COLLEGE FOOTBALL
UMass enters unbeaten with a four-game winning streak, averaging 36.3 points and 350.0 total yards per game while leaning on a strong rushing attack at 194.8 yards per game. Its defense has been the more important part of the start, allowing only 12.8 points and 283.3 yards per game. Eastern Michigan is 2-3, scoring 19.0 points per game and giving up 27.2, with a pass defense that has allowed 233.8 passing yards per game and an overall yards-per-play number that has been well below average. The contrast in recent efficiency points to a game where UMass controls field position and drives better than the Eagles.
UMass should be the more complete team in this game and is the better side to back. The Minutemen’s offense has been significantly more productive, especially on the ground, and their defense has held up far better than Eastern Michigan’s. With a projected final score of UMass 30, Eastern Michigan 24, the Minutemen are the pick to cover the spread while the total settles in the low-to-mid 50s.
