Popeyes Bahamas Bowl: Chippewas vs Hilltoppers
College Football Bowl Season sees betting action between the Central Michigan Chippewas against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl. Cappers picks provides free college football handicapping tips all season long.
This unique game marks the first FBS bowl game being played outside the United States since 1937.
College Football Odds
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7-5) vs. Central Michigan Chippewas (7-5)
Wednesday, Dec. 24
12:00 PM ET
Thomas A. Robinson Stadium/Nassau
ESPN
College Football Betting Odds: WK -3
College Football O/U Odds: 67
***2014 CFB BONUSES***
[dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]Click here to view… ATS Stats & Expert NCAA Betting Prediction Insight!
Central Michigan and Western Kentucky will face off in Nassau.
Western Kentucky
With new head coach Jeff Brohm, the Hilltoppers transformed into an offensive powerhouse ranking sixth in the country in total offense. The high point in their season without a doubt was the win against Marshall in the last game of the season.
[dfads params=’groups=63738&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Western Kentucky picked up their first win against a ranked team in program history when they defeated Marshall 67-66. To close out their season, the Hilltoppers won four straight games while averaging 49.8 points per game and 530.8 yards.
Western Kentucky’s high-powered offense is led by quarterback Brandon Doughty who led all FBS quarterbacks in passing yards with 4,334 and touchdowns with 44. He was the leader in shattering 42 team and individual school records on the year. In the last game against Marshall he threw a conference record eight touchdowns along with 491 yards. His record breaking season was good for 16th all time in passing touchdowns.
Their offense dominance was not only due to the passing game, but also the running game.
[dfads params=’groups=66501&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Running back Leon Allen ran for 1,490 yards and 650 of them came in the final three games. Allen rushed for a school record 345 yards in Western Kentucky’s win over Army on November 15.
The biggest problem for the Hilltoppers was the defense. They gave up an average of 39.3 points per game which is sixth worst in the nation. Most of the time it was not a problem because of how productive and consistent the offense was.
Central Michigan
Unlike the Hilltoppers, Central Michigan can attribute most of their wins to its defense. The Chippewas possess the top total defense, rush defense and pass defense in the Mid American Conference. Their marque victory came on the road when they handed Northern Illinois its first home loss in 29 games.
Central Michigan’s defense played great overall, but were inconsistent at times. They held Northern Illinois to nearly 150 rushing yards below their season average, but weeks later allowed Toledo to gain 543 total yards.
The Chippewas finished the season with a 5-2 record where they did not allow a team to rush for more than 129 yards or pass for over 245.
Despite all the defensive hype, Central Michigan does have some great offensive play makers as well. Wide receiver Titus Davis became the first receiver in FBS history to haul in at least 8 touchdowns in his four year career.
[dfads params=’groups=63739&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Sophomore quarterback Cooper Rush threw for 2,664 yards and 20 touchdowns. Also senior running back Thomas Rawls rushed for over 1,00 yards and added ten touchdowns.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends:
- Chippewas are 1-5 ATS in their last six games on grass.
- Chippewas are 5-15-1 in their last 21 non-conference games.
- Hilltoppers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games after allowing over 450 total yards in their previous game.
- Hilltoppers are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games on grass.
- Hilltoppers are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
- Last matchup, 2012 Caesars Pizza Bowl, Central Michigan won 24-21.
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl
This will be a very entertaining game for the fans because they will get to watch two teams that people may not know about. One has a great defense and the other has a great offense. The game will be determined by Central Michigan’s defenses ability to stop the Western Kentucky offense. It will be a game of two very different styles and game plans. I do not think the Chippewas defense will be able to contain the Hilltoppers offense. Look for a high scoring game where quarterback Brandon Doughty will put up huge numbers.
Free 4* NCAA Football Betting Pick: WKU -3
The offense will put up too many points for Central Michigan to be competitive, look for WKU to win this unique bowl game by a couple scores.
WKU 59, CMU 35
Check out our Updated College Football Bowl Game Odds.
[dfads params=’groups=63706&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
