The Central Michigan Chippewas (8-5) and San Diego State Aztecs (9-3) lock horns Saturday in the New Mexico Bowl. Kickoff at Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque is set for 2 p.m. ET. We analyze the Central Michigan-San Diego State odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
Central Michigan vs. San Diego State: Three things you need to know
1. Central Michigan is 28th in the nation with 445.6 yards per game and 44th in scoring at 31.9 points per game. The Chippewas are 20th against the run, allowing just 115.1 yards per game on the ground.
2. San Diego State, on the other hand, struggles to move the ball. The Aztecs are 115th in the nation in total yards (329.3), tied for 97th in passing yards (195.6), 103rd in rushing yards (133.7) and 119th in scoring (19.0). Defensively, though, the Aztecs are an outstanding fifth in total yards allowed (288.7), second against the run (72.3) and fourth in points allowed (12.8) per game.
3. Aztecs leading rusher RB Juwan Washington (ankle) is listed as questionable. If he cannot go it would be RB Chase Jasmin leading the charge, and he was more than capable with a team-best 4.6 yards per carry on 69 attempts while leading the team with three rushing TDs.
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Central Michigan vs. San Diego State: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 2:25 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Central Michigan 23, San Diego State 15
Moneyline (ML)
CENTRAL MICHIGAN (+145) is worth a roll of the dice, as it sports a decent offense and should be able to solve the San Diego State defense. The Aztecs (-176) really struggled offensively this season, Washington is iffy to play, and QB Ryan Agnew suffered a calf injury last time out (although he should be fine). Still, he is more of a caretaker than playmaker, and if CMU scores early it isn’t San Diego State’s forte to score a lot of points and come from behind.
Against the Spread (ATS)
CENTRAL MICHIGAN (+3.5, -115) is a super attractive play catching three and a hook. Even if the Chippewas can’t win outright, San Diego State (-3.5, -106) isn’t going to blow anyone out — ever. So light the fire up with the Chips and enjoy the payout.
For a little extra fun, take CMU +0.5 (-134) on the first-quarter line, and look for the Chippewas to fire out to an early lead. It’s bowl season, build that bankroll with some early fun.
Over/Under (O/U)
PASS. The total 40.5 is just too risky here. If there was a lean, it’s to the under, as San Diego State struggles offensively. A more attractive play is betting the UNDER 21.5 (-125) on San Diego State’s team point total.
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