Tuesday Night MACtion rolls on, as we have an in-state conference battle between the Western Michigan Broncos (5-5, 4-2 MAC) and Central Michigan Chippewas (3-7, 1-5). Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
These programs have had polar opposite seasons thus far, and the Broncos are one victory away from securing a bid to bowl season. Meanwhile, head coach Jim McElwain's Chippewas have had a long season.
For the remainder of the season, they'll be looking to play spoiler for their conference foes. Central Michigan got steamrolled at Toledo last week, 37-10, which has been the theme of its season in 2024.
Oddsmakers have Western Michigan as a -6.5 road favorite with the total set at 56.5. Let's dive right into my Western Michigan vs. Central Michigan predictions and college football picks for Tuesday, Nov. 19.
Western Michigan vs Central Michigan Prediction
- Western Michigan vs. Central Michigan Pick: Over 56
My Central Michigan vs. Western Michigan best bet is on both teams to go over the total, with the best line currently available at BetRivers, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Western Michigan vs Central Michigan Odds
| Western Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -110 | 56.5 -110 / -110 | -240 |
| Central Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -110 | 56.5 -110 / -110 | +195 |
- Western Michigan vs Central Michigan Spread: Western Michigan -6.5 (-110) · Central Michigan +6.5 (-110)
- Western Michigan vs Central Michigan Over/Under: 56.5 Points
- Western Michigan vs Central Michigan Moneyline: Western Michigan -240 · Central Michigan +195
Western Michigan vs Central Michigan Preview
Western Michigan Broncos Betting Preview: Solid Offense, Horrid Defense
Western Michigan outgained Northern Illinois at home last week but fell short, 42-28. This has been a recurring theme for the Broncos, as their ugly defensive performances have continually cost them games.
Quarterback Hayden Wolff also threw two interceptions last week, which didn't help the defense.
Still, Wolff has had a fine season despite last week's mistakes. He has 19 passing touchdowns compared to five picks while completing 70% of his passes.
Wolff has been a great complement to running back Jaden Nixon, who draws a phenomenal matchup here.
Nixon has arguably had the best rushing season in MAC, averaging over seven yards per carry while punching in 12 touchdowns. His backfield mate, Jalen Buckley, has also put forth substantial numbers, averaging nearly six yards per carry with six scores on the ground.
The matchup against the Chips defense is what dreams are made of for the Broncos — especially considering how explosive their offense has been.
CMU has struggled against the run and allowed a lot of explosive plays on the ground and through the air.
The Broncos rank 25th in Pass Success Rate and 28th in EPA/Play on the ground, so there should be plenty of scoring opportunities for the offense.
Defensively, it has been a completely different story. Not only is this one of the worst units in the MAC, but it's arguably a bottom-10 unit across the country.
The defense ranks 128th in Total EPA and outside the top 120 in both Pass and Rush Success Rate allowed.
As bad as the Chips offense has been due to injuries, I don't see how the Broncos generate many stops. They allow far too many explosive plays, don't generate any Havoc and have remarkably low Stuff Rate numbers.
I love the matchup for the offense, but the defense is holding me back from laying points with the Broncos on the road.
Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Preview: Problems at QB
It's been a disaster of a season for the Chippewas, and their injuries to the quarterback position have been unruly. The Chips have started four different quarterbacks throughout the season and are uncertain about their injuries heading into this matchup against the Broncos.
Last week, quarterback Jadyn Glasser made the start against Toledo, and he threw two interceptions. With a question mark surrounding the status of Bert Emanuel Jr., Glasser will get another chance.
Regardless of who starts under center, the offense's focus has relied on its rushing attack, and it draws a strong matchup here.
The Chips' offensive line has done an excellent job in the Stuff Rate and Line Yards Allowed departments, which have created solid running lanes for running backs Marion Lukes and B.J. Harris.
The Broncos allow a ton of explosive plays on the ground, which should ignite a Chips offense that has struggled mightily over the past couple of weeks. CMU put up 34 points against Eastern Michigan a couple of weeks ago, which is a far more respectable defense than the Broncos.
However, the Chippewas can't throw the ball at all, which has tanked their Offensive EPA numbers. However, they're still 24th in Rushing EPA and rank in the 89th percentile in Rush Explosiveness.
It doesn't matter if they're one-dimensional against the Broncos because WMU is so bad defensively.
Defensively, the secondary is the Chippewas' strength. While that's been a solid unit, CMU has still been gashed on the ground. The Chips rank 110th in Rush EPA allowed and have allowed plenty of explosive plays both on the ground and through the air.
That's exactly where the Broncos offense thrives, so I have a bad feeling about the defense in the matchup.
Given the cupcake matchup, I think the offense should be able to break through here, but the defense leaves me with a lot of questions. The number of explosive plays they allow is going to hurt them here.
Western Michigan vs Central Michigan Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Western Michigan and Central Michigan match up statistically:
Western Michigan Offense vs. Central Michigan Defense
 |  Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 59 | 55 |  |
| Line Yards | 57 | 63 | |
| Pass Success | 20 | 93 | |
| Havoc | 35 | 28 | |
| Finishing Drives | 30 | 58 | |
| Quality Drives | 46 | 123 | |
Central Michigan Offense vs. Western Michigan Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 75 | 116 | |
| Line Yards | 32 | 97 | |
| Pass Success | 118 | 128 | |
| Havoc | 108 | 84 | |
| Finishing Drives | 76 | 126 | |
| Quality Drives | 80 | 116 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 85 | 47 |
| PFF Coverage | 114 | 104 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 60 | 66 |
| Middle 8 | 87 | 104 |
| Seconds per Play | 28.0 (90) | 27.8 (86) |
| Rush Rate | 61% (25) | 59% (42) |
Western Michigan vs Central Michigan Pick & Prediction
I was happy to take over because I like the many factors working in our favor.
The Broncos offense has shredded all season long, and now they get to face a Chips defense that has allowed a ton of explosive plays, specifically on the ground.
Wolff should rebound from his two-interception performance, and I think he's more than capable of breaking through against CMU.
Central Michigan's quarterback room is a mess, but that won't prevent it from establishing success on the ground. The Broncos defense also allows a ton of explosive plays, which should allow the Chippewas to create some momentum throughout the contest.
Besides, if the Chips' quarterback play turns into a disaster, we could see shorter possessions, giving the excellent Broncos offense a few extra possessions.
I'm following the steam here.
Pick: Over 56 (Play to 57.5)
How to Watch Western Michigan vs Central Michigan Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI |
| Date: | Tuesday, Nov. 19 |
| Kickoff Time: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN2 |
Western Michigan heads to Mount Pleasant on Tuesday to take on Central Michigan at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Western Michigan vs Central Michigan Betting Trends
Western Michigan vs Central Michigan Weather
