MAC Championship Game Betting Odds & Over/Under: Miami (Ohio) vs. Central Michigan

MAC Championship Odds: Miami (Ohio) vs. Central Michigan

• Spread: Central Michigan -6.5
• Over/Under: 53
• Time: Saturday, 12 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN2
• Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.

Odds as of Sunday afternoon and via PointsBet, where Action Network users can access an exclusive promotion to get a 200% deposit match (deposit $50, bet with $150).No strings attached. No rollover required.

I don't think many folks had a Miami Ohio vs. Central Michigan matchup pegged as the MAC Championship Game coming into the year — specifically the Chippewas.

Central Michigan won just one game in 2018 and didn't come away with a single win in conference play. This season was a different story. Capped by a 49-7 over Toledo, the Chippewas won eight games over the course of the regular season, going 6-2 in conference to capture the MAC West.

And not only are they playing in the championship game on Saturday, they're favored by nearly a touchdown. Opening numbers have Central Michigan listed at -6.5 with a total of 53.

Our power ratings make CMU just a 3.5-point favorite, however.

Miami Ohio's Statistical Profile

• Power Ranking: 97
• ATS Record: 6-6
• Over/Under Record: 6-6
• Off. Yards Per Play: 5.01 (113th)
• Def. Yards Per Play: 5.22 (35th)

What Miami Ohio does well: In terms of yards allowed per play, the RedHawks' defense is 35th in the nation at 5.22. It's second only to Buffalo in the MAC.

Where Miami Ohio needs work: Offense. Miami Ohio's 5.01 yards per play ranks behind teams like UTEP and UConn … not exactly the nation's offensive powerhouses. And only NIU, Bowling Green and Akron had worse marks than Miami's 24.6 points per game over the course of the season.

Central Michigan's Statistical Profile

• Power Ranking: 79
• ATS Record: 9-2-1
• Over/Under Record: 9-3
• Off. Yards Per Play: 6.26 (34th)
• Def. Yards Per Play: 5.38 (49th)

What Central Michigan does well: The Chippewas are balanced, ranking in the top 50 in both yards per play and yards allowed per play. They're also top 3 in the MAC in both categories.

Where Central Michigan needs work: CMU has allowed 63.7 yards per game to penalties — which is a lot. It ranks highest in the MAC and 109th in the nation.