Once upon a time, Northern Illinois was the power of the Mid-American Conference. NIU is in a free-fall too hard times these days. Coach Thomas Hammock is a former Huskies running back. Hammock’s dream of coaching his alma mater has been a nightmare. Wednesday Northern Illinois has a winnable College Football Betting matchup at Ball State. Thus far the Cardinals defense has been defenseless. Meanwhile, Eastern Michigan will try and get back on track against Toledo. Western Michigan meets Central Michigan in the headliner. So far this season both Western and Central is undefeated.
Wednesday Night College Football: Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Northern Illinois Huskies at Ball State Cardinals
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, Indiana |
| NIU at Ball State TV Coverage: | ESPN News |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Illinois | +14½ (-110) | 62½ (-110) | +450 |  |
| Ball State | -14½ (-110) | 62½ (-110) | -600 | |
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Now Northern Illinois has sports betting record of 0-2 straight up and with the odds. Ball State is 1-1 straight up but 0-2 vs. the line. Northern Illinois is coming off a 40-10 loss to Central Michigan as 5.5-point home dogs. Overall, the Huskies rank 111th for scoring offense and 121st for points allowed. Ball State got past Eastern Michigan 38-31 as 8-point home overlays. Cardinals running back Caleb Huntley is averaging 6.1 yards per carry with five touchdowns. Of great concern is a Ball State defense ranks 93rd overall.
Toledo Rockets at Eastern Michigan Eagles
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, Michigan |
| Toledo at Eastern Michigan TV Coverage: | CBSSN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toledo | -6½ (-110) | 58½ (-110) | -250 | |
| Eastern Michigan | +6½ (-110) | 58½ (-110) | +210 | |
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Toledo is 1-1 both straight up and against the spread. By comparison, Eastern, Michigan is 0-2 straight up but 2-0 on the board. Toledo is coming off a 41-38 loss at Western Michigan as 1-point dogs. WMU won the game on a fake spike game-winning touchdown. Eastern Michigan lost at Ball State 38-31 as 8-point dogs. Namely, Eli Peters has thrown five touchdown passes for the Rockets.
Eastern Michigan coach Chris Creighton has been a godsend. As a matter of fact, Eastern Michigan considered dropping football. Creighton saved the program. Thus, the Eagles’ slow start is a disappointment.
Western Michigan Broncos at Central Michigan Chippewas
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Kelly Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, Michigan |
| Western Michigan at Central Michigan TV Coverage: | ESPN2 |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Michigan | +2 (-110) | 61½ (-110) | +110 | |
| Central Michigan | -2 (-110) | 61½ (-110) | -130 | |
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In sum Western, Michigan is 2-0 straight up and against the spread. Central Michigan is also 2-0 straight up and against the spread. Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain continues to have success. Second-year winning at Central often means a bigger job next season. Western Michigan is coming off a 41-38 win over Toledo as 1-point favorites. Overall, the Broncos rank first in the nation for scoring offense. Central Michigan beat Northern Illinois 40-10 as 5.5-point road chalk. Defensively the Chippewas rank eighth in the nation.
Jim McElwain won two division titles while Florida head coach. Although his time there ended badly, he is a quality leader. Central Michigan has rapidly improved with McElwain at the helm.
Wednesday Night Football SBG Free Picks
Toledo faces an Eastern Michigan team scuffling out of the gate. While Central Michigan’s defense is a College Football Betting advantage. And then Northern Illinois is a mess.
Wednesday Night Football SBG Best Bet: Ball State, Toledo, Central Michigan