Western Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan Odds
| Western Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -110 | 66.5 -110o / -110u | -245 |
| Eastern Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -110 | 66.5 -110o / -110u | +194 |
A Tuesday night in-state MACtion battle between MAC West rivals? Sign me up, as Western Michigan heads to Ypsilanti to take on Eastern Michigan at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Both teams currently own a 6-4 record, and in their last 10 games, they’ve won five each. However, the Eagles have a much better record against the spread, posting a 7-3 mark over the last 10.
The MAC West is a very competitive division with no true bottom-dweller, so while they're fighting to avoid a last-place ranking, neither of these teams are actually terrible.
This game will also be the first to kick off the competition for the “Michigan MAC Trophy," which is awarded to the best MAC school from Michigan against the other directional michigan schools in the conference.
With a win over the Broncos, Eastern Michigan will move to 7-4. The Eagles have not won seven of the first 11 games in a season since 1989, so a victory would also set them up for their first eight-win season since 1987 when they won their only MAC Championship.
But it won’t be easy for an Eagles team that ranks 27th in offense and 83rd in defense nationally against the Broncos, who find themselves ranked 54th on offense and 94th on defense.
Can the Eagles step up as a home dog and continue a chase for their best season in over 20 years?
Western Michigan Broncos
Broncos Need to Keep Possession of the Ball
Western Michigan comes into this game after a high-scoring win over Akron.
The Broncos picked up the 45-40 win with quarterback Kaleb Eleby leading the way. Eleby posted a 174.1 QB rating while recording one rushing touchdown and two through the air.
Running back Sean Tyler had a solid game and continues to be the workhorse of the Broncos offense. Rushing for 147 yards on just 16 carries against Akron, he also added on one touchdown.
One of the most important factors for Western Michigan against EMU will be to continue to dominate the time of possession. So far this season, the Broncos have averaged possession for 59% of the game. Keeping the ball away from the Eagles' Air Raid offense that has had success against secondaries far better than the Broncos will be vital.
The Broncos' rush-first offense matches up well against an Eagles defense that allows 195 rushing yards per game. But to secure a win on the road this week, keeping the ball out of the Eagles' hands as much as possible may be the clearest path to success.
Defensively, the Broncos are allowing 30 points per game and 210 passing yards on average, something the Eagles should have no trouble taking advantage of if given the chance.
Eastern Michigan Eagles
Ben Bryant Gives Eagles a Boost
The Eagles will look to attack the air like they have for most of the season. They rank 15th in the country in completion percentage (55.28%) and 22nd in passing yards per game (286.4).
Eastern Michigan has improved considerably this year with Cincinnati transfer Ben Bryant at quarterback. He's completing 69.7% of his passes so far, and in three of his last four games, he's recorded over and has 300 yards.
The Eagles rank 55th nationally in completion percentage while also sitting 22nd in passing yards.
One concern for Bryant this weekend will be the level of protection he'll have. The Broncos boast a 9.59% Sack Rate, ranked 10th in the country. They will undoubtedly be one of the biggest challenges the Eagles' offensive line faces this season.
The Eastern Michigan offense averages 34.0 points per game and 392.3 yards per game. Defensively, it's allowing 28.2 points and 431.4 yards.
Western Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan match up statistically:
Western Michigan Offense vs. Eastern Michigan Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 14 | 128 | |
| Line Yards | 14 | 127 | |
| Pass Success | 53 | 116 | |
| Pass Blocking** | 105 | 21 | |
| Big Play | 63 | 80 | |
| Havoc | 10 | 115 | |
| Finishing Drives | 51 | 93 | |
| ** Pass Blocking (Off.) vs. Pass Rush (Def.) | |||
Eastern Michigan Offense vs. Western Michigan Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 93 | 60 | |
| Line Yards | 75 | 22 | |
| Pass Success | 23 | 15 | |
| Pass Blocking** | 44 | 15 | |
| Big Play | 78 | 102 | |
| Havoc | 52 | 19 | |
| Finishing Drives | 13 | 68 | |
| ** Pass Blocking (Off.) vs. Pass Rush (Def.) | |||
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 21 | 68 |
| Coverage | 118 | 114 |
| Middle 8 | 71 | 12 |
| SP+ Special Teams | 130 | 18 |
| Plays per Minute | 105 | 58 |
| Rush Rate | 60.1% (28) | 49.6% (99) |
Data via College Football Data, FootballOutsiders, SP+, PFF and SportSource Analytics.
Western Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan Betting Pick
Outside of special teams, where Eastern Michigan has a massive advantage, these two teams are pretty evenly matched and have a lot to play for.
Therefore, I'll take the points with the Eagles in what I expect to be a close game. I'm also going to be betting the over, as both teams match up worse defensively where the other team excels offensively.
I bet Eastern Michigan at +6.5. However, I did play it small as I'll continue to look for the key number of 7 at -120 or better until kickoff. I got the over at 66 and would play it as high as 68.
Pick: Eastern Michigan +6.5 or better · Over 66 (Play to 68)
