The offensive line does an average job run blocking and actually grades out in the top 10 nationally in almost every pressure and sack stat. Eight of the 12 have not. MAC Odds, Predictions, Betting Preview 2022 College Football By Jacob Wayne | Aug 24, 2022, 1:06am MAC Betting Preview & Odds Toledo Rockets Central Michigan Chippewas Northern Illinois Huskies Kent State Golden Flashes Miami RedHawks Eastern Michigan Eagles Ball State Cardinals Western Michigan Broncos Buffalo Bulls Ohio Bobcats Buffalos opponents have converted only 6-of-19 fourth downs (31.6%). It remains a bit undersized, even for MAC standards, which has led to deficiencies against the run. Addressing a porous run defense (205.9 yards a game last year) is the top priority for new coordinator Jeremiah Johnson. Although, Im not sure if thats really a sustainable stat. Coach Chuck Martins defense brings back six starters from a unit that allowed the fewest points per game (22.0) in MAC contests last fall. This service is intended for adult users only. Miami (Ohio) and Kent State are the favorites in the East, while Bowling Green could push for a bowl in coach Scot Loeffler's fourth year. With two All-MAC linebackers gone, Ball State was particularly raw at both outside linebacker spots. Buffalo's defense should be solid in the front thanks to the return of Athlon Sports' All-MAC selections in linebacker James Patterson and linemen George Wolo, Max Michel and C.J. Arkansas vs. Auburn College Football Pick Prediction 10/29/2022. Western MichiganRestocking a high-powered offense (32.5 points a game) is the top offseason priority for coach Tim Lester. Through eight weeks, he was the frontrunner for MAC Offensive Player of the Year. Its run defense has been especially sturdy. Rourke is off to a blazing start, throwing for over 2,400 yards with 16 touchdowns to just three interceptions in his first eight starts. With 11 returning starters, the experience should translate into better overall play in 22. Toledos offense had questions coming into the season after losing its leading rusher Bryant Koback (now with the Vikings) and five of its top six receivers. They did recover the following week with a six-point win over Akron that was too close for comfort. It not only lost MAC Player of the Year Dustin Crum at quarterback, but the Golden Flashes also needed to replace two productive receivers and both tackles on an offensive line that ranked in the bottom five nationally in returning production. Three picks for a big payout! There are not many conferences in America where the favorite is 3.5/1 and the biggest longshot, minus lowly Akron is 30/1. An experienced roster (17 returning starters) returns from a squad that went 4-8 and lost one-score games to eventual division champs Kent State and Northern Illinois. Each truly couldve went either way. It has allowed 18 points per game in league play, holding all five opponents to 24 or fewer points. With both quarterbacks unavailable due to injury for their previous game against Ohio, sophomore Justin Lynch got the surprise start. The teams with the best strategy and performers take the trophy home. Linebacker Bubba Arslanians return (missed eight games) is huge for a run defense that allowed nearly 250 yards (248.9) a game in 21. Buffalo T3. The 2022 college football season may seem far away, but it will be here in a few short months. His emergence has helped fill the void left by the loss of Isiah Cox to the transfer portal. With four key contributors gone in the secondary, Buffalo filled in the gaps with a number of Power Five transfers, including: They seem to have hit home runs with Muse and Blades, who have helped decrease the yards per attempt allowed from 8.9 (125th) last year to 7.4. For the home team, a tough start 1-2 start after facing FAU, Penn State, and Iowa State have been followed up with four wins over their past five . Quarterback Dequan Finn (2,549 total yards and 27 TDs) is a rising star under center. John Paddock is the front-runner to replace three-year starter Drew Plitt under center, but the senior has attempted only 34 passes since '18. Star receiver Trayvon Rudolph also went down with a season-ending knee injury in fall camp. Jets money line @ +118 at Caesars Sportsbook. Northern IllinoisThe Huskies were one of the most-improved teams in the nation last fall after going 5-13 in coach Thomas Hammock's first two years at the helm. On the season, Bowling Green ranks in the bottom 10 in opponent third-down conversion rate, which illustrates the struggles in the secondary. Miami (Ohio) Led by junior quarterback Brett Gabbert (2,648 yards and 26 TDs), the RedHawks should be the favorite in the East Division and return to the conference title game for the first time since '19. Rourke continues to efficiently spread the ball over the field. Troy (and former Missouri) signal-caller Taylor Powell steps into the starting quarterback role after 21 starter Ben Bryant returned to Cincinnati. It also has started out 2-2 in league play with all four games finishing within a one-possession final margin. Replacing three starters along a line that allowed 40 sacks last year is the biggest concern on offense for coach Sean Lewis. That forced Aveon Smith to take over as the starting quarterback. The Zips are just 3-27 over the last three years, but the program took a big step towards improvement this offseason. That caused him to miss the next six games in which Miami went 3-3 overall and 1-2 in league play in a trio of games decided by one possession. Ohio - 72 Points 5. Chat with our Live Handicapper to Know More about the Game. The complete opposite held true headed into 2022 with no real expectations for a very inexperienced club that had eight players get their first-ever collegiate start in Week 1. However, this group surrendered 36 points a contest in MAC play and had issues (187.8 yards) against the run. Buffalo leads the division with a 4-0 mark in conference . Quarterback Matt McDonald (12 TDs to 7 INTs) is back, along with a collection of promising skill players, including running back Terion Stewart, tight end Christian Sims and receivers Tyrone Broden and Austin Osborne. Thanks for visiting gomacsports.com! However, the Zips have some ground to make up after averaging only 20.3 points a game and allowing 37 in league games last fall. Last year's unit gave up 33.7 points a game, ranked 11th against the run and 10th in pass efficiency defense. Troy (and former Missouri) signal-caller Taylor Powell steps into the starting quarterback role after '21 starter Ben Bryant returned to Cincinnati. Free College Football Picks For Today 10/18/2022. End Karl Brooks, linebacker Darren Anders, cornerback Davon Ferguson and safety Jordan Anderson headline a strong, talented foundation for coordinator Eric Lewis. I mentioned earlier that Buffalo has enjoyed good luck in terms of its schedule and quarterback play. The Eagles also dont generate pressure (110th Sack Rate) with the exception of star defensive end Jose Ramirez, but he can absolutely wreak Havoc on a game all by himself. A few underlying metrics suggest Snyder has enjoyed some very good fortune, especially under pressure. Miami (Ohio) Led by junior quarterback Brett Gabbert (2,648 yards and 26 TDs), the. Third-team All-MAC DE Dominique Robinson (now with the Bears), Starting safeties Mike Brown and Sterling Weatherford (both recently signed contracts with NFL teams). Check out a prediction for every bowl with a projected spread below. The Northern Illinois Huskies begin a stretch of three home games on Wednesday when they host the Central Michigan Chippewas in a MACtion matchup . The Cardinals allowed only 24 points in MAC games last fall and return six starters for rising star coordinator Tyler Stockton. Also, five starters and plenty of experience is back up front. Per my numbers, Ball State had a top-10 special teams unit in 2021 but needed to replace stud return man Justin Hall (now with the Raiders), first-team All-MAC Punter Nathan Snyder, both kickers and longtime special teams coordinator Patrick Dougherty. Mid-American Playoff Predictor - MAC 2022 Season - Playoff Predictors. When I wrote the MAC East preview last March, Lance Leipold's Buffalo Bulls and Frank Solich's Ohio Bobcats appeared to be the most proven entities. Coming into Week 9, Eastern Michigan ranked in the top 25 in red-zone scoring percentage, third-down conversion rate and Line Yards. Basketball. The staff has made a few schematic and lineup changes that should pay off down the stretch. CMU remains a sturdy run defense (top-20 in yards per rush and 2nd in TFLs per game) and has excelled on third downs (17th) but remains extremely vulnerable to explosive passes if it doesnt get to the quarterback (13th in sacks per game). This defense is feisty and will keep Ball State in a lot of games against MAC foes. Sept 1 Saint Francis W Sept 10 . Ball State also has a pair of talented wide receivers in YoHeinz Tyler and former Cincinnati transfer Jayshon Jackson. Kent State T1. Lets take a closer look at Buffalos four MAC wins this season. After starting the season 0-3 with a home loss to FCS Holy Cross, Buffalo has won five straight to catapult itself to the top of the MAC East standings. Also, the receiving corps wasnt completely wiped out, as Corey Crooms (44 catches) should push for all-conference honors. Through eight weeks, PFF actually has him as the second-highest graded quarterback in the country among 134 with at least 100 dropbacks. New defensive coordinator Eric Lewis orchestrated an amazing turnaround in 2021. Smith, a dual-threat quarterback, completed just a tad over 52% of his passes. !Here is the link: https://bit.ly/PrizePicksGHOSTPICKSYo. For what its worth, NIU is 0-4 in games where Hampton takes the majority of snaps with turnovers being a major issue (7 TDs, 6 INTs). His explosiveness is missed, especially since FIU transfer Shemar Thornton has not lived up to some of the hype. Additionally, the secondary already has five interceptions in 2022. Ball States secondary has actually fared very well despite losing three starters, including All-MAC safety Bryce Cosby, who led the team in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks in 2021. American: Ohio +700. Nine players have double-digit receptions with Ohio State transfer Sam Wiglusz leading the way. Its definitely been fortunate in terms of fumble recoveries, but the Rockets were due for some bounces after a hard-luck season in 2021. Snyder and senior Matt Myers will battle to start at quarterback. 3. The Bobcats are one of only 18 offenses averaging over 300 passing yards per game. Toledo allowed 6.6 yards per play and 32.2 points a game in 19 but led the conference in fewest yards per play (4.8) and scoring defense (21.8) last year. Conversely, the Bobcats sit in the bottom five nationally in net punting. However, three starters must be replaced in the secondary. Although, Akron has benefited from facing a few backup quarterbacks in those games. EMU also has a deep and experienced receiver room. Its worth mentioning that Schlee missed the last game with an injury. The tournament will start on Thursday, September 1. Saturday, September 24. How to Live Stream and Watch MAC Football 2022 on TV? McElwain likely has greater concerns on a defense losing linebacker Troy Brown, defensive back Devonni Reed and lineman Troy Hairston II. 2022 college football picks, MACtion predictions by top model. Quarterback Dequan Finn (2,549 total yards and 27 TDs) is a rising star under center. The two new starting tackles have not been good, to say the least. McElwain likely has greater concerns on a defense losing linebacker Troy Brown, defensive back Devonni Reed and lineman Troy Hairston II. With a pair of All-MAC performers returning at safety and cornerback, the hope was the pass defense could be even better. Ball State-Kent State picks made 11/01/2022 at 12:12 p.m. Check out our MAC Championship History page for past betting results. The Bulls have four first-time starters up front, including a pair of transfer tackles. More College Football Picks Predictions Previews. Eight starters did return on defense, but that experience hasnt led to better output for new defensive coordinator Spence Nowinsky, who came over from division rival Miami (OH). The linebacker corps is much stronger due to the addition of Boston College transfer Joe Sparacio. While the drop likely wont be as drastic after a full MAC schedule, the running game is clearly worse off. ABC, SECN, BTN, and Fox Sports are some other places, where some of the matches will be broadcasted. This site is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with these schools or teams. Not only do the Chips miss an electric returner in Pimpleton, but they have also made only four of their 11 field goal attempts, As called on Central Michigan radio: pic.twitter.com/qHueoQQeWv, Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) November 4, 2021. Buffalo - 78 Points 4. The new season will begin with several midweek games that will be broadcast live during primetime on Wednesday. The 2021 conference season was won by Kent State in the East Division, while Northern Illinois won the West Division. Ball State went a predictable 2-2 record in the nonconference portion of the schedule. Hes also handled the blitz extremely well with a 10:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Following an original decision to postpone the start of the football season due to the wide spread of the coronavirus, the Mid-America Conference has resumed play as of this week. Bourguet threw for only 123 yards on 23 attempts. A one-point defeat to eventual MAC champion Northern Illinois. 2022 Overall MAC Football Team Rankings Last updated on 10/31/22 at 5:02 PM CST The Formula where c is a specific team's total number of commits and R n is the 247Sports Rating of the nth-best . After that, they will move on to the results of the individual matchups. Jeremiah Johnson, who crafted numerous dominant defenses at the FCS level while at Northern Iowa, was given the tall task. However, he has just two big-time throws compared to nine turnover-worthy plays in those situations. Akron Zips. After winning the conference in 2020, the Cardinals failed to live up to high expectations in 2021 with 20 returning starters. He and Chase Kline make up a very formidable duo at the second level. Today's Match Prediction of MAC vs SYD Dream11 Fantasy Football, A League 2022. Repeating as a conference champion is never easy, but the path to another crown needs improvement on defense. Plus, the more predictive early-down metrics suggest the defense will actually get worse, especially if the takeaways dry up. Also, the RedHawks return a cast of experienced running backs, and four starters return to form one of the league's top offensive lines. Coming into the season, I was a bit worried about the special teams after losing an excellent kicker in Chad Ryland, who transferred to Maryland. However, the Zips have some ground to make up after averaging only 20.3 points a game and allowing 37 in league games last fall. The Zips do have a bit more bulk along the defensive line, so they dont get pushed around as much. He can move a bit but is much more of a pro-style quarterback. Although, the latter has struggled in 2022. There just arent many positive things I can say about this defense outside of cornerback Torrie Cox, who has played well in his first season as a starter. Restocking a high-powered offense (32.5 points a game) is the top offseason priority for coach Tim Lester. Home. Implied Probability: Ohio 12.5%. On a positive note, the run defense has improved with better interior production and the return of (eighth-year!) Matchup. Michigan State transfer quarterback Rocky Lombardi shined in his debut in DeKalb (236.1 total yards a game) and is back to anchor an offense that averaged 32.2 points a matchup last fall. The only defeat in that stretch? However, despite returning its top four backs, Bowling Green still struggles to run the ball, ranking 118th nationally at 3.3 yards per carry. The defensive line ranks 113th in Line Yards. Just like last year, this is the most talented team in the MAC by a wide margin. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you're here. The sophomore signal-caller has thrown three touchdowns and two interceptions when under pressure. Try selecting a different location. Discipline has been an issue. The Golden Flashes return running backs Marquez Cooper (1,205 yards) and Xavier Williams (812) and receivers Dante Cephas (82 catches) and Ja'Shaun Poke (26). At this point, its hard to envision any team other than Toledo coming out of this division. However, this year, NIU is just 6-of-13 on fourth downs (84th), while its opponents have gone 11-of-15 (bottom-10). They were also very unlucky on fourth downs and led the country in penalties in 2021, which also explains why they lost so many league games last year. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Theres also solid depth on the outside with Jamari Gassett and Mike Washington. While very deep, the defensive ends have not had a banner start to the season. The Eagles wouldve been in first place with a win but now find themselves with a nearly impossible climb back to the top. The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has multiple teams that will contend for the title in 2022, and our experts already predicted who they think will win it all this season. As a result, Georgia Tech transfer Tucker Gleason got the start against EMU on Saturday. Buffalo is 5-3 overall and last played in a Tuesday, November 1 2022 Kicker Thomas Cluckey also had a disappointing year. Macarthur will take on Sydney on Saturday, October 29, at Campbelltown Stadium (Sydney). Its worth noting that Kent States best defensive player, interior lineman CJ West, missed last game with an injury. Led by a pair of potential All-MAC performers in guard Sidy Sow and tackle Brian Dooley, the offensive front ranks in the top 25 nationally in Line Yards. The Huskies have historically enjoyed one of the most pronounced home-field advantages in the MAC. However, coordinator Bill Brechin has holes to fill with the departure of ends Lonnie Phelps, Ben Kimpler and Kameron Butler, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and defensive backs Sterling Weatherford and Cedric Boswell. Bowl Projections: Week 9 2022-2023 Bowl Projections, Part 2 | New Year's Six College Football Playoff Prediction. In the event that it was necessary, MAC would utilize its standard procedure to break the tie. Tickets. Addressing the run defense (197.7 yards a game) is a priority, while the Eagles finished third in the conference in pass efficiency defense last season. Also, the Rockets bring back four starters up front, along with receiver Devin Maddox (41 catches). Veteran quarterback Rocky Lombardi has dealt with an injury for most of the season, which has resulted in Ethan Hampton actually leading the team in pass attempts. Also, the receiving corps wasn't completely wiped out, as Corey Crooms (44 catches) should push for all-conference honors. After last years top two quarterbacks Preston Hutchinson and Ben Bryant transferred, former Missouri and Troy signal-caller Taylor Powell transferred in to take over as QB1. The return of senior linebackerBubba Arslanian from injury has provided another boost to the run defense. There really arent weaknesses here, although Im sure theyd like an uptick in Sack Rate moving forward. With a little better luck and slight improvement on both sides of the ball, coach Jason Candle's squad could end up as the best in the MAC. However, Lombardi has been very effective throwing the ball when playing with Cole Tucker as an extremely reliable go-to-receiver. Overall, he has done a fairly effective job replacing Kyle Vantrease, who transferred to Georgia Southern in the offseason. After losing a handful of players to the portal, the Bulls return only nine overall starters and have big concerns to address on both sides of the ball. They also rank 28th in completion percentage and 25th in pass efficiency. Lynch is the pure running quarterback who has come in for running packages throughout the year. As a result, WMUs average yards per carry has dropped from 4.5 last year to 3.3 (115th) in 2022. Charlotte or Akron take your pick for the worst defense in the country. Northern Illinois has a chance to buck recent trends as the defending MAC champion, as the bulk of coach Thomas Hammock's roster returns for '22. 1 running back to emerge with De'Montre Tuggle departing. After a disastrous 2021 campaign their worst in almost 20 years the Bobcats hit the reset button in the offseason, hoping that a summer without a head coaching change in August would lead to better results. Also, five starters and plenty of experience is back up front. That speaks to its ability to create Havoc but also suggests some luck that may regress. Scores. NIU picked up a win over a Power 5 opponent (Georgia Tech), defeated Toledo, and avenged a regular-season loss to Kent State with a convincing 41-23 victory in the MAC title game to win the conference crown. MAC Football 2022 Predictions: East Division 1. T1. Gabbert was clearly rusty in a game they really shouldve won. 2022 College Football Win Total Projections, Odds & Picks: MAC by Thor Nystrom July 21, 2022 In the article below, college football expert Thor Nystrom projects the spread for every game using his ATL system (Adjusted Thor Spread). As a result, opposing offenses have to work a bit harder to drive the field against a defense that can use all of the help it can get. Getting back to the postseason starts under center. The Oct. 8 home matchup against Toledo should decide the MAC West crown. The Mid-American Conference feels wide open every year, but even more so this season or at least to me especially with all of the quarterback uncertainty. Recent history tells us the MAC won't lack for drama, a level of unpredictability and perhaps parity in the final standings. ToledoThe talent on the roster hasn't quite matched success at Toledo in recent years. An offense with nine returning starters seems poised for a step forward after averaging only 21.4 points per matchup last fall. Kent State (3) - 116 Points 3. Fortunately for Ball State, transfer Jaquan Amos (previous stops at Villanova and Iowa State) has filled the void left by Cosby, while many of the lesser experienced defensive backs have all exceeded expectations. The hire of former Mississippi State and Fordham head coach Joe Moorhead as the program's new leader should have Akron more competitive in the MAC in short order. There was plenty of uncertainty surrounding the position since Ball State had the second-fewest returning completions in the entire country. The results have improved over the past three weeks, but they played three limited offenses in Akron, Western Michigan and Northern Illinois starting its third-string running quarterback. Linebacker Bubba Arslanian's return (missed eight games) is huge for a run defense that allowed nearly 250 yards (248.9) a game in '21. Five starters - including end Jose Ramirez (6.5 sacks) - return this fall. Last year, only two offensive linemen started all 12 games: left tackle TJ Jackson and right tackle Jay Amburgey. Going into that Ohio loss, NIUs offense ranked in the top 40 in EPA per play. As a result, some of its raw metrics may be a bit deflated. Surviving those three September matchups and finding a few answers on defense would set up Kent State for another run at the conference title. NIUs offense has actually been very effective in spite of quarterback injuries. See College Football News stories in your feed, 2022 College Football Schedules By Teams: All 131 Schools, 2022 College Football Schedules: All 131 Teams, Penn State vs Indiana Prediction Game Preview, Michigan vs Rutgers Prediction Game Preview, Oregon State vs Washington Prediction Game Preview, Army vs Air Force Prediction Game Preview, Duke vs Boston College Prediction Game Preview, Eagles vs Texans Prediction, Game Preview, NFL Expert Picks, Predictions, Lines: Week 9, Privacy Notice / Your California Privacy Rights. Like clockwork, Buffalo has always excelled at generating pressure. However, unlike last seasons 7-3 record in one-possession contests, theyve gone just 1-4 in those to start 2022. Buffalo rose to power in the MAC under the leadership of Lance Leipold over the last few seasons, but his departure to Kansas has left the Bulls struggling to gain traction this season.
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