Toledo Rockets at Central Michigan Chippewas
Friday, 11/18/11, 8:00 PM EST, TV: ESPNU
Opening Point Spread: Toledo -14.5
Current Betting Line: Toledo -14.5
Opening Total: 71.5
Current Total: 75
WagerMinds Game Detail
Toledo has scored 60-plus points in consecutive games and walked away with just one victory in those contests, tallying a 66-63 win over the Western Michigan Broncos as 12-point home favorites. The Rockets have been impressive offensively, out-gaining their last five opponents.
“We’ve played two very, very good offenses the past two weeks,” stated Rockets head coach Tim Beckman. “I think our kids are a little worn down. We played a tough schedule, there’s no question about it.”
The Rockets have had a little extra rest leading up to this Friday night game, while sitting a half-game back of the Northern Illinois Huskies in the MAC West division. Toledo must win out and hope NIU falls flat in one contest, as it suffered a 63-60 loss in the series meeting on Nov. 1.
Perhaps Beckman should make a phone call to the networks and schedule this game off ESPNU, as the Rockets are 1-6 when playing a game on that particular channel. Overall, the team is 24-28 in nationally televised games.
Junior wide receiver Eric Page is a dynamic playmaker and holds the school-record in receiving yards, while he also ranks sixth nationally in averaging 171.7 all-purpose yards.
Bettors will find that the Rockets are 8-8 ATS on the road the last two-plus seasons, while the ‘over’ is 9-7 in those contests.
Central Michigan is suffering through a difficult year and has lost five of its last six games, including a 43-28 defeat to the Ohio Bobcats as 7.5-point home underdogs last time out. The Chippewas will be looking to get back on track and win their fourth-straight home game over the Rockets in this series.
Dominating Mid-American Conference opponents from the state of Ohio has been part of this program’s success over the year, registering a 19-5 record in the last 24 opportunities.
A youthful roster is found on the sidelines in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, as 21 different players have made their first career start through 11 games. Central Michigan has scored nine touchdowns over the last three games and eight of those have been scored by true freshmen.
The Chippewas rank 92nd in the nation in total defense and 79th against the pass, which will definitely alarm many bettors when handicapping this prime-time matchup. “I have no problem with mid-week games, just make it equitable on how much time of rest both teams get in-between games,” stated Central Michigan coach Dan Enos.
Junior quarterback Ryan Radcliff will need to continue the strong play he’s shown over the past five games, completing 60.3 percent of his passes and throwing for 1,656 yards and 13 touchdowns with just five interceptions.
Oddsmakers haven’t caught up to the youth movement for this team, coming in with a 1-10 ATS mark for the year, while the ‘over’ is 8-2.
Pick:
Under 75
Make your picks below:
Leave a Reply