Motor City Bowl Preview

Central Michigan didn’t end up playing in the MAC Championship, however still landed in the Motor City Bowl for the third straight year. A Chippewas defense that permitted 30.7 points per game, prevented them from repeating as conference champs again. The Central Michigan offense is led by quarterback Dan LeFevour, one of the top dual threat signal callers in the country. The Chips are 25-12 ATS since LeFevour’s arrival.

After a struggling start, Florida Atlantic got hot winning five of last six (4-2 ATS). Quarterback Rusty Smith finally found a groove the Owls took off. Florida Atlantic received this invitation because the Big Ten didn’t have enough qualifying teams to filter down to this bowl tie-in. The Owls strength is passing the ball, doing so for 251 yards per game. They should be able to do this with relative ease, since Central Michigan is next to last in the country in allowing 285.7 yards per game.

Why to Watch and Wager

A high scoring game won’t bother FAU, who is 12-3 ATS scoring 28 or more points. The Owls have lost starters due to suspensions meaning replacements have to step up. Smith was only sacked 12 times all season and should have time to make all the throws and Florida Atlantic is 7-0 ATS vs. awful passing defenses allowing a completion percentage of 62 percent or worse.

The Owls haven’t seen as versatile a performer under center since facing Colt McCoy in the opener. LeFevour can make all the throws and is excellent open field runner. Central Michigan is not above taking gifts even after Christmas, with FAU -15 in turnover margin on the season, the Chippewas should take advantage if opportunities arise. CMU is 19-9 ATS in games played on turf over the last three seasons. Because this is a lackluster matchup, take the Over on empty seats in this one.

Bookmaker.com Line – Central Michigan -7, 68