Last night looked a little dicey at times, especially after the news broke that Toledo would play with a backup quarterback. This is why I am often willing to wait on my number: I want to be sure that I’m betting on the team I think I’m betting. There’s nothing you can do if you bet a game and the quarterback gets knocked out of the game, but if you fail to do the research, that’s on you.
Luckily, Tucker Gleason had me covered. If the Rockets’ defense had been even slightly competent on Tuesday, he would have had his whole team covered, but that’s just not the way these things work out. It worked well enough for me, though, as we cashed a 5-0 day.
With more MACtion on the slate, it’s time for some more plays. Here are my best bets for November 16.
KENT STATE -7.5, -110
We already saw how Eastern handled the second-best rushing offense in the MAC. It didn’t go well, as Northern Illinois came to the Factory and steamrolled the Eagles by a 39-10 count. Guess who’s got the best rushing offense in the MAC? Yep, it’s the Golden Flashes. Plus, Kent State has zero margin for error. The Flashes must beat Eastern and Buffalo to close the season or no bowl game. I’m going with the desperate team here.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN -8.5, -130
Central Michigan loves MACtion. The Chippewas have covered in 15 of their past 17 Wednesday night games with a push, and they’ve already won both of their Wednesday night MACtion games this season. The line is a little high, so I’m going to tease this down some and might even pair it with a tease on the Northern Illinois-Miami matchup. I’m just worried about Central Michigan’s tendency to shoot itself in the foot. If the Chippewas avoid that, they roll past the Broncos’ weak offense.
MIAMI-OHIO-NORTHERN ILLINOIS U44.5, -110
These are the two best run defenses in the MAC. They’re also two of the three worst passing offenses in the MAC. Throw in the flurries that each team will have to contend with, and I think the under is the play here. Like I said before, I see a lot of value on a tease of CMU -7 and Under 47.5 here at +165.
SENATORS TTO 3.5, -135
If this doesn’t pull Ottawa out of its funk, nothing will. Buffalo’s playing poor hockey right now and should have dead legs after playing a scoring fest against Vancouver at home last night. Plus, the Sabres’ penalty kill has played poorly. Buffalo gives up way too many shots and Ottawa can score up a man. This might become a play of Senators and O6.5 at +180, because Buffalo should score a few of its own.
FLORIDA GULF COAST +20.5, -110
Tennessee is not shooting well. Eventually, that will change, but for the time being, I want to get action against the Vols. FGCU already beat USC by 13, and I don’t think the Volunteers are 34 points better than the Trojans. Tennessee lost by double digits to Colorado, and this feels like about seven to 10 points too many.
MICHIGAN -8.5, -110
Michigan plays great defense under Juwan Howard. Pittsburgh does not shoot well under Jeff Capel. I’ve seen a fair amount of the Panthers from last season, and things look no better for this team. The Wolverines should step up their defense and maul Pitt fairly easily here.
