Conference championship predictions for 2019 college football season
Miami (Ohio) RedHawks vs. Central Michigan Chippewas
Mid-American Conference Championship Game
Line: Central Michigan -6.5; Over/Under: 54; TV: ESPN2
Saturday, Dec. 7 at Noon ET; Ford Field; Detroit, Mich.
Now here’s an interesting connection between the old Butch Jones-Jim McElwain rivalry of incompetence. McElwain is now head coach of the Central Michigan Chippewas, where Jones used to coach, and he’s starting Quinten Dormady at quarterback.
Together, these two have led CMU to an 8-4 record and MAC West title by going 6-2 in league play. Now, they’re looking to win the conference championship overall. That would be a huge accomplishment for McElwain in his first season there.
On the other side, the Miami RedHawks won the MAC East with a 7-5 record, but they also went 6-2 in league play. Chuck Martin is in his sixth season there, and this is the best year he has ever had. It’s only the second time he has won the division. Could he get over the hump and finally win the MAC overall?
Prediction
Central Michigan has gone over 30 in every MAC win and over 40 in five games in the conference, including their last three. They also allowed over 40 three times this year, including a 61-0 loss to the Wisconsin Badgers. Meanwhile, Miami lost 76-5 to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Playing in Detroit gives CMU an advantage. They will win, and we say they’ll cover too. Take the over as well.