The Eastern Michigan Eagles and the Central Michigan Chippewas meet Saturday in college football action from Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Eastern Michigan last played Jacksonville State over the weekend. In that matchup the Eagles tumbled to a shutout loss. As for Central Michigan, they’re coming off a game versus South Alabama. The Chippewas would go on to power out a four-point victory to return to .500 on the year. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Eastern Michigan Eagles 

The Eagles’ year started out with a matchup versus Howard. Eastern Michigan would come away with a 33-23 win in that one, but then fell to Minnesota 25-6 the next weekend. The Eagles were able to get back into the win column during the next game with a 19-17 win over UMass. EMU QB Austin Smith posted 157 pass yards with a score in the victory. 

In the Jacksonville State game last weekend, Eastern Michigan gave up a touchdown in each of the first three quarters during a 21-0 defeat. QB Ike Udengwu managed 42 yards and two picks on 7-of-18 passing, while Jaylon Jackson led the rush with 76 yards from 17 carries. 

Eastern Michigan Eagles Team Facts

Eastern Michigan has lost each of its last five games at Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Eastern Michigan has covered the spread in eight of its last nine games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
Eastern Michigan has won the first half in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
Eastern Michigan has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against conference opponents.
Four of Eastern Michigan’s last five September games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.

Central Michigan Chippewas 

Over on the Chippewas’ side, they had some tough games mixed into their first trio this year. First was a 31-7 loss to Michigan State, then a tight 45-42 victory over New Hampshire. Game three was a tough draw versus Notre Dame and a 41-17 loss. Central Michigan quarterback Jase Bauer had a rush touchdown and a 10-of-20 passing line for 137 yards. 

Back on Saturday versus South Alabama, the Chippewas worked their way back from a 14-0 first-quarter deficit for a 34-30 win. Bauer logged 224 yards with a touchdown and also led the rush with 55 yards and a whopping four scores. Jesse Prewitt was the lead receiver with 142 yards and a TD on 10 catches. 

Central Michigan Chippewas Team Facts

The home team has won seven of the last eight games between Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan.
Central Michigan has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
Four of Central Michigan’s last five games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Central Michigan ranked T24th among FBS teams for Q3 points allowed per game last season (4.0).
Central Michigan was one of only 27 FBS teams to lose 2+ games when leading after Q3 last season.
Eastern Michigan ranked T16th among FBS teams for H1 win percentage last season (.692).
Eastern Michigan was one of only 17 FBS teams with a better road winning percentage (.833) than home winning percentage (.500) last season (min. 8 games).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll stick with the Chippewas here. Central Michigan has done a good job so far at succeeding in the games they’re capable of winning, and the South Alabama matchup was no different. The Chippewas took great care of the ball with zero turnovers and 33:44 in time of possession, ultimately posting 355 total yards (125 rushing) in a reasonably low-mistake game from both sides. 

As for Eastern Michigan, they struggled in most facets against Jacksonville State, from yardage (152 total) to first downs (10) to third-down conversions (1-of-15) to turnovers (three). The Eagles need a big turnaround in order to be competitive in this one, and I don’t think they’ll get there.