s too many, even against Eastern Michigan. Ball State wins a game I will be earnestly avoiding 21-13.
2:00 PM- Akron at Ohio: Akron bad, Ohio maybe good. Line: Ohio by 17. I’m comfortable with that. Ohio should win this one 38-16.
2:30 PM, NBC- Western Michigan at Notre Dame: Western Michigan has shown signs of life lately, and while I wouldn’t bet the house on it, I think they could actually be competitive in this one. Maybe. Line: Notre Dame by 24. Obviously I think this might be closer. Even if the Domers pull away in the second half, that’s a big line. Let’s say it’s ND 34-21.
3:30 PM- Buffalo at Northern Illinois: NIU is rolling, and while Buffalo has taken some steps in the right direction, that will have to be on pause this week. Line: Northern Illinois by 14.5. That’s about where I think it’ll end up, but I’ll lay the points with the Huskies, 30-14.
7:00 PM- Kent State at Toledo: This will be a telling game for Toledo- if they can bounce back from two losses to good teams from the west and beat Kent State, their schedule sets up for a nice winning streak. If not, they’ll lose ground to NIU they may never get back. Meanwhile, Kent State has to have this one too if they want to think about bowl games. Line: Toledo by 3.5. I’m thinking that the last two weeks haven’t been the ‘real’ Toledo, and the Rockets win this one by a touchdown or more. 24-17.
Pick Summary:
Miami +12.5 at Central Michigan
Temple -20 vs. Bowling Green
Eastern Michigan +14.5 at Ball State
Ohio -17 vs. Akron
Western Michigan +24 at Notre Dame
Northern Illinois -14.5 vs. Buffalo
Toledo -3.5 vs. Kent State