Tag: Mid-American Conference

Notre Dame shuts Bowling Green down in second half for win

Another nonconference game, another win.

Don’t be fooled by this final. It looked for a while like Notre Dame was going to let another inferior opponent hang around until the end. While Mid-American Conference member Bowling Green comes from a league slightly better than the Irish’s other nonconference opponents to this point, a loss to this program at Purcell Pavilion still would have been embarrassing. Fortunately, the Irish only have to think about an 82-66 win.

Although the Irish (5-0) led for most of the game, they couldn’t seem to shake the Falcons (2-3) completely. A [autotag]Nate Laszewski[/autotag] 3-pointer at the first-half buzzer gave the Irish a two-point lead, but the Falcons’ persistence continued into the second half, and they went in front, 61-59 near the frame’s halfway point. That’s when the Irish completely took over, outscoring the Falcons, 23-5, the rest of the way. They scored their final 17 points unanswered with the Falcons not scoring again until their final possession with seconds to play.

[autotag]JJ Starling[/autotag] had the best game of his young career with 23 points, six rebounds and three steals. Laszewski was just behind with 22 points, including four 3s. [autotag]Ven-Allen Lubin[/autotag] scored 12 off the bench, and [autotag]Dane Goodwin[/autotag] added 11. [autotag]Trey Wertz[/autotag] dished out a game-high six assists.

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Central Michigan statistical leaders through two games

Here’s who to watch for on the opposition Saturday.

Notre Dame and the Mid-American Conference seem like an odd match. It definitely is historically speaking considering that you can count on your hands the number of times the Irish have played those teams. Still, it’s a legitimate relationship for the foreseeable future, and that includes the Irish facing Central Michigan on Saturday. It’s a game that NBC Sports has decided is only worthy of putting on Peacock instead of the main network, but that’s another story.

The Chippewas have a couple of heavy hitters on their nonconference schedule. They already got blown out when they visited Michigan State, and now, they have to deal with a surging Irish team. While the players might appreciate the opportunity to play such prominent programs on the road, they would be lying to themselves if they said they matched up with them on paper.

Despite the odds, the Chippewas will come to Notre Dame Stadium, and here are the best players they have lined up to face the Irish:

Tale of the Tape: Notre Dame defense vs. Central Michigan offense

The Irish have shown so far that their D is darn good.

A major message for Notre Dame opponents so far this season has been good luck trying to do anything against the defense. That unit has done a fantastic job locking everyone down so far, and all signs point to it happening again against Central Michigan. As you’ll see below, the Irish are ranked very highly in some major defensive categories nationally. We don’t know how long that will keep up, but it’s a good feeling in the meantime.

The Chippewas have an offense that could qualify as passable for a Mid-American Conference team. However, that doesn’t mean a thing when it comes to facing a program like Notre Dame. If it has to go up against an offense like that, it’s going to require a few prayers to pull off the upset in an unforgiving environment. Fortunately for the Chippewas, they’ll be visiting a Catholic university, so those prayers might actually work.

Here’s a look at how the Irish’s defense matches up with the Chippewas’ offense:

MAC releases complete 2023 football schedule

Find out when you can get in on the MACtion in the 2023 season.

The Mid-American Conference, most commonly known as the MAC released the complete 2023 master schedule for the conference and its’ 12 members on Wednesday morning.

Notable non-conference matchups on the schedule include Ohio helping open the 2023 college football season in week zero on August 26 on the road against San Diego State. Then in week one, Buffalo takes on the Wisconsin Badgers in the Badgers’ first game under new head coach Luke Fickell. Toledo, the defending MAC champions travel to Champaign to battle the Illinois Fighting Illini who look to build upon a first successful year under Bret Bielema. Also, Kent State will open the Kenni Burns era by making a trip to the Bounce House in week one to play UCF.

In week two, Ball State will travel to Athens to take on the defending back-to-back Georgia Bulldogs. Week three of the season features Bowling Green traveling to Michigan, Miami (OH) taking on Cincinnati, and Central Michigan traveling to Notre Dame. Last season, the then No. 8 ranked Fighting Irish were upset by the Sun Belt Conference’s Marshall Thundering Herd 26-21.

Other intriguing non-conference matchups include; Northern Illinois vs Nebraska and Western Michigan vs Iowa in week three. Akron taking on Indiana in week four as well as Bowling Green vs Georgia Tech in week five.

Key in-conference matchups on the schedule this year include;  Buffalo versus Bowling Green on October 14, both programs were among the top in the conference last season and will have a chance to once again be at the top in 2023.

Ohio and Buffalo, the top two teams in the MAC East last season face off on November 7 in what could possibly decide the East Division in 2023. Toledo and Eastern Michigan were separated by one game in 2022 and their matchup just one day later on November 8 could also be another decisive game this upcoming season in the MAC’s West division.

Finally, one of the conference’s best rivalries, the Battle of I-75 between Bowling Green and Toledo is scheduled to take place in week 12 on November 14. Both teams should be battling for bowl eligibility in 2023 and the mid-November matchup could have even more on the line with potentially sending one team bowling and the other home for the offseason.

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Notre Dame defeats Western Michigan in final nonconference game

Just a ho-hum victory before Christmas.

Notre Dame passed its final test before ACC play begins in earnest, defeating Western Michigan, 85-57, in an early Wednesday game. [autotag]Maddy Westbeld[/autotag] was the key player with game highs of 23 points and eight rebounds. [autotag]Sonia Citron[/autotag] scored 16 points, and [autotag]Kylee Watson[/autotag] had 10 on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting. [autotag]Olivia Miles[/autotag] also shined with 12 assists, two shy of her career high.

The Irish (9-1) enjoyed considerable advantages in many areas, including rebounding (44-20), second-chance points (13-0), fast-break points (16-3) and points in the paint (48-20). In short, it was just what one would expect of a fifth-ranked team against a Mid-American Conference opponent. Even a win in which the Irish squeaked by would have been concerning, but that wasn’t the case.

It’s nothing but conference opponents from here on out for the Irish, and that really will be a test of how good they really are. Until that happens, here are some photos from their latest win:

Back 4 MAC teams in Week 12: Mid-American Conference’s best bets

Analyzing Mid-American Conference betting odds and lines for Week 12, with picks and predictions for the best MAC bets to make.

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) season is winding down, with just 2 more weekends remaining in the regular season. Toledo has already punched its ticket to the Dec. 3 title game at Ford Field in Detroit. But several teams have plenty left to play for down the stretch.

Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the MAC’s Week 12 slate, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

MAC best bets for Week 12

– All games listed are ET unless noted

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 7:04 a.m. ET.

Ohio -4 (-113) at Ball State – Tuesday, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)

The Bobcats (7-3, 5-1) are in the driver’s seat in the East Division, controlling their own destiny. If Ohio keeps winning, it will represent the East in Detroit against Toledo in the MAC Championship Game.

The Cardinals (5-5, 3-3) are simply playing for bowl eligibility, needing 1 win in the next 2 games to qualify for the postseason. Ball State fell 28-21 against the Rockets in Toledo, but the Cardinals did cover the 13.5-point number.

The Bobcats have covered each of the last 6 outings, while going 6-0 ATS in the last 6 MAC games, too. Ohio is also 4-1 ATS in the last 5 appearances on Tuesday, too.

On the flip side, the Cardinals have covered just once in the last 6 games against teams with a winning overall record, and it is 3-9 ATS in the last 12 home games against teams with a winning record, too.

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Bowling Green +15 (-111) at Toledo – Tuesday, 7 p.m. (ESPNU)

The Falcons meet the Rockets in the annual Battle of I-75 at the Glass Bowl. Toledo (7-3, 5-1) has already clinched the West Division title, and will be playing in Detroit. It’s possible, with a win here, Bowling Green (5-5, 4-2) could meet its rivals, Toledo, in the MAC Championship Game for much bigger stakes.

Toledo holds a 42-40-4 lead in the series, but the Rockets have dominated lately with 11 wins in the previous 12 meetings. The Falcons haven’t won in Toledo since a 38-10 victory on Nov. 28, 2008.

While the Falcons are just 3-7-1 ATS in the last 11 trips to Toledo, the road team is 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 in the series, too.

Bowling Green is worth taking with the points, as it still has plenty left to play for, while Toledo has already clinched a division title. While the Rockets would certainly like to spoil the chance of their rivals joining them in Detroit, Toledo has a little less to play for here.

Western Michigan +10 (-108) at Central Michigan – Wednesday, 8 p.m. (ESPNU)

The Broncos hit the road to meet the Chippewas, and Western Michigan will be playing for nothing but pride in this rivalry game.

Western Michigan (3-7, 2-4) can knock Central Michigan (4-6, 3-3) out of contention for a bowl with a win here, giving it a little extra incentive at Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Wednesday.

The Broncos are worth backing, too, as they’re 6-2 ATS in the last 8  appearances on Wednesday, while going 5-2 ATS in the last 7 games on the road. In addition, WMU is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 trips to Mount Pleasant, with the road team 9-1 ATS in the last 10 in the series.

Central is an amazing 15-1-1 ATS in the past 17 appearances on Wednesday, so you’ll be picking against that history. But, more importantly, CMU is just 1-5-1 ATS in the last 7 home games, and 1-6-1 ATS in the last 8 against losing teams. CMU is also 0-4-1 ATS this season as a favorite of 6 or more points, too.

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Akron +16.5 (-108) at Buffalo – Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (CBS Sport Network)

The Bulls (5-5, 4-2) are still alive for the East Division title, but it needs to keep winning. That shouldn’t be a problem against Akron, a team which has managed just 1 win overall, and none inside conference play to date.

However, the Zips (1-9, 0-6) have actually been pretty competitive lately, falling just 34-28 against Eastern Michigan last week, its 3rd 1-score loss in the last 4 outings. Akron ran for 163 yards while passing for 223 yards, outgaining EMU in each category. Akron also had 25 first downs to just 22 for EMU.

The Bulls have been tripped up in a pair of games against Central Michigan and Ohio, both on the road, damaging their hopes for an East Division title. The pair of non-covers also splashed cold water on a 5-0 SU/ATS run.

Backing Akron will have you bucking some trends, as Akron is 0-4 ATS in the last four meetings, and 0-5 ATS in the last 5 trips to Buffalo.

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Back 4 MAC teams in Week 10: Mid-American Conference’s best bets

Analyzing Mid-American Conference betting odds and lines for Week 10, with picks and predictions for the best MAC bets to make.

We flip the calendar from October to November on Tuesday, and that means we’re in the stretch run toward the holidays, we’re rounding the corner of the college football regular season, and, in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), we get the now traditional Tuesday and Wednesday slate of games.

Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the MAC’s Week 10 slate, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

MAC best bets for Week 10

– All games listed are ET unless noted

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 7:52 a.m. ET.

Ball State at Kent State OVER 61.5 (-112) – Tuesday, 7 p.m. (ESPNU)

The Cardinals invade Dix Stadium for this Tuesday night affair, looking to bounce back after a disappointing 20-16 loss in Muncie against Eastern Michigan.

The Golden Flashes are looking to build on the momentum of a Wagon Wheel rivalry game win over Akron 33-27 last week, while trying to keep alive their flickering bowl hopes.

These teams haven’t met since Nov. 23, 2019, a 41-38 win by the Golden Flashes in Kent. Ball State has won 2 of the last 3 meetings, and it leads the all-time series 21-8.

Both teams have struggled on defense, as Ball State yields 28.1 PPG and has been gouged for 185.4 rushing yards per game, while Kent State has coughed up 32.1 PPG and has been pounded for 454.8 total yards per game. We should see quite a mid-week shootout in Northeast Ohio.

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Buffalo at Ohio (+125) – Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN2)

The Bulls head to Peden Stadium in Athens with an unblemished record and 1st place in the standings of the East Division at 4-0. The Bobcats can take over the top spot by virtue of the head-to-head tiebreaker with a win. This will be a fun one in Southeast Ohio.

Buffalo edged Toledo last time out 34-27, winning and covering for the 5th consecutive outing. The Bulls have improved greatly after an 0-3 start, including a stunning setback against FCS Holy Cross back in mid-September.

Ohio has been doing a little winning and covering of its own lately, though, picking up 3 straight wins, and 4 consecutive covers. That includes a solid 24-17 win as a 3-point underdog against Northern Illinois last time out.

Buffalo won last season’s meeting 27-26, but Ohio grabbed the cover. The Bobcats have won 5 straight home meetings against the Bulls dating back to  2008, and on Tuesday it will keep the win streak alive in this high-stakes game in the East Division.

Central Michigan at Northern Illinois -3.5 (-120) – Wednesday, 7 p.m. (ESPNU)

Central Michigan was dumped 34-18 by Bowling Green at Kelly/Shorts Stadium last time out, and the Chippewas have dropped 4 of the last 5 games overall, while failing to cover in each of the previous 4 outings.

Northern Illinois showed some fight at Ohio last Saturday, falling 24-17 in Athens. After a slow start to the season, the NIU defense has shown some improvement and allowed just 34 total points in the last 2 games

Neither of these teams are very good, and the loser of this game will no longer have the chance to win out and become bowl eligible.

The edge here goes to NIU, since it is at home, and the Huskies can run the ball with authority, while also stop the run when on defense. The Chips are decent against the rush, so the Huskies won’t be able to run away with the game. But NIU is playing a little more consistently lately, and it will grab a late score and cover to keep its fleeting bowl hopes alive.

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Western Michigan at Bowling Green -3.5 (-105) – Wednesday, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)

The Falcons are flying high with back-to-back wins over Miami-Ohio and Central Michigan, and Bowling Green is very much still in contention for the East Division title.

The Broncos stopped a 2-game slide with a 16-10 win at Miami-Ohio, keeping its flickering bowl hopes alive. It enters this game just 2-4 SU/ATS in the last 6 games.

Western Michigan’s offense has been terrible, averaging just 305.5 yards per game to rank 119th out of 131 FBS teams.

Bowling Green also struggles on offense, but scored 34 in its win at Central Michigan last time out, its high in any conference game this season. BGSU has also covered in consecutive games after opening 1-4-1 ATS in the 1st 6 outings.

This is a lot of points to lay for the Falcons, especially since they haven’t topped the Broncos at Doyt Perry Stadium since 2004. But this is a new day and age of Falcons football, and they get it done in front of the home faithful to keep their division and bowl hopes alive.

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Back 4 MAC teams in Week 7: Mid-American Conference’s best bets

Analyzing Mid-American Conference betting odds and lines for Week 7, with picks and predictions for the best MAC bets to make.

It was a very nice Week 6 with the MAC plays, going a perfect 4-for-4 for the first time this season. After a dismal 0-4 start in Week 1, that’s actually 18-6 (75.0%) across the last 5 weekends of MAC play. Let’s keep it rolling in lucky Week 7.

Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the MAC’s Week 7 slate, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

MAC best bets for Week 7

– All games listed are Saturday and ET unless noted

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 8:08 a.m. ET.

Miami (Ohio) -6.5 (-122) at Bowling Green – Noon (ESPN+)

The RedHawks swoop into Doyt Perry Stadium looking to stay hot in a bird battle against the Falcons.

Miami posted a huge 27-24 win against Kent State last weekend, bouncing back from a 24-20 loss at Buffalo in the previous weekend. The RedHawks have cashed in 3 of the last 4 games overall, while alternating losses and wins in 6 outings this season.

Bowling Green was roughed up 38-7 against Buffalo last weekend at this very same venue, and it is now just 1-4-1 ATS overall on the season.

Miami has owned this series lately, winning 3 straight meetings, including a 38-23 win in the most recent meeting at Bowling Green on Sept. 22, 2018. The RedHawks are 3-0 ATS in the last 3 meetings, and 4-1 ATS in the previous 5 in the series.

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Connecticut +9.5 (-110) at Ball State – 2 p.m. (ESPN3)

The Cardinals have been a favorite of mine in this space, as Ball State has really come on lately after a slow start.

Ball State has won consecutive games, while going 3-1 SU/ATS in the last 4 games. It’s the 1st time the Cardinals have been favored since Sept. 17, a 31-0 win against Murray State of the FCS as a 21-point favorite.

UConn rolled up a 33-12 win at FIU, and it has managed back-to-back wins  to get within a game of .500 at 3-4 SU while posting an impressive 5-2 ATS mark.

I think the Cardinals are able to get it done at Scheumann Stadium, but a win by double digits is, pardon the pun, not in the Cards. The Huskies are playing with a lot of confidence lately, and should be able to keep it within 1 score.

Ohio at Western Michigan OVER 58.5 (-120) – 3:30 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)

It’s been all about the Over for Ohio this season. The Bobcats rank 8th in the nation with 334.0 passing yards per game, and they have racked up 33.2 PPG to rank 43rd in the country.

Defensively, the Bobcats are a train wreck, and that’s a recipe for Over results on a regular basis. Ohio has allowed 40.7 PPG, and it is last in FBS in both total yards per game (561.2) and passing yards per game (386.8).

Ohio won last week at Peden Stadium against Akron, outlasting the Zips 55-34. It plays a lot of high-scoring games, allowing 31 or more points in all 3 games on the road this season.

Western Michigan isn’t nearly as prolific offensively, but that should change against the defensively-challenged Bobcats. And the Broncos are coming off a 45-23 loss, posting the Over last week in Kalamazoo. Look for plenty of points here.

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Toledo -7.5 (-107) vs. Kent State – 3:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Golden Flashes lost last 27-24 weekend, a costly setback against Miami-Ohio. Now, they must turn things around in a hostile environment in Toledo, or risk a 5th loss in 7 games. My how things have changed since lighting up the scoreboard last season?

Toledo had 77 dropped on them at Ohio State, showing it wasn’t quite ready for prime time, or anything close to it. But it is the cock of the walk in the MAC, going 4-2 overall and 2-0 inside the conference. It is also 3-0 SU at home, covering both games against FBS foes.

The Rockets have caught fire offensively, too, totaling 90 points in the last 2 wins and covers.

Kent State is 4-10 ATS in the last 14 games on the road, while going 5-16 ATS in the last 21 on the road against teams with a winning home record.

Toledo, on the other hand, is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 MAC games, and 8-1 ATS in the last 9 against teams with a losing overall record.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Back 4 MAC teams in Week 6: Mid-American Conference’s best bets

Analyzing Mid-American Conference betting odds and lines for Week 6, with picks and predictions for the best MAC bets to make.

Well, we split the 4 plays in Week 5 on the MAC card to avoid the losing weekend. It should’ve been another 3-1 week, but Northern Illinois crumbled in the 4th quarter at Ball State and eventually lost in overtime, turning a cover and win into a straight-up loss. Let’s get back on track in Week 6.

Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the MAC’s Week 6 slate, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

MAC best bets for Week 6

– All games listed are Saturday and ET unless noted

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Ohio -10.5 (-112) vs. Akron – 2 p.m. (ESPN3)

If you’ve been a regular reader of this piece from the beginning, you know Akron has appeared a lot — and not as the pick. Fading the Zips is about the best thing you can do: they’re one of the worst teams in FBS and the books seem to give them a little more credit than they deserve for whatever reason.

Akron did put up a good fight against Bowling Green last weekend and played Liberty tough 2 weeks ago. However, this is a team that also barely squeaked by St. Francis (PA) of the FCS in the opener, needing OT to get the win. Akron ranks 128th in the nation in rushing, and 124th in points scored, and that defense is abysmal, too.

Ohio is looking to level up to 3-3 after a slow start. Two of their losses are to Power 5 teams Penn State and Iowa State, and last week’s OT loss at Kent State is nothing to be ashamed about. Look for the Bobcats to take out their frustrations on the poor Zips, the doormats of the MAC.

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Ball State at Central Michigan UNDER 63.5 (-108) – 3:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Cardinals head to Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant to battle the Chippewas in a game only alumni and bettors love. Neither of these teams has played very good football to start the 2022 campaign, but there is still some hope on each side.

Ball State rallied last week for the aforementioned 44-38 OT win over Northern Illinois, covering for the 2nd time in 3 games and grabbing its first win against an FBS team this season. The Over stopped a 2-0 Under run.

Central was waxed 38-17 at Toledo in Week 5, as the Under just came in. The Under is on a 3-0 run for the Chips, it’s 6-2 in their last 8 games overall, and 4-1 in the past 6 against teams with a losing overall record. The Under is 7-3 in the past 10 MAC games for CMU, too.

The trends point to the Under for Ball State too, going 5-2 in its last 7 MAC games.

This is a nice parlay opportunity, too. Ball State has covered 7 straight trips to Mount Pleasant, and the road team is an amazing 17-4 ATS in the past 21 in this series. Ball State (+7.5, -112) and the Under is the way to go.

Toledo -5.5 (-110) at Northern Illinois – 3:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Rockets have rebounded nicely after getting routed 77-21 at Ohio State Sept. 17. It played a tight game at San Diego State, falling just 17-14 in a strong defensive effort, then it polished off Central Michigan 38-17 last weekend at Glass Bowl as a 6.5-point favorite in the MAC opener.

Despite having 77 hung on them by the Buckeyes, Toledo’s defensive numbers look pretty darn good. It has allowed just 339.2 total yards per game to rank 42nd, while allowing just 183.0 yards per game through the air, 23rd in the country.

NIU could go one of two ways in this one. It could be angry about last week’s disastrous 4th quarter and overtime at Ball State and fall apart against a good Toledo team, or it could channel that anger and use it as a positive against the Rockets. I’ll take NIU to fall apart.

The Huskies have to be absolutely dejected after another excruciating loss. It lost by 3 at Tulsa, it lost by 10 to Vanderbilt at home, it lost in a 1-score game at Kentucky 2 weeks ago, and then the Ball State debacle. This is a team that could be 3-2 but finds itself looking like a non-bowl team.

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Miami (Ohio) +5.5 (-112) vs. Kent State – 3:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

Let’s roll with the underdog in the final game on the card, as the trends point squarely in Miami’s favor.

Not only are the Golden Flashes of Kent State just 4-9 ATS in their past 13 road games, but the RedHawks have covered 6 of the past 8 meetings in this series, with Miami 4-1 ATS in the past 5 meetings in Oxford.

Miami has alternated losses and wins this season, including an outright win at Northwestern, technically a Power 5 team, as a 7.5-point underdog. It gave Buffalo a good fight last week before eventually falling 24-20.

Kent State isn’t as bad as its 2-3 SU record indicates, as it has 3 big-money road losses to Washington, Oklahoma and Georgia. This is a legit team that opened the MAC calendar with a 31-24 win over Ohio in OT last week. Kent State could grab the win here, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see a 3- or 4-point game — or even a Miami outright win.

Want some action on these or any other NCAA football games? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Back 4 MAC teams in Week 5: Mid-American Conference’s best bets

Analyzing Mid-American Conference betting odds and lines for Week 5, with picks and predictions for the best MAC bets to make.

It was a successful Week 4 on the MAC card, cashing in 3 of the 4 plays last weekend. The only game that didn’t hit was Eastern Michigan, which not only didn’t cover but lost outright at home by 19 points to Buffalo. Hey, you can’t win them all. Let’s keep it cooking heading into Week 5.

Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the MAC’s Week 5 slate, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

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MAC best bets for Week 5

– All games listed are Saturday and ET unless noted

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 1 p.m. ET.

Northern Illinois (-3.5, -108) at Ball State – 2 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Huskies played Kentucky tough in Lexington last week, easily covering a 27.5-point number against a top-10 team. NIU outgained Kentucky on the ground, registering 128 yards, and it might have won outright if not for 6 penalties and if it had starting QB Rocky Lombardi.

Lombardi suffered an undisclosed leg injury against Vanderbilt, and he was forced to miss the Kentucky game. Backup QB Ethan Hampton did a tremendous job in his stead, passing for 196 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers, showing off depth for the Huskies.

Ball State was trucked at Georgia Southern last week, falling 34-23 in Statesboro. It won its most recent game at Scheumann Stadium against FCS Murray State — its only win of the season. However, it also was dropped at home by Western Michigan by a 37-30 score, failing to cover.

NIU heads into this meeting 9-1 ATS in the past 10 meetings between these sides, including 6-0 ATS in the past 6 trips to Muncie. Expect Northern Illinois to run the ball well against Ball State, adding to the woes of the Cardinals. Toss in the Under 59.5 (-115) for an added bonus parlay. The Under is 5-0 in the previous 5 meetings at Scheumann.

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Miami-Ohio at Buffalo (-1.5, -108) – 3:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Bulls of UB took out a lot of frustration last week on the gray turf at Rynearson Stadium in Eastern Michigan. The Bulls rolled up 201 yards on the ground and added 297 yards through the air while playing rather disciplined football resulting in just 3 penalties for 15 yards.

Miami is, technically, coming off a win over a Power 5 team on the road last week, topping Northwestern 17-14. However, the Wildcats are terrible this season, and the RedHawks were housed 38-17 by Cincinnati in their previous game.

Buffalo is looking to exact a little revenge after a 45-18 whipping from Miami in Oxford last season. The Bulls have won each of the previous 2 meetings at UB Stadium, including a 42-10 shellacking of the RedHawks on Nov. 10, 2020. Buffalo is averaging 46.5 PPG in the previous 2 home games vs. Miami.

Side with the trends here, too. Miami is 2-6-1 ATS in the last 9 trips to Buffalo, while the favorite is 11-2-1 ATS in the previous 14 in this series, and the home side is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

Bowling Green (-9.5, -112) at Akron – 3:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Falcons have dropped 3 of their first 4 games this season, but 2 of those losses came in payday games at UCLA and Mississippi State. It lost an epic 7-overtime game to FCS Eastern Kentucky, and upended Marshall in OT at Doyt Perry, as the Herd were coming off an impressive win at Notre Dame.

Bowling Green is the better team in this matchup. The pass game is effective, going for 220.0 yards per game through the air, and the offense is averaging a robust 30.5 PPG. Defensively, BGSU has its share of problems, but the ugly numbers are skewed a bit considering it played against 2 Power 5 teams.

Akron is a train wreck on both sides of the football. It barely scraped by St. Francis (PA) — an FCS foe — in the opener. It was manhandled against Michigan State and Tennessee, getting outscored 115-6 in those 2 matchups. The Zips did put up a fight last week against Liberty, falling just 21-12, but it is still just 1-3 ATS overall.

The Falcons are looking for a little payback after falling 35-20 on its home turf last season against the Zips. Bowling Green leads the all-time series 18-10, and has won 10 of the past 13 overall. Look for the Falcons to grab the double-digit win at InfoCision Saturday.

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Central Michigan at Toledo (-6.5, -122) – 3:30 p.m. (NFL Network)

The Chips head to Toledo to take on the Rockets, and the public is all over Central Michigan catching the points at nearly a 2-to-1 clip. Not sure what the public likes about the Chips, but I’ll take the Rockets here.

First off, Toledo is 6-1 ATS in the past 7 meetings at home against Central, while going 9-3 ATS in the past 12 meetings overall in this series. The favorite is also 11-2 ATS in the previous 13 meetings, so the trends point decisively to the home side.

Yes, CMU is 7-1-1 ATS in the past 9 games, and perhaps bettors can’t shake the fact Ohio State hung a 77 on Toledo just 2 weeks ago. But the Rockets were competitive last week in a 17-14 defensive battle loss at San Diego State.

Central Michigan is 0-3 SU against FBS teams this season, although it did cover against 2 Power 5 teams, Oklahoma State and Penn State. But this Chips team also was smashed 38-24 at Kelly/Shorts by South Alabama of the Sun Belt, failing to win as a 6-point favorite. The Rockets are the better side, and will prove it Saturday afternoon.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

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