Tag: Ohio Bobcats

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

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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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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.

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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.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Report card: Grading Penn State’s Week 2 performance vs. Ohio

Report card: Grading Penn State’s 46-10 win over Ohio

Penn State had a solid all-around team effort in a 46-10 victory over the Ohio Bobcats on Saturday afternoon, which meant everyone on the team received some good praise for their collective efforts. In a game like this, everyone finds a way to chip in on offense, defense, and special teams. And because Penn State got a chance to go deep into the depth chart beginning midway through the third quarter, there was plenty of praise to go around in the postgame evaluations.

Here is how Penn State’s select position groups, defense, and special teams were graded after the Week 2 victory in the home opener in Beaver Stadium.

Quarterback

Sep 10, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Ohio Bobcats at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Ohio 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: A

Penn State starting quarterback [autotag]Sean Clifford[/autotag] may not have lit up the box score the way he did the previous week, but it is hard to complain about starting the game completing all six passes on the first offensive series and capping the drive with a touchdown run. Clifford added 213 passing yards and a touchdown before getting an early rest in the third quarter.

Freshman [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag] took advantage of his reps by completing six of eight attempts for 88 yards with two nicely throw touchdown passes. And [autotag]Christian Veilleux[/autotag] made his 2022 debut by completing six of seven attempts for 37 yards.

NEXT: Running backs

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Five takeaways from Penn State’s Week 2 victory over Ohio

5 takeaways from Penn State’s 46-10 victory over Ohio: Nittany Lions should be confident going to Auburn in Week 3

A little more than a week after opening the season with an exhilarating road win at Purdue, Penn State got a chance to provide a different set of thrills for the fans in its home opener in Beaver Stadium on Saturday. Penn State’s 46-10 domination of Ohio served up a good glimpse into Penn State’s future with freshmen standing out in the spotlight against the Bobcats.

What was expected to be a total mismatch proved to be the case, and head coach [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] was able to use that to his advantage to give a rest to some of his veterans and get some younger players some serious reps in an actual game.

Here are five takeaways from Penn State’s blowout victory over Ohio.

Best photos from Penn State’s blowout of Ohio

Check out these photos from Penn State’s Beaver Stadium opening win vs. Ohio

Penn State celebrated a comfortable victory in its 2022 home opener on a beautiful afternoon for college football in Beaver Stadium. Penn State topped Ohio, 46-10, with a solid glimpse into the future of the Nittany Lions behind big showings from freshman running back [autotag]Nick Singleton[/autotag] and freshman quarterback [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag].

Penn State extended its home winning streak in non-conference games to a Big Ten-leading 21 games with the win over the Bobcats.

Here are some of the best photos from Penn State’s second victory of the season.

Inside the box score: Key stats from Penn State’s win over Ohio

Here are some key stats from the box score of Penn State’s 46-10 win over Ohio

Penn State improved to 2-0 following a 46-10 victory over Ohio on Saturday in Beaver Stadium. The 36-point victory was fueled in large part by Penn State’s youth movement, but some veterans had a solid hand in the outcome as well.

Penn State’s offense put up some big numbers, led by freshman running back [autotag]Nick Singleton[/autotag]’s big home debut in front of the Beaver Stadium crowd. Quarterback [autotag]Sean Clifford[/autotag] added two more career touchdowns to his Penn State legacy as well as the Nittany Lions had an opportunity to get many younger and inexperienced players some significant playing time in the second half.

Here are some of the key stats from the final box score from the game.

Instant reaction: Nick Singleton dazzles as Penn State overpowers Ohio

Instant reaction form Penn State’s blowout of Ohio, featuring a glimpse of the future

Penn State fans got a glimpse of the future of the Nittnay Lions, but maybe that future should be now. Freshman running back [autotag]Nick Singleton[/autotag] rushed for 179 yards and two touchdowns to help Penn State overwhelm Ohio on Saturday, 46-10.

Penn State quarterback [autotag]Sean Clifford[/autotag] passed for 213 yards and a touchdown before getting an early rest midway through the third quarter. Freshman [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag] entered the game to get some in-game experience under his belt, and he took full advantage of it with a pair of touchdown passes.

Singleton became Penn State’s first 100-yard rusher in a game since [autotag]Keyvone Lee[/autotag] rushed for 134 yards against Michigan on November 28, 2020.

Penn State’s defense was locked in all game long as well. With the exception of one second-quarter touchdown drive by the Bobcats, and some late fourth-quarter action, Ohio’s offense was unable to get much pressure on the Nittany Lions defense. Penn State had just one sack in the game, courtesy of Johnny Dixon. The defense did not force any turnovers in the game, but there were some nice performances to take note of from players like [autotag]Adisa Issac[/autotag], [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag], and [autotag]Curtis Jacobs[/autotag].

Next up for Penn State is another road trip. The Nittany Lions head to Auburn in Week 3 for a mid-afternoon game on CBS next Saturday, September 17.

Ohio will be on the road as well next week with another game against a power conference opponent. Ohio visits Iowa State, who will be coming off their rivalry game with Iowa.

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Twitter reacts to Nick Singleton’s first career touchdown

Twitter reacts to Nick Singleton’s first career touchdown at Penn State

It may have only been a matter of time before freshman running back [autotag]Nick Singleton[/autotag] made a big play for Penn State. Late in the first quarter of a Week 2 matchup against Ohio in Penn State’s home opener, Singleton showed why he was one of the top running back recruits in the nation in the Class of 2022 when he took off down the right sideline and raced down the field for a 70-yard touchdown. It was the first of what many touchdowns for the freshman, and the play led many to start jumping for joy on Twitter.

Singleton quickly became the team’s leading rusher with one single run, with three quarters still to play. It has been over a season since Penn State had a 100-yard rusher in a game, and Singleton quickly put himself on pace to end the drought.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Singleton’s explosive touchdown run to give Penn State a 14-0 lead on Ohio.

Five reasons Penn State will win against Ohio

Penn State should come away with a win vs. Ohio. Here are five reasons why.

Penn State lost to Ohio the last time they played back in 2012. The situation surrounding the team at that time was one of turmoil and heartache but fast forward ten years and the program is exactly where they want to be.

Coach [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] has a strong staff supporting him, recruiting is at an all-time high, and the team is a perfect blend of new faces and veterans to thrive in the Big Ten and beyond.

Tomorrow against Ohio though, Penn State will be heavy favorites for al the reasons we just listed. Breaking down five specific reasons is what we are here for of course! Every aspect of this team if it’s offense, defense, and special teams, Penn State has the advantage. Specifically though there are certain players who make the biggest difference and specific play styles that present the biggest problem for the Ohio Bobcats.

Social media buzz leading up to Penn State’s home opener

Checking in on the social media buzz leading up to the Penn State home opener.

Penn State heads back home this week to take on Ohio, a game that many expect the Nittany Lions to win rather handily.

Anything can happen, but this would also be a good game for the freshman like Nick Singleton and Krayton Allen to get adapted to the Nittany Lions offensive scheme.

So, what are some Penn State fans and former players saying about this week’s matchup against the Ohio Bobcats?