Who’s Playing
Central Michigan @ Western Michigan
Current Records: Central Michigan 4-4; Western Michigan 5-3
What to Know
The Central Michigan Chippewas haven’t won a contest against the Western Michigan Broncos since Nov. 1 of 2017, but they’ll be looking to end the drought Wednesday. The Chippewas and WMU will face off in a Mid-American battle at 7 p.m. ET at Waldo Stadium. If the game is anything like the Broncos’ 52-44 win from their previous meeting in November of last year, the scorekeeper will be kept real busy.
CMU suffered a bitter loss two weeks ago, failing to capitalize on an early lead against the Northern Illinois Huskies. CMU had victory within their grasp but couldn’t quite capture it as the squad lost 39-38 to NIU. That makes it the first time this season CMU has let down their home crowd. They might have lost, but man — RB Lew Nichols III was a total machine. He rushed for two TDs and 192 yards on 22 carries. Nichols III put himself on the highlight reel with a 66-yard TD scramble in the first quarter. Nichols III’s sharp performance set his single-game rushing touchdown high for the season.
Meanwhile, the Broncos received a tough blow two weeks ago as they fell 34-15 to the Toledo Rockets. Western Michigan’s defeat came about despite a quality game from QB Kaleb Eleby, who accumulated 232 passing yards in addition to punching in one rushing touchdown.
The Chippewas have to know they’ll be fighting an uphill battle given the 10 point spread they are up against. True fans might be the only ones betting on them, currently 2-5 ATS, to cover the spread.
CMU is now 4-4 while WMU sits at 5-3. A couple defensive numbers to keep in mind before kickoff: CMU is 214th worst in the nation in passing touchdowns allowed, with 13 on the season. WMU has experienced some passing struggles of their own as they are stumbling into the matchup with the 232nd most passing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up 15 on the season. It’s possible one of these Achilles’ heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
How To Watch
- When: Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET
- Where: Waldo Stadium — Kalamazoo, Michigan
- TV: ESPN University
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Ticket Cost: $28.00
Odds
The Broncos are a big 10-point favorite against the Chippewas, according to the latest college football odds.
The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 10-point spread, and stayed right there.
Over/Under: -112
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Series History
Western Michigan have won five out of their last six games against Central Michigan.
- Nov 18, 2020 – Western Michigan 52 vs. Central Michigan 44
- Sep 28, 2019 – Western Michigan 31 vs. Central Michigan 15
- Oct 20, 2018 – Western Michigan 35 vs. Central Michigan 10
- Nov 01, 2017 – Central Michigan 35 vs. Western Michigan 28
- Oct 01, 2016 – Western Michigan 49 vs. Central Michigan 10
- Oct 10, 2015 – Western Michigan 41 vs. Central Michigan 39
