More MACtion coming at you, as the Central Michigan Chippewas head to Kent to take on the Kent State Golden Flashes. Both teams are riding high coming off wins in their previous matchups. Tonight should be a great game, filled with drama. The total is suggesting points, and that is exactly what we want this evening.
Letdown City, Kent State
The Golden Flashes are coming off a wild game last week against the Akron Zips. They were up by three scores and allowed Akron to come all the way back to force overtime, where they eventually prevailed 42-35. I watched that game from start to finish. If the Zips had not turned the ball over and missed field goals, they would have won. That game also highlighted how poor Kent State's defense has been, allowing Akron to rally from 35-17. Tonight, I expect them to be exposed again by the Chippewas at home.
I am not a fan of the 9.5-point spread for Central Michigan, but I believe I have found a better angle. Taking their first half team total over 13.5, priced at $1.40. No, I am not thrilled with the price either, but this prop is about the key number. If you want to chase slightly more, taking the over 14.5 is an option. I am focused on the key number under fourteen.
What Defense?
The Golden Flashes are allowing 21 points in the first half this season and rank 127th overall in points allowed. They are also 110th in rush yards allowed, which the Chippewas will fully exploit, as they run the ball nearly 70 percent of the time. With Central Michigan ranking 39th in rush yards per game, this is an ideal spot for them to feast on the ground. If forced to pass, Kent State ranks 127th in passing yards allowed per game, giving up the eighth most yards overall. Luckily for us, Central Michigan is not only eighth in the country in completion percentage, but also seventeenth in yards per pass, averaging 8.6 yards per attempt.
On the other side, Central Michigan averages 14 points in the first half and takes care of the football, ranking 12th in giveaways per game with just under one turnover on average. That is impressive.
We have seen just how bad Kent State's defense has been all season. I fully expect them to get smacked around tonight, coming off their emotional win over Akron. The Chippewas should be ready, and I believe getting two touchdowns and two extra points is very doable for this Central Michigan team. If they execute their run-heavy attack and avoid turnovers, this could get ugly early for the Golden Flashes. Expect the Chippewas to set the tone right from the opening snap and get us an early cash in the first half.
GO CHIPS!!
