The Central Michigan Chippewas and the South Alabama Jaguars meet Saturday in college football action from Hancock Whitney Stadium. Central Michigan took on Notre Dame in their last outing. The Chippewas ended up falling to 1-2 with a big loss. As for South Alabama, they’re coming off a game versus Oklahoma State. In that one the Jaguars moved to 2-1 overall with a blowout victory. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Central Michigan Chippewas 

Central Michigan’s season kicked off with a matchup versus Michigan State. That one didn’t go so well; the Chippewas didn’t score in the second half during a 31-7 loss and posted just 219 yards of offense (96 passing). Game two versus New Hampshire went much better in a 45-42 Chippewas win. Central Michigan had 440 yards (236 rushing) but gave up 538 (493 passing) in the win. 

Matched up against Notre Dame last weekend, the Chippewas gave up double-digit points in three of four quarters during a rough loss 41-17. Jase Bauer completed 10 passes for 137 yards, with Jesse Prewitt catching two of them for 59 yards to lead the receivers. Tops in rushing was Myles Bailey with 12 carries for 59 yards. 

Central Michigan Chippewas Team Facts

Central Michigan has lost each of its last 14 road games in September.
Central Michigan has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Central Michigan has lost the first half in three of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
Five of Central Michigan’s last six September road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

South Alabama Jaguars 

Over on the Jaguars’ side, they fell behind quickly versus Tulane in their opener. South Alabama would put up a tepid 265 total yards (190 passing) and a whopping five turnovers in a 37-17 loss. In game two the Jaguars played much better against Southeastern Louisiana. South Alabama posted 509 yards (248 rushing) and 8.2 yards per play in a 35-17 win. 

The Jaguars played Oklahoma State in game three. South Alabama jumped out to a 23-0 halftime lead and eventually won it 33-7. Carter Bradley threw for 152 yards with two scores, while La’Damien Webb went off for 151 rush yards and two TDs from 18 carries. Caulin Lacy added 104 yards with two touchdowns and five catches.

South Alabama Jaguars Team Facts

South Alabama has won each of its last eight September games as a favorite.
South Alabama has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
South Alabama has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against non-conference opponents at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
Each of South Alabama’s last three September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

South Alabama was one of only five FBS teams to win 4+ games when trailing after Q1 last season.
South Alabama ranked 8th among FBS teams for Q3 points allowed per game last season (3.2).
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.

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stay with South Alabama in this one. Probably not touching it, but it should be a pretty solid matchup. The Jaguars started out the year with a shaky performance versus Tulane but looked much better in game two as the offense found its rhythm. Last weekend versus Oklahoma State, South Alabama posted a great effort on both sides of the ball. The Jaguars had 395 total yards (243 rushing) compared to the Cowboys’ 208 (94 rushing). If there’s a complaint it’s a rather tepid 6-of-14 on third-down tries and eight penalties for 40 yards. That said, South Alabama is doing great over their last two outings and I think they’ll keep it rolling in this one.