Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Betting the 2014 Popeye’s Bahamas Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Western Kentucky

By Jerry Levi

facebooktwitterreddit

Christmas Eve is supposed to be about rushing around, getting those last second presents and things that you need for Christmas Day. However, the holidays are also about getting together with family and watching some football, and in this case, the inaugural 2014 Popeye’s Bahamas Bowl between the Central Michigan Chippewas and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. (Try putting that on a banner) Usually a game just doesn’t stand out as much as this one does in the final numbers, but it does. Let’s take a look at it, and the Blitz will have you headed to the window well prepared and hopefully with a little extra coin in your pocket for Christmas Eve.

The Game: 2014 Popeye’s Bahamas Bowl

The Line: Western Kentucky (-3.5) Over/Under 67.5

Time and Venue: 12 Noon EST, Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Nassau Bahamas

Weather at Kick: 79-82 Degrees and 85 to 90% Humidity

More from College Football News

Okay now that we’ve set the table for you let’s look at how you can attack either the spread or the total and where your money should be.

Both teams come in at (7-5) with Central Michigan winning 3 out of their last 4 games, averaging about 29 points in their last 4 contests and allowing about 24 points all year long. The Chippewas have a balanced attack of run and pass but are in the bottom half percentile amongst FBS teams in doing so at 69th and 72nd respectively. The good news is that Central Michigan was 6-6 last year but wasn’t invited to a bowl and they haven’t played in over a month, making them eager to prove on the offensive side that they belong. Defensively Central Michigan has given up 40 or more points twice this year against Syracuse (40) and Toledo (42).

The last time we saw Western Kentucky play it was a 18 touchdown scoring shootout against Marshall (as seen in the video below)and the Hilltoppers came out as the victors, sending the Thundering Herd to their only loss on the season on November 28th, 67-66. Wow 133 points. That Over and Under total was set at 69 for the whole game! Which is what you’ll get when it comes to Western Kentucky. In the FBS they rank #3 in passing yardage per game at 365. They also rank 6th in points scored with an average of 44, BUT and here is the key, the Hilltoppers also allow close to 39 points per game. In their losses Western Kentucky has allowed the opposing team to score 42, 50, and 59 points. Even when they win they still allow their opponents to get into the high 20’s with some even getting into the 30’s. Again Marshall lost to Western Kentucky but still put up 66.

The Bottom Line

Western Kentucky should win this football game but they do allow teams to hang around. The spread is reflective of that at (-3.5). Both teams haven’t played in over 3 weeks. The humid conditions will also be a factor making the ball stick on passes as well as an early kick will have energy levels pumped. The last time we had a humid condition it was in the Miami Beach Bowl, and we know how that ended. That total was set at 56 points and they went over that total with 9:50 left in the 3rd quarter. Western Kentucky can score at will, with most drives consisting of 4-6 plays with huge yardages. I see Western Kentucky in the 40’s and Central Michigan in the 40’s on this one.

The Pick?

Why wonder if Western Kentucky is going to let Central Michigan hang around in the 2014 Popeye’s Bahamas Bowl or if the Chippewas can keep up. Take the Over 67.5 in this one, it should be covered late in the 3rd, and enjoy the rest of your Christmas Eve…

More from Saturday Blitz

Home/College Football News