MACtion is back and having midweek football really makes things feel right for the first time this season. The marquee opener will be the Ohio Bobcats visiting the Central Michigan Chippewas on Wednesday, November 4, 2020. Both teams were picked third in the coaches preseason poll, but CMU was picked the MAC West by the media. This game will air live on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. EST.
The Ohio Bobcats will be disappointed with their 2019 season as the Bobcats were picked to win the MAC East, and to advance to the MAC Championship, but Ohio finished second in the division with a 7-6 overall record and 5-3 in the MAC. Ohio had a great end to the season as they knocked off Nevada 30-21 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Central Michigan had the exact opposite season of Ohio as the Chippewas were picked to finish at the bottom of the MAC West, but ultimately ended up winning the division with an 8-6 overall record and 6-2 in the MAC. CMU would fall 26-21 Miami (OH) in the MAC Championship game, but it was still a great season for Jim McElwain in his first year in charge. The Chips fell 48-11 to San Diego State in the New Mexico Bowl.
Below is my pick for the Ohio Bobcats at Central Michigan Chippewas. All odds are from BetMGM Sportsbook.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaaf/central_michigan” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Ohio Bobcats at Central Michigan Chippewas (-0.5): O/U 59.5 (-112/-108)
A vaunted running back duo will lead the Bobcats as O’Shaan Allison and De’Montre Tuggle will provide one of the most potent one/two options in college football. Joining the two running backs will be wide receiver Isiah Cox and tight end Ryan Luehrman. Defensively, line backers Dylan Conner and Jared Dorsa will be joined by secondary players Marlin Brooks and Jarren Hampton to sure up the defense.
The Central Michigan offense will be relying on redshirt freshman QB Daniel Richardson, but he will have a great receiving group to throw to, with none better than former Virginia Tech Hokie Kalil Pimpleton. JaCorey Sullivan and Tyrone Scott will also be weapons for the Chips. Running back Kobe Lewis will look to lead the backfield. Defensively, linebackers Troy Brown and Chuck Jones, safety Devonni Reed, and defensive linemen Robi Stuart and LaQuan Johnson will look to keep points off the board.
Series History: Central Michigan has won the last four meetings between these two and holds a dominant 25-5-2 all-time advantage.
Football Predictions: Give me the Central Michigan Chippewas -0.5 to open the MAC season.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 24-17