The undefeated Western Michigan Broncos and the Ohio Bobcats meet at Ford Field in Detroit for the MAC Conference championship on Friday, December 2nd. The title game is set to go off at 7 p.m. ET and can be seen on the ESPN2 Network. As of this article, the Broncos enter the game as -19 point favorites and the over/under is penciled in at 57.
The Broncos’ road to the Cotton Bowl runs through Detroit. Western Michigan is 12-0 and the country’s only unbeaten team beside the mighty Crimson Tide from Alabama. Their record gives them the inside track at a major bowl as the Group of Five automatic representative.
#21 Western Michigan (12-0):
The Broncos are making their first appearance in the MAC title game since playing in back-to-back championship games in 1999 and 2000. This MAC offense is dangerous and has been an efficient machine since it took the field to start off their run to Detroit.
Zach Terrell has been outstanding in 2016. Western Michigan’s wide out Corey Davis gets most of the attention, but Terrell’s 71.3 completion percentage ranks third in the nation. His 2016 stats tell the story, amassing over 200 completions for almost 3,100 yards with 30 touchdowns and a nations best one interception.
Western Michigan likes to pound the rock as much as pass it around the field. Jarvion Franklin and Jamauri Bogan are the perfect backs for the job. Together, the duo has galloped for well over 2,000 yards on 369 carries and have 20 trips to the back of the end zone.
Last week, receiver Corey Davis caught a touchdown, to give him a MAC-record 50 for his career. Davis snatched eight passes for 86 yards and is making his case that he is the best wide out in the FBS. His numbers in 2016 are pointing to that, reeling in 83 balls for over 1,283 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Defensive end Keion Adams is a beast on the defensive line, racking up a MAC Conference-high 16 tackles for loss. The rest of the front seven is no push-over, ranking 55th in the nation giving up only 160 yards a game. What really stands out about the defense, is that they tighten up in the red zone. The Broncos rank 16th in the nation allowing only 19.2 points per contest.
Ohio (8-4):
The Ohio Bobcats aren’t going to lay down for this championship affair. They won the MAC East division with a 6-2 conference mark and the head-to-head tiebreaker over Miami Ohio. Coach Frank Solich has them back in the MAC title game for the first time since 2011, when they were defeated by the Northern Illinois Huskies.
It’s been a struggle for the Ohio Bobcat offense in 2016. Last week was no different, as the Bobcats gained only 299 total yards and had eight penalties. Fortunately, they manage to come away with a victory against the Akron Zips 9-3.
Quintin Maxwell has taken over the quarterback duties the last two weeks of the season. The youngsters numbers aren’t much different than their original starter’s Greg Windham. Last week, Maxwell completed only 14 passes for 169 yards and no touchdowns on picks.
The Bobcats rely on four tail backs to handle the work-load out of the backfield. The foursome has totaled over 300 carries for over 1,600 yards and 13 scores. Quarterback Greg Windham has pitched in his share via the ground. He has another 78 carries for 350 yards and three scores.
Sebastian Smith and Jordan Reid are the go-to wide outs when either quarterback is tossing the ball around on game day. Together, they have just under 93 catches for over 1,300 yards and seven touchdown nabs. Running back Papi White also contributes, posting 35 catches for 500 yards and four scores.
Ohio’s defense, which is allowing the fewest yards per play in the MAC at 5.04. They manage to keep games close for the Bobcat faithful. They are especially tough against the run, allowing only 105 yards a game which is good for 4th in the country. Teams are averaging 21.7 points a contest against this Bobcat unit.
Trends and Notes:
The Broncos are 17-8 ATS in their last 25 conference games.
The Bobcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games.
The Over is 4-1 in the Broncos last 5 games overall.
The Under is 7-2-1 in the Bobcats last 10 neutral site games.
The Favorite is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings.
Game Prediction:
The Western Michigan Broncos truly seem to be a team of destiny. The “Row the Boat” mantra has taken hold and the Broncos have responded with an undefeated campaign. Quarterback Zach Terrell is smart and talented, which is a lethal combination when your surrounded by the talent that he has at his disposal.
The Ohio Bobcats have managed to find themselves playing in Detroit once again. The Bobcat’s defense is the reason why they are here and have a chance to upset the Broncos on Friday. Unfortunately, the offense has limped through the last three contests and now have to face the MAC’s best defense.
The 19 point spread the Las Vegas has doled out for this contest is there for a reason. The Bobcats continue to struggle to score and the Western Michigan Broncos are having their way with whomever is put in front of them. That being said, 19 is a lot of points in a title game on neutral turf.
The only way Ohio covers that spread is by limiting Western Michigan’s offense. The Broncos should have no problem doing that to Ohio. Play the defenses in this MAC championship game and take the under 57. Broncos 33 Ohio 14.
