The Mid-American Conference (MAC) had a very good opening weekend, and there are plenty of intriguing games on the slate this week. Below, we look at the best bets from the Mid-American Conference in Week 2, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
MAC best bets for Week 2
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:05 a.m. ET.
Miami (Ohio) +19.5, -112 at Minnesota (Saturday at noon ET)
The public isn’t feeling the RedHawks after they were routed 49-14 by rival Cincinnati last week. Cincinnati is a legitimate College Football Playoff contender with a bevy of superstars and there’s nothing to be ashamed about in losing to the Bearcats.
Minnesota put up a very good fight against Ohio State while losing 45-31. The offense did a very good job in piling up 408 total yards against the Buckeyes, including 203 rushing yards. That’s the good news. The bad news is the Golden Gophers lost RB Mohamed Ibrahim, to a season-ending lower leg injury.
Minnesota might be able to rebound from the devastating news to win, but the offense is going to be in a little bit of disarray while trying to adjust. The Gophers aren’t going to cover against a RedHawks offense with some big-time weapons.
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Northern Illinois +6.5, +102 vs. Wyoming (Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET)
Northern Illinois made plenty of headlines in picking up a 22-21 outright win at Georgia Tech as a 19-point underdog.
Meanwhile, Wyoming trailed 16-12 against FCS Montana State until scoring the game-winning touchdown with 47 seconds left in regulation. The Cowboys held off MSU 19-16, but they never came close to covering the 20-point number.
NIU allowed 286 rushing yards to Georgia Tech, which is something it needs to fix in a hurry; however, Michigan State transfer QB Rocky Lombardi paid instant dividends with the late heroics, tossing a touchdown pass with 38 seconds left in regulation for the 22-21 win.
If the late touchdown isn’t good enough, the Huskies elected to go for 2 and the win instead of the extra point and possible overtime, and Lombardi successfully converted. He has made an immediate splash and the former Power 5 conference starter is changing the fortunes of the Huskies right from the jump.
As long as NIU can find a way to contain Wyoming RB Xazavian Valladay, at least somewhat, they should be able to keep this a one-score game, if not win outright in its season opener in DeKalb.
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