Overview
- Kickoff is 8 p.m. ET at Waldo Stadium on ESPN2, with Ohio at 6-3 (4-1 MAC) and Western Michigan at 5-4 (4-1 MAC).
- Four teams enter the week tied at 4-1 in league play, putting the winner in strong position for a spot in Detroit.
- Latest markets cited by CBS list Western Michigan -1.5 with a 46.5 total, while FanDuel previously had Ohio -2.5 with a 47.5 total.
- SportsLine’s 10,000-simulation model projects the game Over 46.5 and forecasts both starting quarterbacks to top 50 rushing yards.
- Key matchup factors include Ohio’s ground game with Sieh Bangura and dual-threat QB Parker Navarro against a WMU defense featuring DE Nadame Tucker and QB Broc Lowry’s red-zone rushing role.