History sides with the Rockets who’ve beaten the Chippewas in each of the last five years both SU and ATS.
Toledo will get a chance to extend that number to six while rebounding from its first loss of the season.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Central Michigan Chippewas +4.5
Toledo Rockets -4.5
Over/Under OTB
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Rockets fell to the Northern Illinois Huskies 32-27 on Tuesday. The loss was the team’s first SU and ATS this season. It also marked the fewest points scored by the team since October 3 and the second most surrendered all season.
This’ll be Toledo’s first test as to how they’ll respond coming off a loss. They’re 0-4-1 ATS in their last five games following a pointspread defeat with each coming prior to this season.
Meanwhile, the Rockets are 9-1-2 ATS in their last 12 games, undefeated ATS in their last six on the road and 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight conference games.
The Chippewas, however, aren’t too shabby themselves in going 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games and 4-0 ATS in their last four at home.
WHEN THE TOLEDO ROCKETS HAVE THE BALL
Central Michigan has a strong defense which will give the Rockets some difficulty, but Toledo’s offense is ranked No. 28 in the nation with 465.5 yards per game. Of course the Chippewas rank No. 20 on defense, allowing merely 316.1 yards per game and 25 total touchdowns.
The Rockets can produce in the air and on the ground, but the rushing attack has been key.
Toledo has five different runners all with at least five touchdowns, and a 5.1 yards per carry average. Terry Swanson is the team’s best runner with 7.5 yards per carry and a team high 97 carries, but Kareem Hunt and Damion Jones-Moore provide different looks, providing challenges for the rush defense.
In the air, Phillip Ely provides just enough to keep defenses honest. Ely is completing just 54.1% of his passes, though he does have 16 touchdowns. Over his last two games, he’s been prone to interceptions, allowing three in that span.
Look for the Rockets to try and protect the ball better. Struggles from Ely were a big part of their loss to Northern Illinois. Keep an eye on Ely early. If he’s able to connect with Core Jones early or find Cody Thompson or Alonzo Russell on deep balls, look to back the Rockets. If his throws are off, even if he’s getting away with it, be weary as the Chippewas’ defense is strong enough to cause trouble for the Rockets if their offense becomes too one-dimensional.
WHEN THE CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS HAVE THE BALL
Speaking of one-dimensional offenses, the Chippewas’ offense is just that. Ranked No. 125 nationally on the ground, Central Michigan is getting just 95.3 yards per game, leaving the passing game to do the rest of the work.
Quarterback Cooper Rush has thrown an interception in every game except one this year, but hasn’t thrown more than one yet. Odds are Rush will give up a pick, but he’s also had a knack for finding the end zone. He’s got 20 touchdowns to his eight interceptions.
With a completion percentage of 69% and 2,626 yards, Rush can move the ball down field. He’s got a number of targets, including Jesse Kroll whose 43 receptions and 566 yards lead the team.
Keep an eye on the running backs. With 80 carries, Martez Walker is the team leader in opportunities, but has just 2.9 yards per carry. It seems unlikely that he or anyone else is able to effectively move the ball on the ground. If Rush is able to spread the ball around the field, the Chippewas have a chance, but always look for the mistake. He’s not prone to numerous interceptions, but there’s always one.
BETTING TRENDS AND MATCHUPS
The favorite is undefeated in the last six meetings between these teams. The Rockets have been the favorite the last five years and should be again, even though they’re on the road.
For those looking to play the total, don’t be afraid to take the under, particularly if neither offense is able to display the ability to move the ball, both in the air and on the ground.
Over their last 17 home games, the over has paid out in just four games against the Chippewas. Likewise, the under is 11-1 in the Rockets’ last 12 road games against a team with a winning home record. The under is also 6-2 in their last eight overall.
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem, BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet, click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The contest between the Toledo Rockets and Central Michigan Chippewas will take place Tuesday, November 10, 2015, at 8 p.m. ET at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. You can watch the game live on ESPN2.
