Ray “The Razor” Monohan – Last Updated on January 25, 2023 4:27 pm
Free Week 1 Prediction: Huskies vs Cowboys Odds
Looking for Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Kentucky Wildcats free picks? Week 1 betting sees the Chippewas taking on the Wildcats Saturday September 1st at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football predictions like this Central Michigan Kentucky free pick.
College Football Handicapping: Week 1
(0-0) Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Kentucky Wildcats (0-0)
Date: Saturday, September 1st 2018
Time: 3:30 pm EST
Venue: Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky
NCAA Football Spread: Kentucky -17
NCAA Betting Total: 49.5
Live CFB Odds
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This is one of my favorite games to bet on in CFB week 1 action. For some reason the point spread is at -17 for Kentucky and I have a feeling that’s because the public are in love with SEC teams.
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Kentucky went 7-6 last season and lost in the Music City Bowl to Northwestern. Central Michigan had a great season too, going 8-5 (6-2 MAC record), but they lost to Wyoming in the Idaho Potato Bowl.
Central Michigan Chippewas
The start of the season could be tough for the Chippewas. They lost last year’s starting QB and their top four WRs. Thankfully, Jonathan Ward is back and will look to rush for 1000+ yards again in 2018.
Central Michigan averaged 28.46 (64th), 255.69 PYPG (43rd) and 134.23 RYPG (102nd) on offense last season. Points may be hard to come by while the passing offense work on building chemistry.
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Last season, the Chippewas were strong defensively. They forced turnovers, were great against the pass (185.54 PYPG – 19th), struggled against the run (189.69 RYPG – 89th) and allowed 27.54 PPG (71st).
A lot of the defense will be replaced this season, but I still expect them to be good against the pass. One concern is whether or not the defense will be able to pressure the QB like they did last season.
Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky started last season on fire, but they ended the season on a 3-game losing streak. They’ll look to get off to a hot start again in 2018, but they’ll have plenty of new starters on the field.
QB is a big question mark for the Wildcats, as Terry Wilson and Gunner Hoak will battle it out this season. The team will also be working in a lot of new WRs as most from last season are gone.
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The Wildcats averaged 25.54 PPG (88th), 188.15 PYPG (96th) and 161.69 RYPG (68th) in 2017. Benny Snell will likely have a big workload in this game, as he’s experienced and back at RB.
Defensively, there is lots of room for improvement. Kentucky allowed 28.23 PPG (75th), 251.62 PYPG (102nd) and 175.31 RYPG (77th). The secondary needs to do a better job against the pass.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
- Central Michigan is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games.
- Central Michigan is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road.
- Kentucky is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games.
Free Week 1 NCAA Football Pick
These two teams are fairly evenly matched in this game and I’ll gladly take the +17 points. CMU and Kentucky both lost a lot of offensive firepower, but both bring back experienced RBs.
4* Free NCAA Betting Pick: Central Michigan +17
Both of these teams will be content running the football and it should stay close throughout. There is little doubt Kentucky will win the game, but I don’t expect them to come close to covering.
Week 1 Free Score Prediction: Central Michigan 20 – Kentucky 24
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