Early college football picks and predictions here with the opening of Week 10. MACtion midweek is back for a streak of 27 days in a row with double digit soccer goals this week, thanks to some great midweek soccer. Let’s determine the early value of the line in all directions and jump on some winners early.
Week 10 College Football Early Picks and Predictions
Time to shop early and finish shopping some mid-week MAC games.
Ball State (+6.5) vs. Kent State (over 62)
This one was already up 2.5 points in favor of Kent State as of late Sunday afternoon. And now is the time to capture the opposite end of the spectrum.
If you can get Kent State (-4), good for you in the early stages, but take Ball State (+6.5) now and kill them if they go over seven points.
Golden flashes are just a flash and seemingly impossible to figure out in an attack. They rank second in the MAC in passing yards and first in yards per game. It’s a 1-2 punch on offense that has led them to three wins this year, while their defense has certainly let them down.
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As impressive as their offense has been this season, Kent State’s defense ranks 11th in the MAC in yards allowed, yards per attempt and yards per game through the air. Ball State’s fourth-ranked passing attack will certainly be able to use this favorable matchup enough to keep it close.
Given that Ball State’s strength is on defense, the overall point spread for the first of the MACtion’s midweek games is also attractive.
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Prediction: Kent State 34, Ball State 31
Buffalo vs Ohio (+3)
The Ohio Bobcats, undefeated at home, play the most electric football in the entire country. The clash with Buffalo is the clash of styles that is most intriguing about this contest.
Buffalo is a run-first offense with a principled approach. However, it has been a successful season since late September, with the Bulls winning five straight games overall and four straight conference games. Their running backs are led by Ron Cook Jr. and Mike Washington, who each average just over 4.4 yards per carry.
They combined for 13 touchdowns on the ground with the help of quarterback Cole Snyder. However, averaging just 5.3 yards per game, their rushing attack ranks them fifth in the MAC.
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Not only is Ohio leading the MAC in rushing yards, but their 6.33 yards per play is in the top 32 nationally. They dropped a seven-point decision to Kent State in conference play, and it’s a battle for first place in the MAC East — that’s what the midweek MACtion means.
In a battle of opposing offensive styles, take the home team to cover, but the away team to win.
Prediction: Buffalo 30, Ohio 28
Western Michigan vs. Bowling Green (-3.5)
Riding a two-game winning streak, the Bowling Green Falcons look to keep pace in the MAC East with what happens to be a must-win game against MAC West foe Western Michigan. The Broncos haven’t been terribly afraid of opposing quarterbacks this season, as they rank last in nearly every major offensive category in the conference.
As for BGSU, it was the defense that led to the victory in the last two matches. As good as Matt McDonald looked against Central Michigan last week, the defense put him in advantageous positions and held CMU’s offense in check except for QB Jace Bauer’s long 60-yard carry.
Bowling Green forced four turnovers and returned a fumble for a touchdown against CMU, proving their defense deserves their preseason hype at this stage of the year. Look for 6-foot-7 Tyron Broden to make another big impact on the game as the Bowling Green receiver has multiple receptions in all but one game this year.
Bowling Green has WMU in check, just like their in-state counterparts, and is headed for a win on Wednesday.
Prediction: Bowling Green 27, Western Michigan 14
Central Michigan vs. Northern Illinois (under 55.5 points)
While Northern Illinois’ offense was good at times in 2022, their defense did them no favors. In fact, NIU’s offense has scored at least 32 points in five games this year, but the team is 2-3 in those games, including a 44-38 loss to Ball State.
Central Michigan’s defense, on the other hand, has improved over the course of the season, allowing just three points in two of its last three games. Even against Bowling Green last week, one of the touchdowns allowed was by offense.
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As for MACtion’s contest this Wednesday, a lot depends on their quarterback situation. Daniel Richardson started the contest last week before swapping snaps with Jace Bauer and ultimately losing his spot as the team’s starter in the second half against BGSU. Is Richardson going to come back? Will the changing quarterback situation hold up? Or is it Bauer’s team now?
With so many questions surrounding one position, thinking about opening up NIU’s offense and scoring points on their defense is secondary. NIU does it with their ground game, but keeps it close.
Prediction: Northern Illinois 28, Central Michigan 24
