Ball State vs. Western Michigan MACtion Betting Odds, Picks: More Cardinals Money on the Way?

Ball State vs. Western Michigan MACtion Betting Odds, Picks: More Cardinals Money on the Way? article feature image
Credit:

Mark Konezny, USA Today Sports. Pictured: Jon Wassink

  • Tonight's second MACtion matchup features Ball State vs. Western Michigan (8 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
  • Some Cardinals money has already had an effect on the line. Is more on the way?

Ball State at Western Michigan Odds

  • Spread: Western Michigan -6.5
  • Over/Under: 63.5
  • Time: Tuesday, 8 p.m. ET
  • TV: ESPN2

Looking to bet some Midweek MACtion? Check out PointsBet, where Action Network users can access an exclusive promotion to get a 200% deposit match (deposit $50, bet with $150).


Ball State at Western Michigan Line Movement

While Western Michigan has been the popular side of this matchup (drawing 55% of bets), the heavy majority of actual money is going the other way. Eighty-five percent of dollars have hit Ball State, and as a result, oddsmakers have been convinced to drop this line through the key number of +7, as the Cardinals have fallen from +7.5 to +6.5.

As for the total, it’s stayed right around its opener of 63.5/64 despite a 67% backing of the over accounting for 71% of money. — Danny Donahue

Collin Wilson: Should You Wait Out This Steam?

In the MACtion game that matters Tuesday evening, Western Michigan has a chance to take over first place in the West division with a victory over Ball State.

The Broncos already hold the tiebreaker over Central Michigan and a win against the Cardinals would leave next week's game against Ohio as the remaining hurdle.

On paper, it's easy to see why Western Michigan is the favorite here. The Broncos are better in havoc, 3rd-down conversion rate and red zone defense. Western Michigan's defense ranks in the top-20 in sack rate but its secondary has some issues defending the pass.

Ball State quarterback Drew Plitt should be able to move the chains against Western Michigan, which ranks 102nd passing success rate, but the Broncos rank 25th in defending pass explosiveness, so connecting on a big play is easier said than done.

This total looks correct, but I'm looking to invest in Western Michigan. The Broncos have an explosive rushing attack and a defense that limits big plays, so I think they could beat this number.

Given the way the market is trending, I'm hoping this number ticks closer to our projected spread of Western Michigan -5, but I think the Broncos are worth a shot here at -6 or better.

The Pick: Western Michigan -6 or better [In New Jersey? Bet now at PointsBet]

How would you rate this article?

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Action Network makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.