Can Western Michigan score enough vs. Eastern Michigan to hit the over?

EMU vs. WMU Pick

Should No. 20 Western Michigan have any trouble slowing down rival Eastern Michigan when they meet up on Saturday at 3:30PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Western Michigan is the clear favorite in this game, as the Broncos are getting odds of -23.5 points against the Eagles. The over/under total for the game is listed at 58.5 points. Western has won two straight in this series and these two have hit the over in three straight meetings.

Bet on Eastern Michigan vs. Western Michigan

Western Michigan is on pace to have a historic season under P.J. Fleck. The Broncos are now 7-0 on the season and 3-2 in the MAC after a 41-0 win at Akron last week. The Broncos could make a push for one of the top bowls if they are able to run the table. They come into this game 4-3 with the under, largely due to a terrific defense. WMU is giving up just 17.6 points per game and 337.6 yards per game this season. On offense, WMU is putting up 44.3 points and 493.7 yards per game. They have a tremendous run game that is averaging 265.6 yards per contest. Jarvion Franklin is leading the team with 795 yards and six scores while Jamauri Bogan has 539 yards with five touchdowns. The Broncos also have Zach Terrell, who has thrown for 1,597 yards with 17 touchdowns. He hasn’t thrown an INT this season with 174 pass attempts. Corey Davis has caught 44 of those attempts for 652 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Eastern Michigan is actually have a historic year as well. The Eagles beat Ohio 27-20 last week to move to 5-2 on the season and 2-1 in the MAC. EMU could qualify for its first bowl game since 1987 with just one more win this year. The Eagles comes into this game having hit the under in five straight, but they are still averaging 31.6 points and 427.1 yards per contest on offense. EMU has been without starting QB Todd Porter the last two weeks because of a shoulder injury. He has thrown for 1,064 yards and seven touchdowns this season. However, Brogan Roback has been great in his place, throwing for 740 yards with seven touchdowns and just one INT. The leading rusher is Ian Eriksen, who has 428 yards and five scores. On defense, EMU is struggling somewhat, giving up 28.3 points and 407.9 yards per game.

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Western Michigan is tough to move the ball on no matter what school you are. They have been very tough in MAC play, giving up just 40 points in three games. At home, WMU should be able to keep Eastern’s offense in check as well. I suspect that Western Michigan will run the ball very effectively, but I don’t see them putting up a big number like 45 or more in this game. I like the under to hit as Western shuts down another opponent.

 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 8 PICK: EASTERN MICHIGAN/WESTERN MICHIGAN UNDER 58.5