Western Michigan Broncos vs. Central Michigan Chippewas Prediction, Odds, Line, Spread, and Picks

In a battle of Michigan schools, the Western Michigan Broncos (3-7) will take on Central Michigan Chippewas (4-6) in a MAC weekday matchup.

Western Michigan lost last week 24-21 to the Northern Illinois Huskies. The NIU held Western Michigan scoreless for the final 18-plus minutes before Justin Lynch (younger brother of NIU All-American and Heisman finalist Jordan Lynch) punched it in on a nine-yard touchdown run with 56 seconds remaining in regulation to give the Huskies the lead. Broncos quarterback Treyson Bourguet had the best start of his young career, going 15-of-30 for 185 yards and a score against no interceptions. He added 43 yards on the ground with a touchdown scamper in the first quarter.

Central Michigan rallied from a 24-7 halftime deficit to beat the Buffalo Bulls 31-27. Chippewa had deployed a QB tandem of Daniel Richardson and Jase Bauer in recent weeks, but the play of freshman Bert Emanuel Jr. grabbed the headlines in the win. The quarterback took on the rushing role of Bauer, scampering for a ridiculous 293 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. He added 22 passing yards on 1-of-3 passing. Richardson and Emanuel should continue to share duties in the future.

Western Michigan vs. Central Michigan Betting Odds

Team	Spread	Over/Under	Moneyline
Western Michigan Broncos	-10.5	049.5	+330
Central Michigan Chippewas	-11.5	u49.5	-410

All Lines Provided by DraftKings Sportsbook

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Tale of the Tape

Tim Lester is in the midst of his first losing season as the frontman for the Western Michigan Broncos since taking over for P.J. Fleck in 2017. The quarterback played sunk Western Michigan in the early going. Jack Salopek threw 10 interceptions in six games before losing his starting job to true freshman Treyson Bourguet.

Bourguet is from Tucson, Arizona, and played his high school ball at Salpointe Catholic, leading them to a state title game last season. As a coach on the staff, I got to know Treyson exceptionally well. He is poised and takes care of the ball while being the leader of the offense. He accounted for 40 touchdowns against only three interceptions. Western Michigan ranks at or near the bottom of the MAC in points, yards per game, and yards per play, but should continue to improve with Bourguet under center.

The Western Michigan defense has been tough against the run this year. Opposing rushers go for only 142 yards on 3.9 yards per carry. They do a decent job against the pass as well. The defensive unit allows 363 yards per game, the second-best mark in the MAC. They also turn opposing offenses over nearly twice per contest.

Jim McElwain is in year four as the bench boss for the Central Michigan Chippewas. He has kept the Chippewas bowl eligible every season, but at 4-6, they are in danger of their first losing season since 2018. However, they have won three of their last four, keeping their chances of a bowl game birth alive heading into Wednesday's matchup. The offense has taken a step back this season after dominating in 2021.

Star running back Lew Nichols will be active for Wednesday's game despite missing last week with an undisclosed issue. The on-and-off injured back led the NCAA in rushing last season but only averages 3.4 yards per pop this year. Daniel Richardson tossed 24 touchdowns last season against six interceptions but is down to only 15 in three fewer games this year. CMU is 4th in the conference in yards per game due to a well-rounded rushing attack.

The Chippewas defense has been boosted by one of the best front sevens in the MAC. Opposing backfields average 3.5 yards per attempt on 38.5 rushes per game. They also keep quarterbacks under a 60% completion percentage.

Western Michigan vs. Central Michigan Prediction

I love Treyson, so I don't think I'm going to bet against the dude who led us to state last season. The kid can spin it and get the job done. CMU is 1-2 since he became the starter, but they are 3-0 ATS. I want the Broncos to cover a double-digit spread, but I would instead take the under with it sitting just south of 50.