Western Michigan Broncos betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Western Michigan at Iowa odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Western Michigan at Iowa odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 24 Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0) welcome the Western Michigan Broncos (1-1) to Kinnick Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Ntwork). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Western Michigan vs. Iowa odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Western Michigan opened its season up with a 35-17 win over St. Francis (Pa.), covering as a 13.5-point favorite. It then lost 48-7 at Syracuse, failing to cover as a 25-point underdog. The Broncos are led by RB Jalen Buckley, who has 281 yards rushing and 2 TDs in 2 games. They finished last season 5-7 overall and 3-3 on the road, 3rd in the MAC West.

The Hawkeyes beat Utah State 24-14 on Sept. 2, yet failed to cover a 24-point spread. They then beat Iowa State 20-13 on the road, covering as a 3.5-point underdog. Former Michigan QB Cade McNamara is the starter for the Hawkeyes and has 2 TDs and and INT in 2 starts. Iowa is No. 24 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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Western Michigan at Iowa odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:37 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Western Michigan +1800 (bet $100 to win $1,800) | Iowa -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan +28.5 (-110) | Iowa -28.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Western Michigan at Iowa picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 34, Western Michigan 3

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s nothing to see here. Never take a -10000 favorite in college sports.

Against the spread

LEAN IOWA -28.5 (-110).

The only concern here is if Iowa has the ability to score enough points to cover.

However, Syracuse scored 48 on Western Michigan, and it ranked 10th in the preseason ACC media poll. It wasn’t expected to look good yet the Broncos made them look like an NFL-caliber side. That dominance was more about how weak the Western Michigan defense is than the potency of the Orange.

The Hawkeyes have scored at least 14 points in a quarter in both games. McNamara was a high-profile transfer and captains the offense well. He should be able to put points on the board, and the Broncos may have little to say about it.

Iowa is coming off an impressive showing while Western Michigan is coming off a blowout loss against an unranked opponent. Back IOWA -28.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 42.5 (-110).

Iowa’s defense has been the crux of its game plan over the last several years. That will again be its strength in 2023, and it has allowed 14 or fewer in both games, against teams that are better offensively than Western Michigan.

Even if Iowa gets up big, it will likely pound the ball on the ground and likely won’t keep the gas on enough to top this total. Both teams are 0-2 O/U so far this season.

All logic points to fewer points. Back UNDER 42.5 (-110).

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Kent State at Western Michigan odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Kent State at Western Michigan odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Kent State Golden Flashes (20-5, 10-2 MAC) and Western Michigan Broncos (6-19, 2-10) meet Tuesday at University Arena in Kalamazoo, Mich. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Kent State vs. Western Michigan game odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Flashes are tied with Toledo atop the MAC standings with a 10-2 conference record. Kent State has won and covered the last 2 games since a loss at rival Akron on Feb. 3. It is still just 2-4 ATS in the last 6 games overall, however.

The cellar-dwelling Broncos have dropped 8 straight games, all inside the league, and it has failed to cover the last 7 games, going 0-6-1 ATS during the slide.

These teams met Jan. 3 in Kent, with the Golden Flashes posting an 80-72 victory. Western Michigan did get the easy cover as 17.5-point ‘dogs while the Over connected.

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Kent State at Western Michigan odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:31 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Off the board
Against the spread (ATS): Kent State -11.5 (-110) | Western Michigan +11.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 140.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Kent State at Western Michigan picks and predictions

Prediction

Kent State 74, Western Michigan 66

Moneyline

PASS. Simply, Kent State would way too expensive if a moneyline was available.

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Against the spread

WESTERN MICHIGAN +11.5 (-110) is the lean, ever so slightly.

This is a poor offensive and defensive team, scoring just 70.6 PPG while yielding 74.2 PPG. It is also 322nd or worse in both defensive field-goal percentage (46.3%) and defensive 3-point percentage (36.2%).

However, the home team is 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings in this series, with the underdog 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 in the series overall. And Western Michigan did play Kent State extremely well in the 1st meeting in Northeast Ohio.

Over/Under

UNDER 140.5 (-105) is the lean, but go a half-unit at best.

The Under is 11-5 in the last 16 games overall for Kent State, while going 24-7 in the last 31 games on the road.

The Under is 8-3 in the last 11 home games for Western Michigan, too. However, the Over is 15-5-1 in the last 21 against winning teams. Hold your news and hope that Western Michigan’s ugly defense can at least be somewhat dependable.

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Western Michigan at Toledo odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Western Michigan at Toledo odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Western Michigan Broncos (4-10, 0-1 MAC) battle the Toledo Rockets (9-5, 0-1) Friday. Tip from Savage Arena in Toledo is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (CBSSN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Western Michigan vs. Toledo odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Western Michigan lost to Kent State 80-72 Tuesday, covering as a 17.5-point road underdog. The Broncos are still just 4-7 against the spread (ATS) on the season, but have covered 3 games (those with a spread) in a row. The Broncos are 0-7 straight up on the road. They’re averaging 68.6 points per game, good for 265th in the nation.

The Rockets lost to Ball State 90-83 Tuesday as an 8.5-point favorite. Toledo is 6-6 ATS on the season and 11-1 O/U. It is 5-1 straight up at home. The Rockets have covered just 2 of their last 6 games that had a spread. They rank 8th in the nation in points per game (84.9) and are led by G Rayj Davis, who is averaging 19.2 per game.

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Western Michigan at Toledo odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:27 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Western Michigan +850 (bet $100 to win $850) | Toledo -2000 (bet $2,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan +15.5 (-110) | Toledo -15.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 155.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Western Michigan at Toledo picks and predictions

Prediction

Toledo 85, Western Michigan 74

Moneyline

PASS.

There is no sense in betting a (-2000) home favorite in a conference battle. Similarly, the Broncos are 0-7 on the road, so backing the (+850) also isn’t wise.

Against the spread

LEAN WESTERN MICHIGAN +15.5 (-110).

The Rockets have been disappointing for bettors as of late and have some real issues defensively. They rank 324th in opponents’ FG percentage (46.1%) and 354th in opponents’ 3-point FG percentage (38.8%). In the 2nd half against Ball State, the Cardinals dropped 50 on Toledo.

The Rockets are 1-3 ATS in their last 4 home games. While Western Michigan isn’t much better at defense, it has been rewarding bettors as of late just by keeping games close. The Broncos have covered 3 straight double-digit spreads.

Considering the Rockets’ defense should keep this within the spread and the Broncos have been playing well enough back, play WESTERN MICHIGAN +15.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET OVER 155.5 (-115).

There is little reason to think this game will not be par the course for the Rockets’ season. They rank 8th in points per game (84.9) and 353rd in opponents’ points per game (80.2). They are 11-1 O/U on the season and have scored at least 83 in 4 straight games.

Western Michigan has also scored at least 65 in 2 straight games and is averaging 68.6 on the season. The Broncos have gone Over in 3 straight games that featured a total. Their defense is porous and should get abused by Toledo while their offensive efficiency (ranking 183rd in FG percentage) is a relative strength.

Ultimately, considering the pace this game should be played, back the OVER 155.5 (-115).

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Western Michigan at Kent State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Western Michigan at Kent State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Western Michigan Broncos (4-9) take on the Kent State Golden Flashes (10-3) Tuesday in their Mid American Conference opener. Tip from the M.A.C. Center is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Western Michigan vs. Kent State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Broncos fell to Wisconsin 76-66 Friday but covered as 20-point road underdogs. They have covered their last 2 games with a spread but had been on an 0-6 against the spread (ATS) skid and are 3-7 ATS on the season. Western Michigan’s strength is its defensive rebounding, ranking 7th in the nation with 26.5 rebounds per game.

Kent State last played on Dec. 22 when it knocked off UTEP 47-46, failing to cover a 6-point road favorite. It is 8-0 ATS in its last 8 games with a listed spread, improving to 10-1 ATS on the season. The Golden Flashes’ strength lies in their defense where they rank 23rd in the nation in points per game (60.8) and 12th in the nation for opponent field goal percentage (37.1%).

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Western Michigan at Kent State odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:14 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Western Michigan +1150 (bet $100 to win $1,150) | Kent State -6000 (bet $6,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan +18.5 (-110) | Kent State -18.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 135.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Western Michigan at Kent State picks and predictions

Prediction

Kent State 69, Western Michigan 54

Moneyline

PASS.

The moneyline odds do not present enough return on investment to make a play worth it.

Against the spread

LEAN WESTERN MICHIGAN +18.5 (-110).

I don’t think you can feel confident with Kent State covering 18.5 points. Western Michigan only lost to Wisconsin by 10 and to Iowa State by 16. The Broncos are 2-1 ATS when getting 18 or more points.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 135.5 (-110).

Points will be hard to come by as both teams’ strong suits is their defensive play.

Kent State has an Over/Under record of 2-8-1 this season and the Under is 4-0 in their last 4 games. Western Michigan’s O/U record is 5-5 and the Under is 4-2 in their last 6 games.

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Western Michigan at Wisconsin odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Western Michigan at Wisconsin odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Western Michigan Broncos (4-8) battle the No. 15 Wisconsin Badgers (9-2) Friday. Tip from the Kohl Center in Madison is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Wisconsin has had more than a 2-week break, playing its last game Dec. 15 when it beat Lehigh 78-56, failing to cover as 22.5-point favorites. The Badgers have covered 6 of their last 8 though. They are 8-3 against the spread (ATS) on the season. Their strength is defense, ranking 29th in opponents’ points per game (60.8).

Western Michigan beat Siena Heights 61-41 on Dec. 21, but that game didn’t have a spread. The Broncos are just 2-7 ATS this season with only 2 of their last 4 games being playable. They struggle all over the court, ranking 280th in opponents’ field goal percentage (44.9%) and 213th in FG percentage (44.1%).

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Western Michigan at Wisconsin odds

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

Moneyline (ML): Western Michigan +950 (bet $100 to win $950) | Wisconsin -3500 (bet $3,500 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan +21.5 (-115) | Wisconsin -21.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 124.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Western Michigan at Wisconsin picks and predictions

Prediction

Wiscinson 75, Western Michigan 51

Moneyline

PASS.

Let’s pass on betting the (-3500) favorite here and also not consider the 4-8 road underdog which is also 0-5 straight up away from home.

Against the spread

BET WISCONSIN -21.5 (-105).

The Badgers defend the ball and shoot from deep. Considering that, and that they have the best season-long ATS record in the Big Ten, Wisconsin is a solid play here.

The Badgers knocking down 37.4% of their 3-point attempts (good for 56th-best in the nation) is a strong reason why they should be able to pull away. They are 1-1 ATS with a double-digit spread as well.

The Broncos are 2-7 ATS and really haven’t proven they can play competently on either side of the court. Wisconsin should be able to shut them down offensively and also abuse their 265th-best 3-point defense (allowing opponents to shoot 34.7% per game).

Back WISCONSIN -21.5 (-105).

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 124.5 (-115).

Wisconsin is 6-5 O/U this season and should take its foot off the gas late. Considering its strength is defensive, it could allow sloppy transition scoring if it’s up by a wide margin.

Western Michigan has scored at least 57 in both its Power 5 battles this season (57 against Iowa State and 60 against Minnesota). Wisconsin has gone Over in 4 of its last 5 as well as scoring at least 78 in 3 of its last 4.

Ultimately, back the OVER 124.5 (-115).

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Western Michigan at Bowling Green odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Western Michigan at Bowling Green odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Western Michigan Broncos (3-5, 2-2 MAC) meet the Bowling Green Falcons (4-4, 3-1) Wednesday at Doyt L. Perry Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Western Michigan vs. Bowling Green odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Broncos kept their postseason aspirations alive last weekend with a 16-10 road win against Miami-Ohio as 7.5-point underdogs. The offense struggled yet again, however, and has now posted 23 or fewer points 5 times in the last 6 games. It’s no surprise the Under is 4-1 across WMU’s past 5 outings.

The Falcons are flying high these days, with a chance to pull into a 3-way tie for first in the MAC’s East Division thanks to Ohio’s win over Buffalo Tuesday. BGSU still has Ohio yet to play, so we could see brown and orange in the MAC title game in Detroit in December if things break right. A win here is key.

Bowling Green has covered a season-high 2 games in a row and looks to cover a 3rd straight for the first time since opening the 2021 campaign on a 5-0 ATS run.

Doyt L. Perry Stadium is a great place to see a college football game in November, especially when the Falcons are going well. Extra points if you get a chance to catch them against I-75 rival Toledo in a couple of weeks.

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Western Michigan at Bowling Green odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Western Michigan +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Bowling Green -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
Against the spread: Western Michigan +4 (-110) | Bowling Green -4 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 48 (O: -110 | U: -114)

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Western Michigan at Bowling Green and predictions

Prediction

Bowling Green 26, Western Michigan 20

Moneyline

Bowling Green (-210) had its highest output in a conference game this season when it scored 34 points in last weekend’s win over Central Michigan in Mount Pleasant.

The Falcons haven’t been .500 or better this late in a season since the 2015 campaign when they last qualified for the postseason, losing to Georgia Southern in the GoDaddy Bowl in Alabama.

I think the Falcons get to 5-4 with a win, but risking more than 2 times your potential return is a little too pricey.

PASS.

Against the spread

BOWLING GREEN -4 (-110) is a better play laying the points.

Western Michigan has had difficulty in conference games, going 4-10-1 ATS in the past 15 MAC contests, while posting a dismal 1-4 ATS mark in the previous 5 November outings.

Bowling Green comes with some risk as it is just 11-26 ATS in the past 37 home games, but that’s a trend to dismiss. The kids who did most of that non-covering are no longer on the team. What matters more is this season, and the Falcons are a healthy 2-1 SU/ATS in 3 home games vs. FBS teams.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 48 (-114), but go a half-unit at the most.

The Under has cashed in 4 of the past 5 games overall for Western Michigan, and it has averaged just 14.4 PPG in its past 5 against FBS teams.

Bowling Green was in the same boat until their win at CMU last time out. It has scored just 24 combined points in its previous 2 outings at home against Buffalo and Miami-Ohio.

That’s why the books are going low, and why we’re siding with the Under, too.

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Western Michigan at Michigan State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Western Michigan at Michigan State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Michigan State Spartans will host the Western Michigan Broncos to begin the 2022 season on Friday. Kickoff at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., is 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Michigan State vs. Western Michigan odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Spartans concluded last season with an 11-2 record after going 2-5 in Mel Tucker’s 1st year as coach in 2020. While Michigan State lost RB Kenneth Walker III, the offense is returning Payton Thorne at quarterback following a positive campaign in 2021.

Broncos coach Tim Lester enters his 6th year at Western Michigan. The Broncos went 8-5 in 2021, the most wins Lester has won during his tenure with the program (32-25 overall). Jack Salopek is expected to make his 1st collegiate start at quarterback Friday vs. the Spartans.

Michigan State is No. 14 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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Western Michigan at Michigan State odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:31 a.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Western Michigan +850 (bet $100 to win $850) | Michigan State -1800 (bet $1800 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan +21.5 (-108) | Michigan State -21.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Western Michigan at Michigan State picks and predictions

Prediction

Michigan State 41, Western Michigan 17

Money line

Given the drastic odds in favor of the Spartans, it’s good to PASS on the money line in this contest. Putting $1,000 on Michigan State would net only $55.56, making it an uninspiring wager. The Spartans should be able to come away with a victory over the Broncos to begin the season, but betting on them to win at their current odds isn’t advisable.

Against the spread

Even with the massive spread, MICHIGAN STATE -21.5 (-112) is worth taking. The Spartans are ranked for a reason and Tucker has his team in a position to carry on from where the program left off in 2021. Also, Salopek is an inexperienced QB making a road start, so I lean toward a lopsided win in favor of Michigan State.

Also, Western Michigan is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Friday games and they are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Big Ten matchups. Meanwhile, Michigan State is 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games and they’re 5-0-2 ATS in their last 5 home games.

Over/Under

The OVER 54.5 (-108) appears to be a solid play in this contest, especially with Michigan State returning a majority of their offensive starters from a season ago. Western Michigan’s defense was a weakness in 2021 as they allowed 30.6 points per game.

Both of these teams averaged 31-plus points per game scoring last season and the defense of the Spartans is expected to be much improved in 2022. Michigan State could score most of the points in the matchup while Western Michigan could score enough points in garbage time to reach the over.

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Quick Lane Bowl: Western Michigan vs. Nevada odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Western Michigan vs. Nevada odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Western Michigan Broncos (7-5) and Nevada Wolfpack (8-4) meet Monday at 11 a.m. ET for the Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit. Below, we look at the Western Michigan vs. Nevada odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Western Michigan has cranked out 541.0 total yards per game over its last three contests, and the Broncos’ season average of 463.3 total yards ranks 15th in the nation.

The yardage hasn’t always translated into points, though — WMU is 1-4 against the spread over its last five games; three of the ATS margins of defeat were 20-plus points.

Nevada is 3-3 over its last six games, but the three losses were by a combined 6 points. The Wolfpack sports the leading pass attack in the Mountain West Conference with 365.8 yards per game.

However, those numbers are with Quick Lane opt-out QB Carson Strong (4,186 passing yards, 70.0% accuracy mark, 36 touchdown passes) at the helm. If Nevada will have to lean on a ground game ranked 129th in FBS with 73.8 yards per game if it’s forced to run here.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Western Michigan vs. Nevada odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 10:25 a.m. ET.

Money line: Western Michigan -270 (bet $270 to win $100) | Nevada +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan -6.5 (-122) | Nevada +6.5 (-102)
Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Western Michigan vs. Nevada odds, lines, picks and predictions

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Prediction

Western Michigan 31, Nevada 24

Money line

The opt-out of Strong makes it very tough to make a case for Nevada here. The WMU run game is efficient; the Wolfpack defense against the run is not. Much of this game aside from turnovers and big plays could well come down to just that.

BACK THE BRONCOS (-270). The attractiveness of this game has waned by the day as it approaches. Consider just a partial-unit play.

Against the spread

PASS unless the tag were to slip to minus-6 or better (or a more even price on the -6.5).

Over/Under

The UNDER 56.5 (-107) is advisable. Figure Nevada being forced into two or three field-goal attempts and the Bronco run game as being a worthy governor of pace.

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Western Michigan at Northern Illinois odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Western Michigan at Northern Illinois odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Western Michigan Broncos (6-5, 3-4 MAC) and Northern Illinois Huskies (8-3, 6-1) meet Tuesday for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill. Below, we look at the Western Michigan vs. Northern Illinois odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Western Michigan was felled by Eastern Michigan 22-21 last Tuesday. The Broncos led that game 21-9 heading into the final minute of the third quarter. They were undone by a minus-2 in turnovers had two giveaways in the fourth quarter — one of which led to a game-winning field goal. WMU is just 1-3 since Oct. 23.

The Huskies earned an overtime win over the Buffalo Bulls Wednesday, but their last three victories — over a four-game span — have come by a combined eight points. Northern Illinois piled up 308 rushing yards in its win over Buffalo and rank 11th nationally in rushing with 228.4 yards per game.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Western Michigan at Northern Illinois odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:22 a.m. ET.

Money line: Western Michigan -170 (bet $170 to win $100) | Northern Illinois +135 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan -3.5 (-107) | Northern Illinois +3.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 60.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

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Western Michigan at Northern Illinois odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Western Michigan 28, Northern Illinois 23

Money line

Western Michigan won last year’s meeting 30-27. These two MAC West foes have split their last four games, and all four have been decided by one score.

Northern Illinois has won four straight at home, but in a game where both teams will want to rely a ton on the run, the better rushing defense — WMU — figures as the team to play. The Broncos are a decent play in the -150 to -155 range but PASS on the current tag.

Against the spread

BACK THE BRONCOS -3.5 (-107). Keep an eye on this line: parts of the market have phased in and out of WMU -3. With a likable Under in a series full of close games, Broncos -3 figures as a play to leverage.

NIU is already ticketed for a trip to the MAC title game, while WMU is fighting for bowl eligibility.

Over/Under

The Under is 7-2 in the last nine series meetings at Northern Illinois. Tuesday’s forecast calls for 36 degrees and a 16-mile-an-hour breeze. A bit of game control for the Broncos and a lack of explosiveness for their offense factor into this one hitting on a combined score in the 50s.

TAKE THE UNDER 60.5 (-105).

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Western Michigan at Eastern Michigan odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Western Michigan at Eastern Michigan odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Western Michigan Broncos (6-4, 3-3 MAC) visit the Eastern Michigan Eagles (6-4, 3-3) Tuesday at Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Western Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Broncos managed to sneak by Akron at home last week by a 45-40 score, but are still just 1-2 SU/0-3 ATS across its last three games. Western Michigan is searching for its first consecutive victories since a 4-0 SU run from Sept. 11 – Oct. 2.

The Eagles suffered a 34-26 loss against Ohio last week on this same field, snapping a modest 2-0 ATS streak. The Eastern Michigan offense has been on point lately, going for 41.0 PPG across the past four outings, while EMU has yielded just 36.3 PPG across that span. The Over has hit in three of those last four games.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Western Michigan at Eastern Michigan odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:15 a.m. ET.

Money line: Western Michigan -220 (bet $220 to win $100) | Eastern Michigan +175 (bet $100 to win $175)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan -5.5 (-110) | Eastern Michigan +5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 66.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Western Michigan at Eastern Michigan odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Western Michigan 43, Eastern Michigan 39

Money line

Western Michigan (-220) has been playing slightly better lately, but both teams have been strong offensively. You can’t risk more than two times than your possible return on a road team.

PASS.

Against the spread

EASTERN MICHIGAN +5.5 (-110) is the better play. The Eagles have racked up 26 or more points in four straight games. While they’re 2-3 ATS in five games at home on the gray FieldTurf of Rynearson, EMU has a potent offense, and Western Michigan was sloppy on special teams last week and was also dinged for a touchdown on an interception by Akron. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the home team win outright.

Over/Under

The OVER 66.5 (-107) is the best play on the board. First off, we usually get plenty of offense when these directional school rivals meet. The Over is 5-2-1 in the past eight meetings dating back to 2012, including a 53-42 win by the Eagles at WMU last season. The offense has been red hot for the Broncos lately, and the Eagles have the talent in the pass game to keep pace.

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