NCAA Football
2008-09-13 - Central Michigan at Ohio Bobcats
A Sports Betting Pick by Luccin
Venue: Athens, Ohio
Date : Saturday 13th September 2008 - KO 2pm EDT
Previous Meetings :
2006 CMU 31 – 10 Ohio (neutral venue)
2005 CMU 37 - 10 Ohio
2001 CMU 3 – 34 Ohio
2000 CMU 3 – 53 Ohio
All time record 19-3-2
Central Michigan have dominated this fixture for the last 35 years, two recent losses are the only blemish on a 28 year winning streak. Games between the two are rarely close with only 3 games in history having a margin of less than 6 points.
Central Michigan
The Chippewas opened the season with a straightforward victory over Eastern Illinois, the score appears closer than the game really was and CMU lead from start to finish.
Many experiments were tried, particularly rushing the ball with 3 RB's sharing the load. Week 2 saw a heavy defeat by much fancied Georgia, despite brief flashes of good play they will be unhappy not to have kept the score closer.
The key to success will be stud QB Dan LeFevour. Almost certain to be 1st round draft pick he will need to be on form to make up for a running game which has looked lacklustre so far this season.
On defence the Chippewas are still an unknown force, the DL and DB's look very solid and among the best in the MAC, the Linebackers however look poor and could well struggle.
Ohio
Two defeats to open the season would have been expected by many, the opener at Wyoming was fairly even and could have gone either way.
Week 2 against Ohio State should have been a blow out but the Bobcats kept it surprisingly close. The Buckeyes were probably looking ahead to this weeks game and allowed Ohio to hang around longer than they should have.
On offence the Bobcats have two capable QB's and a fairly solid group of receivers to back him up, in particular Taylor Price looks to be top class.
The running game was woeful against Wyoming but then played well against Ohio State, very strange.
The defence looks decent after two weeks play but this is the best QB they will face all season, the secondary will need to perform well and they have held both opponents to under 120 yards passing.
The Verdict
I believe that Ohio's good performance last week was down to a poorly performing OSU, and they will do well to repeat it this week.
Central Michigan will have too much firepower for Ohio and will look to put lasts weeks heavy loss behind them.
The Pick :
Central Michigan 31 – 21 Ohio
BEST BETTING TIP :
The Chippewas will control the game and take a comfortable victoryTake CMU (-3) $1.91
Also consider over 50.5 total points $1.95
