Central Michigan quarterback Jadyn Glasser opened his first start of the season with a 33-yard strike to receiver Langston Lewis. He went right back to Lewis for 31 on third-and-18 on the same drive. The Chippewas ultimately settled for a field goal, and Lewis finished the game with ten catches for 163 yards. With quarterback Angel Flores out for the season, Central Michigan gets to see how far those two can take them under the Ford Field roof. MACtion at the big dome! Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Eastern Michigan Eagles and the Central Michigan Chippewas.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
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Eastern Michigan vs. Central Michigan prediction, preview
Central Michigan head coach Matt Drinkall has good reason to let Glasser throw early. Miami (Ohio) held the Chippewas to 64 rushing yards, and Eastern Michigan held Ohio to 90 net yards on 25 carries. Ohio quarterback Nick Poulos still threw for 266 yards on 29 attempts, including a 78-yard touchdown. On that third-and-18 against Miami, Lewis caught the ball short of the sticks and ran another 15 yards. Drinkall can call for that throw on first down and make Eastern’s defensive backs tackle in space.
The job gets tougher for Glasser inside the 10. Central Michigan twice had to settle for short field goals against Miami, and Eastern has allowed just one passing touchdown on 12 MAC red-zone trips. The Eagles have given up six rushing scores on those visits, so Drinkall has reason to make them defend the handoff. Glasser found Lewis for a nine-yard touchdown on a separate trip against Miami. I expect him to look for Lewis again if Eastern crowds the line near the goal line.
Eastern Michigan quarterback Noah Kim missed the Ohio game and remains uncertain for Wednesday. Backup Brogan McCaughey drove the Eagles 98 yards in the fourth quarter and finished with a 24-yard touchdown pass to running back Joey Mattord. He got them back inside the five with a chance to win and drew a grounding flag as the rush closed on him. Mattord caught seven passes for 55 yards. McCaughey can lean on him earlier in the series after Eastern went a dreadful 2-for-15 on third down at Ohio.
Central Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan pick, best bet
Central Michigan can give him some of those conversions. The Chippewas have allowed opponents to move the chains on 28 of 53 third downs in MAC play, and they let Miami march 75 yards for a touchdown three times. Kim could do more with those extra snaps if he’s healthy. He’s thrown for 989 yards in four league games and can finish a drive with his legs, as he did at Akron. McCaughey threw for 197 yards on 39 attempts at Ohio, where the Eagles got seven of their 20 points off a strip-sack return and the extra point.
I’m projecting another McCaughey start. He can move Eastern with those throws to Mattord, especially if the Chippewas give him a second or third chance to extend a drive. I’ll take the point and a half with Glasser, who can get Lewis the ball early enough to spend more of the night making Eastern tackle.
Best bet: Central Michigan +1.5 (-115).
Projected score: Central Michigan 23, Eastern Michigan 20.
Best Bet: Central Michigan +1.5 (-115) at Eastern Michigan
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