Ohio Bobcats (5-2) vs Western Michigan Broncos (2-5)
Game Info: Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 12:00 pm (Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium)
Betting Odds: Ohio Bobcats -16.5 -- Over/Under: 52.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Western Michigan Broncos will play the Ohio Bobcats in a MAC game on Saturday afternoon at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio. Western Michigan has lost four of their last five games, while Ohio has won five of their last six games.
Western Michigan Preview
The Western Michigan Broncos are 2-5 (1-2) this season after they lost to Miami (OH) by a score of 34-21 last week. Western Michigan trailed 21-10 at halftime and they cut the lead to 28-21 in the fourth quarter, but that was as close as they could get. The Broncos were out gained by a total of 315-303 and they forced two turnovers in the game. Western Michigan lost their first conference game of the season to Toledo, but they did defeat Ball State in their second conference game. The Western Michigan offense is averaging 24.9 points per game with 205.3 passing yards per game and 172.1 rushing yards per game, while going 37% on third downs. Western Michigan has some questions at the quarterback position, as Treyson Bourguet seems to be injured, so we may see Hayden Wolff in this one. Jalen Buckley has rushed for 618 yards and five touchdowns, while Kenneth Womack has caught 35 passes for 348 yards. The WMU defense is allowing 36.3 points against per game this year.
Ohio Preview
The Ohio Bobcats are 5-2 (2-1) this season after they lost to NIU by a score of 23-13 in their last game. Ohio led 13-7 at halftime, but they were out scored 16-0 in the second half for the loss. The Bobcats were out gained by a total of 302-254 and turned the ball over three times in the game. Ohio had won the previous five games against Kent State, Bowling Green, Iowa State, FAU, and LIU. The Ohio offense is averaging 22.9 points per game with 197.3 passing yards per game and 137.3 rushing yards per game, while going 48.5% on third downs. Kurtis Rourke has thrown for 1,068 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions for the Bobcats this year. Sieh Bangura has rushed for 362 yards and two touchdowns, while Sam Wiglusz has caught 29 passes for 285 yards and two scores. The Ohio defense is giving up 13.4 points against per game this season.
Ohio Bobcats Team Facts
- Ohio has won each of its last nine games against non-AP-ranked teams at Peden Stadium.
- Ohio has covered the spread in six of its last seven games at Peden Stadium.
- Ohio has won the first half in each of its last five games against conference opponents at Peden Stadium.
- Each of Ohio's last four October games as a home favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
Western Michigan Broncos Team Facts
- The favorite has won each of Western Michigan's last seven games.
- Western Michigan has covered the spread in six of its last seven October games as a road underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Each of Western Michigan's last four games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Pick
Ohio had their winning streak snapped last week on the road, but they will return home and look to start another winning streak here. Western Michigan hasn’t had much luck this year and they have lost by at least 13 points in five of their last six games. Ohio has had an inconsistent offensive attack this year, as they have scored 17 points or fewer in three of their last five games. On the other hand, the Ohio defense has been very good so far. I am going to take Ohio in this game, and lean on their defense for another strong performance.
David’s Pick Ohio -16.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
