The MAC’s second-leading passer, Cooper Rush (1,771 yards, 12 TDs), and the Central Michigan Chippewas meet third-leading rusher, Anthone Taylor (474 yards, 2 TDs), and the Buffalo Bulls. Losers of three in a row, this rough season hasn’t gotten any better for Buffalo (2-3). The game starts at 1:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct 17 and will air on ESP3.
Central Michigan barely lost to Western Michigan 41-39 last week. Ben McCord had a solid outing in the loss, totaling four receptions for 41 yards and two TDs. Cooper Rush also had a big day, contributing 321 yards and four TDs through the air. Buffalo came up short as well, falling to Bowling Green 28-22. Matt Weiser had a good game for the Bulls, registering eight receptions for 90 yards. Ron Willoughby finished with 73 receiving yards and a TD on eight receptions.
Central Michigan is a seven-point favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable.
While the Chippewas haven’t performed well Straight Up (SU) this season (2-4), they’ve managed to play better than expectations with a 5-1 record Against The Spread (ATS) so far this year. The Central Michigan offense features a strong passing attack, currently ranking 21st in the nation with 301.8 passing yards per game. Mistakes could completely alter the game in favor of the Chippewas this week, as Buffalo is among the most penalized teams in Division I. This season, the Bulls have recorded 82 penalty yards per game.
On the other side, the Bulls are a good bet so far, with a respectable record of 4-1 ATS. Their SU record, 2-3, hasn’t been quite as good.
Predictions: SU Winner – Central Michigan, ATS Winner – Buffalo
Notes
Central Michigan is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Central Michigan’s last 6 games.
Central Michigan is 7-17 ATS in its last 24 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Central Michigan’s last 15 games at home.
Central Michigan is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Buffalo.
Central Michigan is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Buffalo.
Each team is 2-0 SU when leading after three quarters.
Per FBS ratings, Central Michigan has an advantage in the passing game. Its offensive passing game (ranked 21st in the nation) will face the 58th-ranked pass defense of Buffalo, while its 22nd-ranked pass defense will look to limit the 44th-ranked aerial attack of the Bulls.
