Mid-American Conference matchup. Western Michigan is 8-2 all-time against the Buckeye state, with three straight victories over Ohio.
This season, the Broncos are 2-4 both straight up and against the spread. The Bobcats have a 3-3 SU and ATS record. Both teams have a winning record versus MAC opposition.
The two teams last faced off in 2019, with Western Michigan triumphing 37–34. Which MAC team will come out on top? We’ll let you know when we take a look at Ohio vs. Western Michigan best bets.
Ohio Bobcats vs. Western Michigan Broncos
Odds Breakdown
The spread for this game is 1.5 points, and the oddsmakers have Ohio as their favorite. In terms of the moneyline, Western Michigan is given +110 as home underdogs to win, while Ohio is given -130 odds. The final score for the contest is 59.5 points.
Ohio Bobcats Current Odds
When it comes to Ohio football odds, Ohio has compiled a 3-3-0 record this season against the spread. When playing as at least 1.5-point favorites, Ohio is 1-1 ATS.
This season, five Ohio games have exceeded the mark. Only twice this season have the Bobcats been the moneyline favorite, and both times they have triumphed.
Only two games this season have seen the Bobcats as a moneyline favorite of -122 or less, and both of those games ended in victories.
Western Michigan Broncos Current Odds
This season, Western Michigan has compiled a record of 2-4-0 against the spread. When Western Michigan is at least 1.5 point underdogs, it has never covered the spread (0-3).
Western Michigan’s games have had final combined scores that were higher than the over/under three times this season.
This season, the Broncos have played three games as underdogs, and they have lost all three of those games. The Broncos have been at least a +100 underdog on the moneyline three times this season, and they have lost each of those games.
Teams’ Strengths and Weaknesses
Ohio Bobcats
The Bobcats defeated Akron in their most recent game, 55-34. Kurtis Rourke, the quarterback, had a fantastic day, completing 24 of his 27 throws for 427 yards and three touchdowns. Sam Wiglusz, who had seven receptions for 144 yards and two scores, was his top target.
Additionally, Jacoby Jones had four receptions for 121 yards. With 16 carries for 90 yards and three touchdowns, Sieh Bangura was dominant in the backfield while also catching a touchdown pass for 25 yards.
Lineup Breakdown
Bobcats QB Kurtis Rourke has been lethal for this Ohio offense tossing up 537 yards and four touchdowns against Fordham, 427 yards and three scores against Akron, and 345 yards and four touchdowns against Florida Atlantic in the season opener. He has now thrown 111 straight passes without an interception.
Sam Wiglusz, a 5-11 junior who transferred from Ohio State, has emerged as Rourke’s top target with 35 receptions for 434 yards and five touchdowns. Sieh Bangura, a redshirt freshman tailback, has scored six touchdowns and averages nearly 5 yards per carry on 72 attempts.
Western Michigan Broncos
Western Michigan standings dropped last week when the Broncos lost to Eastern Michigan by a score of 45–23. Jack Salopek, the quarterback, was sacked seven times and only completed 13 of his 40 throws for 208 yards and two touchdowns.
Western Michigan only had 299 offensive yards while giving up 413. Ladarius Jefferson ran eight times for 35 yards and a touchdown, while Sean Tyler had 15 for 45 yards.
Salopek Analysis
Western’s redshirt freshman quarterback Salopek hasn’t even averaged 170 yards a game through the air this season, with six touchdowns and five interceptions.
27 of his passes were caught by Corey Crooms for 365 yards and three touchdowns. Sean Tyler and La’darius Jefferson lead the backfield but barely average 100 yards a game together.
Team Season Forecast
Ohio Bobcats Season Forecast
The Ohio Bobcats ranked 127th in scoring defense, 131st in total defense, and 131st in passing defense, ranking them amongst the worst defenses team in the nation.
Despite this, Ohio has performed better offensively and owns a big offense. The Bobcats are scoring 33.2 points per game to rank 43rd in the FBS.
In terms of throwing yards this season, Ohio’s offense ranks sixth (334.0 passing yards per game).
Western Michigan Broncos Season Forecast
Western Michigan’s offense has produced 301.2 yards per game this season, ranking 12th-worst in the FBS and in the bottom 25 of all offenses. Western Michigan is ranked 105th in the FBS in terms of points scored (22.7 points per game).
However, they will enjoy home-field advantage while playing one of the league’s poorest defenses.
Western Michigan Defense
Western Michigan, which allows 384.8 yards per game, ranked 75th in defense and 101st overall (30.8 points allowed per game).
Western Michigan’s passing attack has produced 180.7 passing yards per game this season, which ranks 20th-worst in the FBS and is bottom 25. One of the best passers in the nation will present them with a challenging job.
What to Expect from this Matchup?
Only six defenses in the nation allow more yards per pass to oppose quarterbacks than the Bobcats’ defensive unit. Only the Miami Hurricanes (11.7 yards per throw) have a lower average over the past three games than the Bobcats.
On the other hand, Ohio can absolutely sling it through the air with Rourke under center. The Western Michigan Broncos are averaging just 22.3 points per game, but they’re sure to get a boost playing at home.
I believe the first half might reach this total, and I expect this matchup to be a back-and-forth shootout.
Ohio Bobcats vs. Western Michigan Broncos Prediction and Best Bets
Ohio can score points, especially through the air, but they won’t be able to terrify Western Michigan, especially at home. Western Michigan’s passing defense is ranked 79th, which should lead to several huge plays on Saturday.
Additionally, keep in mind that WMU is ranked 95th nationwide, while Ohio is a solid 39th in turnover differential. The dangerous Ohio attack will have several short fields as a result, which will lead to several easy scores.
Who to Bet On?
Western Michigan’s scoring offense is rated 111th, and they just finished a week in which they averaged a pitiful 3.7 yards per play.
Ohio should be able to pick up the win on the road. For that reason, Ohio vs. Western Michigan best bets take Ohio.
Final Score Prediction: Ohio 37, Western Michigan 27
NCAAF Pick: Ohio -1.5 (-110)
NCAAF Pick: Over 59.5 (-110)
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