A Deeper Look - Scouting The Mid-Majors (Free Picks Inside)
by Strike Point Sports - 11/14/2007
Central Michigan -13 over Eastern Michigan - Friday, 7 p.m. EST
The Chippewas have been tearing through the MAC this season. Still flawless in conference play, CMU has also been quite the bet at home over the past couple of seasons. Central Michigan is 12-0-1 ATS at home in its last 13 games.
The reason for Central's success in the league is the spread offense they employ, not to mention the fact that other teams simply cannot outscore them. 35, 58, 47, 41 and 34, those are point totals they have put together in their last five MAC games. We'll see another 30+ performance this time around too.
Prediction: Central Michigan 41, Eastern Michigan 20
Tulsa -14.5 over Army - Saturday, 12 pm EST
No one was more surprised than me to see Tulsa roll over Houston in a very important C-USA game last Saturday. It was a grossly one-sided affair, so I guess there is no reason why the Golden Hurricane shouldn't replicate that against lowly Army.
Tulsa has scored 104 points in its last two games, and Army simply doesn't have what it takes to keep them out of the end zone. Quarterback Paul Smith already has put together a tremendous senior season with 32 touchdown passes, and here's to another strong outing where he is likely to tally another three or four in a victory.
Prediction: Tulsa 45, Army 27
New Mexico +14.5 over Utah - Sunday, 5:30 pm EST
This number is pretty high, especially considering how good the Lobos have been this season. Yes, Utah was impressive with a 50-0 win at home last Saturday against Wyoming, however New Mexico shares an identical 7-3 record and will be continuing to push for further bowl improvement.
New Mexico has fared well away from home, posting a 17-7-2 mark ATS in its last 26 on the road. The Lobos have also won four of the last five meetings, covering the last two games in Salt Lake City. They cash this time as well.
Prediction: Utah 31, New Mexico 27