Central Michigan Chippewas (1-2) vs. South Alabama Jaguars (2-1)
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. South Alabama Jaguars 9/23/23 – Week 4 of the NCAAF season brings an interesting matchup as the Central Michigan Chippewas face off against the South Alabama Jaguars on September 23, 2023, at 5:00 PM ET. The clash is set to take place at Hancock Whitney Stadium and will be televised on ESP+. With Central Michigan coming in with a 1-2 record and South Alabama boasting a 2-1 standing, this game has the makings of an exciting showdown.
The Central Michigan Chippewas have been leaning heavily on the performances of running back Myles Bailey and wide receiver Chris Parker. Bailey has accumulated 186 rushing yards on 38 attempts, with an average of 4.9 yards per rush, and has also punched in two rushing touchdowns. Chris Parker, although having only five receptions, has made each one count, accumulating an impressive 142 receiving yards and one touchdown. His stunning 28.4 yards per reception indicate big-play capability.
On the other side, the South Alabama Jaguars have key contributors in running back La’Damian Webb and wide receiver Caullin Lacy. Webb has a staggering 272 rushing yards from just 34 attempts, averaging 8 yards per carry, and has four rushing touchdowns to his name. Lacy, with 20 receptions for 303 yards and three touchdowns, has proven to be a reliable target in the passing game, exemplified by his longest reception of 84 yards. For free expert football picks, continue reading our analysis.
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. South Alabama Jaguars Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 5:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Hancock Whitney Stadium |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Bert Emanuel Jr. QB vs. Carter Bradley QB
Central Michigan’s quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr. has passed for 280 yards this season with three touchdowns, but has also thrown three interceptions. He has been sacked six times for a loss of 40 yards, affecting his passer rating, which stands at 126.2. His 50% completion rate speaks to some inconsistency in the passing game. Under pressure, Emanuel needs to make quicker decisions to avoid sacks and turnovers.
For South Alabama, Carter Bradley has been nothing short of impressive, boasting a passer rating of 152.2. With 600 passing yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions, Bradley seems to be more comfortable in the pocket despite being sacked seven times. His completion rate of 72.2% far outpaces Emanuel, indicating better decision-making and accuracy.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: South Alabama Jaguars -725, Total Odds: 48.5
The current betting odds heavily favor South Alabama with a Moneyline of -725 and a point spread of -16.5. The total set at 48.5 suggests a moderately high-scoring affair. These odds seem to align with the Jaguars’ stronger season performance and home-field advantage.
Central Michigan Betting Trends
Central Michigan hasn’t been doing well against the spread, with a record of 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games. They also stand at 1-4 SU in the same period. Their road games have been particularly challenging, going 2-6 SU. September seems to be a cursed month for them, with a 2-5 SU record in their last 7 games played this month. Interestingly, the total has gone UNDER in 4 of their last 5 games played in week 4.
South Alabama Betting Trends
South Alabama is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games but 7-2 SU in their last 9 games, revealing some inconsistency in covering the spread despite winning. They hold a strong 6-1 SU record in their last 7 home games. Against opponents from the Mid-American conference, they’ve been stellar, going 4-1 SU. However, they are 2-6 ATS in games played in week 4.
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. South Alabama Jaguars 9/23/23 Betting Picks
Based on the season’s statistics, team form, and key player performance, South Alabama looks poised for a win. They are the overwhelming favorites, and their strong home record adds weight to this prediction. However, a spread of -16.5 might be too large for a team that has been inconsistent against the spread.
While South Alabama is most likely to win, the smarter bet may be taking Central Michigan to cover the spread of +16.5. Additionally, given both teams’ trends, the total going UNDER 48.5 also seems like a solid bet. If you’re seeking more guidance on prop bets and other betting options, don’t forget to check out free expert sports picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: South Alabama Jaguars 31, Central Michigan Chippewas 17.