The Central Michigan Chippewas stroll into Eastern Michigan to play the Eagles with a bowl prize on their minds. The MAC Conference rivalry game is set to begin on Tuesday, November 22nd at 7 p.m. ET and will be televised on the ESPN3 Network. As of this article, the contest between the two schools is a pick em’ match-up.
Central Michigan (6-5):
The Central Michigan Chippewas are aiming for a Bowl after snapping a three game losing streak with a 27-20 triumph over the Ohio Bobcats. Central Michigan signal-caller Cooper Rush was solid, as he connected on 25 of 32 passes for 268 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Heading into this contest against the Eagles, Rush has tossed for over 3000 yards with 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
The passing attack was about it for the Chippewas offense as their running game was ineffective. That being said, they did manage to hold on to the football for four quarters which has been a problem area for the back field in 2016. All totaled, the Chippewas have carried the ball over 300 times for over 1,250 yards and 14 scores.
Quarterback Cooper Rush isn’t shy about spreading the ball around to his wide receivers. Five wide outs have caught over 20 balls and all have them have also been rewarded with at least one trip to pay-dirt. Pass catcher Corey Willis is Rush’s favorite target, reeling in 61 footballs for just under 900 yards and nine scores.
Defensively, the Chippewas have been solid throughout the lion’s share of the 2016 season. Their secondary is ranked 35th in the nation allowing just over 200 yards a game. The front seven is also competitive, holding programs to 159 yards a contest (50th).
Eastern Michigan (6-5):
The Eastern Michigan Eagles are also 6-5 and a victory would solidify their chance of a post season birth. Furthermore, it would cement the Eagles first winning season in an eternity. Eastern Michigan would already be celebrating if not for a 31-24, overtime loss to Northern Illinois last time out.
Last week, Eagles quarterback Brogan Roback struggled. He only completed 17 of 38 throws for 184 yards with a touchdown and two picks. The kid-under-center will need a big bounce back game to match-up with opposing quarterback Cooper Rush. In 2016, Roback has connected on 167 passes for over 2,000 yards with 14 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Tail back Ian Eriksen was the offense for Eastern Michigan in their game against the Huskies. The stout running back rushed for 171 yards and two trips to the back of the end zone. Out of the back field this season, Eriksen has rumbled for 741 yards on 175 carries and has nine touchdowns to show for his efforts.
Three wide outs handle the pass catching duties for the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Together, the trio has reeled in 121 passes for almost 1,600 yards and 13 scores. Tight end Nigel Kilby has pitched in as well. the 6’7, 240 pound player has 31 catches and four scores.
On the other side of the ball, Eastern Michigan has continues to struggle to shut-down opposing offenses this season. They are 92nd in the nation, allowing 439 yards a contest. The Eagles are especially bad against the pass, surrendering 272 yards a game, which is 114th in the country.
Trends and Notes:
The Chippewas are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
The Eagles are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
The Under is 7-0 in the Chippewas last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
The Under is 7-2 in the Eagles last 9 games overall.
The Road team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Game Predictions:
There is plenty on the line for both programs on Tuesday night. The in-state rivalry is just one aspect, but both programs are looking to secure their bowl position among the MAC’s eligible teams.
The Chippewas will rely heavily on Cooper Rush’s quarterbacking skills, but the return of Devon Spalding could add some punch to the ground game. Obviously, Central Michigan missed his presence out of the back-field in last week’s game.
Eastern Michigan’s Ben Roback has to be better if the Eagles are to continue on with their best season in a long time. Uncharacteristically, he was careless with the football against Northern Illinois, and it cost his team the game. Running back Ian Eriksen should see another large heavy work-load to help keep the offense in short yardage situations.
This is truly a coin flip game that were dealing with on Tuesday. There are major implications for both schools so they will be motivated to play their best football on Tuesday. The road teams do well in this rivalry and I expect the same once again in this match-up. The Chippewas will be more balanced with Devon Spalding back and sport the better defense of the two. Take the Chippewas in a pick em’ affair on Tuesday.
