Lock, Fade And Stay Away (11/4/20)

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Lock:

Central Michigan +2.5 (2.12u/2u)

The Chippewas are coming off of a MAC title game appearance, and will look to build off of last season’s success. Central Michigan is going to be without starting quarterback David Moore who is suppose to be a big factor for their offense this season. They will start freshman Daniel Richardson in his absence. The Chippewas are hosting the Ohio Bobcats in their first game of the 2020 campaign and open up as underdogs. Central Michigan brings back Kobe Lewis a junior running back as well as one of the top receiving corps in the country. Defensively they are bringing back First Team All-Mac linebacker Troy Brown. Also have one of the top defensive lines in the conference coming back this season.

For Ohio they have to replace Nathan Rourke who was their quarterback last season. It looks like they are going to roll with redshirt junior Drew Keszei, but they have Nathan Rourke’s brother Kurtis right behind him. This bobcats team is also bringing back three starters on the offensive line, and this offense looks like it will be as good as it was a season ago. I like Central Michigan in this spot right here, as I see them winning this game outright. Lock in the Chippewas at +2.5 as I am risking 2.12 units to make 2 units in this one.

Fade:

Miami Ohio -1 

Miami Ohio won the MAC last season, and their starting quarterback looked very good in his freshman campaign. The Redhawks have starting quarterback Brett Gabbert (yes that is Blaine Gabbert’s brother), entering his sophomore campaign and is looking to build off of last season’s success. They are bringing back sixteen starters this season so you would think that they have a legitimate shot at winning the MAC again this year right?

Wrong, I think Gabbert is going to take a step back in his sophomore season. We will see the trend start tonight against Ball State. The reigning champs only open as a one point favorite against Ball State who finished 5-7 last season and struggled down the stretch. I think Ball State is going to come out firing tonight, as they will look to take that big step forward that many thought they were going to take last year. Fade Miami Ohio tonight, as tonight has Ball State written all over it.

Stay Away:

Under 52.5 (Buffalo vs Northern Illinois)

Buffalo is my team in the MAC that I think is going to win the MAC title this season, and they are bringing back a lot of fire power. The Bulls are bringing back All-American running back Jaret Patterson (for those that don’t know he is going to be a very interesting NFL prospect to watch) on offense. Also their great defense that they had a season ago is bringing back seven starters. Lets start off with their offense Kyle Vantrease the redshirt junior took over the job last season due to injury to their starting quarterback and never looked back. Buffalo’s defense is going to be one of the best in the country. With guys like Taylor Riggins, Malcolm Koonce, Tyrone Hill leading the charge. I like Buffalo in this spot, and think their offense is going to put up some huge numbers tonight.

On the other side we have Northern Illinois that offensively is going to start graduate Ross Bowers who was their starting quarterback last season. The Huskies on defense are starting four new starters in the secondary so that is something to watch out for as well. Northern Illinois will score what is necessary for this over tonight. Stay far far away from the under in this one.

-Chris Jones (@cjoneswho1212)

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