College Football Odds: MAC Football Week 5

The 5-4 record we put up last week, gets us to 19-16 (54%) for the year. Not great. But enough to keep you in the black. This week's slate of games brings forth the first wave of byes, as Eastern (thankfully), Northern Illinois, and Ball State all get some much needed rest. Per the norm, I'll handle the West, Keith will handle the East.

Western Michigan at Virginia Tech (-21)

Ever since the Hokies travelled to Columbus to knock off a Braxton Miller-less Buckeye squad, they've looked average, losing to East Carolina and Georgia Tech in back-to-back weeks. The Broncos are riding a two-game winning streak. However, this matchup will prove to be much tougher. While this line may still be a little juiced, the Hokies are 10-2 in their last 12 vs. the MAC, so lay the points here with the Hokies. (Did someone say Beamerball!?) -NK

Central Michigan at Toledo (-14)

Newly-reinstated running back Thomas Rawls should play a pivotal role in this game. Indeed, Rawls was instrumental in the Chippewas' upset win West Lafayette over the Purdue Boilermakers, rushing 31 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Indeed Rawls' suspension for larceny hampered the Chippewas in back to back games, so his reinstatement. couldn't have come at a better time. That being said, the Rockets have won 4 in a row in this series by an average of 16 points. For that reason, I see a solid effort from Rawls and company, so take the points with the Chippewas. -NK

Kent State (+27) at Virginia

Here’s what we know. Kent State is completely capable of getting blown out against superior competition. Two weeks ago against the then #22 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, the Golden Flashes were thumped to the tune of 66-0. That was the only game against a ranked opponent to this point for KSU. Virginia on the other hand has played three such games, losses to BYU and UCLA, and a win against Louisville. All games were decided by one score. Kent State has arguably the worst offense in America this season. The Cavaliers are going to take out some aggression after the close loss to BYU last week. Saturday take UVA, lay the points. -KS

Akron (+20) at Pittsburgh

I still have no idea how good the Zips are. Akron opened  the season with a blowout win against FCS foe Howard, played Penn State kind of close, then were slapped around against a good Marshall team. This is still a team that can win the MAC East, and while a win might not be realistic, it is important that the Zips play well against Pitt before the conference season opens with Eastern Michigan. The Pitt Panthers would be undefeated were it not for a close home loss to Iowa last week. Like Virginia, the Panthers will be looking to run it up on Akron if possible. I really wish I could say that the Zips were going to play this one close, I just don’t have that confidence in the team yet. Take Pitt, lay the points. -KS

Bowling Green (-4.5) at Massachusetts

We all know what Bowling Green did (or didn’t do) last week. The Wisconsin Badgers rewrote record books with a 68-17 smashing of the Falcons. When the Falcons lose, they lose big. Their season opened with a 59-31 loss to Western Kentucky. That said, BGSU isn’t going to lose this game. UMass put together an impressive out of conference schedule and almost scored wins against Vanderbilt and Colorado. Penn State knocked them around last week, and while I think UMass and score a couple of wins this season, I don’t think one of those comes against Bowling Green. Take the Falcons, lay the 4.5. -KS

Miami at Buffalo (-6.5)

Crushing, crushing loss for the RedHawks last week. They had Cincinnati on the ropes, but were able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. This one felt less like Miami is ready to compete, and instead simply deflating. This is the conference opener for the 0-4 RedHawks. Buffalo is a weird 2-2. Most people though the Bulls would battle with Bowling Green for the MAC East this year, but the Bulls haven't made much noise through four games. They played Army to within one score after being blown out through three quarters, and they never showed up against Baylor who hung 63 on them. Ultimately though, I think the Bulls are at least a touchdown better than Miami. Take Buffalo, lay the points. - KS