Central Michigan vs. Ohio Odds
| Central Michigan Odds | -5 (-105) |
| Ohio Odds | +5 (-115) |
| Moneyline | -200 / +170 |
| Over/Under | 57.5 (-110 / -110) |
| Time | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute college football odds here. | |
Saturday's Week 6 showdown features teams ranked 99th (Central Michigan) and 114th (Ohio) in our Power Ratings.
Sometimes you just have to offer up your appreciation for betting odds.
It's been one step forward and two steps back for the Chippewas, whose loss to Miami (OH) last week pushed the team to 2-3 on the year. Central Michigan's riding an 0-3 skid against the spread, after cashing 15-of-22 prior under head coach Jim McElwain.
Ohio, meanwhile, got on the board in the worst way possible in Week 5. It crushed Akron in a 17-point win and cover — both firsts of the season for the struggling Bobcats.
What's the play in this low-profile MAC tilt?
Central Michigan vs. Ohio Betting Preview
Central Michigan Chippewas
Central Michigan Offense
Central Michigan racked up at least 430 yards for the fourth time in five weeks last Saturday against the Redhawks, yet posted a season-low 17 points in the double-digit defeat.
Quarterback Daniel Richardson — who started four games a season ago — earned the nod. However, he exited with a shoulder injury and is in flux to play Saturday.
"The one thing I won't ever do, and never have, is put someone out there that is unable to perform at their best," McElwain told the school paper. "It's just not worth it in the long run and I would never do that to any of these players."
If we're reading the tea leaves, expect Washington transfer quarterback Jacob Sirmon to run the offense. He earned the first four starts of the year and led the team to a 2-2 record, both straight up and against the spread.
The Chippewas are dangerous through the air, posting more than 300 yards per game. They're running 85 plays a contest, which trails only North Texas nationally.
Central Michigan Defense
CMU receivers must enjoy practice because the secondary can't stop a soul.
The Chipps let a pair of Miami quarterbacks combine for 350 yards and four touchdowns last week. Overall, the unit's 117th in the country in passing yards allowed per game (286) and 119th in yards per completion (15.1).
Central Michigan relied on a rush defense that surrendered a slim 3.1 yards per rush a season ago. Opponents have fared better this fall, recording 3.9 yards per rush.
Ohio Bobcats
Ohio Offense
Saturday's 34-17 win marked the first time scoring more than 26 points all year for the Bobcats, who will lean on their rushing attack.
Ohio's been an eyesore seemingly across the board but has pumped out six yards per carry in 2021, which is tied for fourth nationally.
It's tough to dial-up a run game when trailing as frequently as the Bobcats, but it should stick to the bread and butter Saturday.
Central Michigan can't get a push up front, ranking 117th in Line Yards.
Ohio Defense
This is arguably the toughest draw of the year for Ohio's defense. The Bobcats have played Syracuse, Duquesne, Northwestern and Akron in 2021 — four offenses that aren't necessarily nightmare-inducing.
Louisiana's the only team in the top half of the nation in offensive SP+ (No. 57) that the Bobcats have matched up with. The Ragin' Cajuns did whatever they wanted, collecting more than 550 yards in a 49-point outburst.
Ohio enters Week 6 bottom-25 nationally in Rush Success Rate, Pass Rush, Havoc and Finishing Drives.
Central Michigan vs. Ohio Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Central Michigan and Ohio match up statistically:
Central Michigan Offense vs. Ohio Defense
Ohio Offense vs. Central Michigan Defense
Pace of Play / Other
Central Michigan vs. Ohio Betting Pick
This is a cheap price on the visitors, who are still competing at a high level.
The market was fond of Central Michigan in Week 5, betting the Chippewas from +1 to a -2.5-point road favorite at close. Although they lost outright, they moved the ball with relative ease and had a long touchdown called back in the second half, which proved costly.
Central Michigan still has Toledo, Western Michigan and Kent State on the docket. If it has any plans of playing in the postseason, it has to clean it up on Saturday against an inferior opponent.
We'll make a play on the Chippewas, who are 21-7-2 the last 30 as road chalk.
