The Ohio Bobcats and Western Michigan Broncos will square off for the MAC Championship at Ford Field Friday night. The Bobcats are currently a 18.5-point underdog with the total set at 59.5.
Western Michigan Broncos
The 17th ranked Western Michigan Broncos went through the season undefeated and with a 9-3 ATS record. The only other unbeaten teams in the nation is the No. 1 Alabama. Check out the official college football rankings. While the schedule has been fairly easy, they’ve also defeated two Big Ten teams in Illinois 34-0 and Northwestern 22-21. A win here would see Western Michigan advance to the Cotton Bowl.
The Broncos boast one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the nation in senior Zach Terrell and senior receiver Corey Davis, who gained more yards than anyone in FBS history through the air. Their offense averages 44.8 points per game, and their defense ranks 31st in yards allowed and gives up an average of only 22 points per game.
The Broncos are 6-1 ATS in their last seven Friday night games while the over is 4-1 in their last five games overall.
Ohio Bobcats
The Ohio Bobcats finished with an 8-4 record while going 6-6 ATS. They earned their spot in the MAC championship game by winning four of their last five games, the most recent a low-scoring 9-3 win against Akron. Ohio has the top defense in the MAC and ranks 31st in yards allowed nationally while giving up an average of only 22 points per game.
The Bobcats were in the middle of the pack in total offense and and average 27 points a game. Senior receiver Sebastian Smith has 49 catches for 820 yards and senior quarterback Greg Windham (leg) could return under center after missing the last three games. Freshman QB Quinton Maxwell threw five touchdown passes and only one interception in the last four games in place of Windham, but he threw for just 169 yards against Akron as the team won without scoring a single touchdown.
The Bobcats are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 Friday night games while the under is 7-2-1 in Bobcats last 10 neutral site games.
Ricky Recommends
Western Michigan won last season’s meeting 49-14. but it’s not easy to break down this Ohio defense. Take the points on the Bobcats +18.5
