If you want more Action Network content, be sure to add us as a preferred source on Google.
Welcome to the second straight day of midweek MACtion.
Our college football writers came through with a pick for all three of Wednesday's MACtion games: the UMass Minutemen vs. Ball State Cardinals, Sacramento State Hornets vs. Toledo Rockets and Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Central Michigan Chippewas.
Let's dive into their Wednesday college football predictions and NCAAF picks for November 4.
Be sure to download the Action Network app for more expert picks and analysis!
Wednesday College Football Predictions
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our college football betting staff is targeting from Wednesday's slate of MACtion games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NCAAF Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
UMass vs. Ball State Pick
By RoadToCFB
Hello, college football diehards — this game carries massive bowl game implications between 4-4 UMass and 3-5 Ball State.
While neither is eliminated with a loss, chances to clinch that bowl spot become scant after this week. UMass hasn't played in the postseason since 1972 (the FBS’ longest drought), while Ball State hasn’t seen a postseason game since 2021.
Ball State also hasn't won a midweek MACtion road game since 2023 (2-7 since 2022). Sacramento State aside, this is Ball State’s furthest conference road game possible.
Though attendance was still up against Miami, Warren McGuirk Stadium’s 13,900 is still a 10% drop from the previous game’s sellout. Patience wears thin quickly in Amherst.
Ball State’s offensive line hasn’t done a great job of protecting quarterback Keldric Luster this season, leading to 80 pressures (fifth in the MAC) and requiring 24 scrambles (second-most). Against a pass rush like UMass, that spells disaster.
The Cardinals haven’t shown the ability to lean on their run game and win despite Luster not getting going. UMass has the horses in the secondary and up front to harass Luster and keep the offense off schedule.
The urgency to snap the 50-plus year bowl drought is greatest in Amherst.
Pick: UMass ML -150 (Play to -155)
| | |
Sacramento State vs. Toledo Pick
By RoadToCFB
At one point, Toledo was laying 28.5 points on the road, a number bet down to 25.5 by Monday night.
Quite the predicament — lay 28.5 with an inconsistent Toledo team that has proven to drop double-digit stinkers or take 28.5 points against a team hilariously outmanned at nearly every position.
This game is ridiculous in a number of ways. Chiefly, TV schedules dictate this game kicks off at 4 p.m. local time when the sun is still up and well before most people can get out of work. Prepare for an odd vibe as MACtion gets some daylight.
Sac State is already a program that sees inconsistencies in its attendance. Last year, it averaged about 15,000 fans per game, but its win over Kent State pulled only 9,000.
Given the time slot and midweek schedule, 9,000 might be a generous appraisal. This stadium is going to be empty.
Add the vacant stands with the odd time and date slot to the fact that Toledo has a rest advantage and Sac State only has four days' rest, and you're in for one weird football game.
Sacramento State must try to repeat a stellar performance at home, but it's coming off an emotional first win of FBS membership. I believe this team is in for a rude awakening against a vastly superior team.
The Hornets can't count on benefiting from five more turnovers, and they don't have the depth to play two games in five days. This is a flash fire in the making.
Pick: Toledo 1H -14.5 (Play to -16.5)
| | |
Eastern Michigan vs. Central Michigan Pick
By Joshua Nunn
This line opened with Eastern Michigan listed as a 2.5-point favorite, and Central Michigan has taken money in the market. With 44.5 widely available as the total line, I like the over in this matchup.
Eastern Michigan will throw the ball a lot here, and big plays should come against this Central Michigan secondary. Last week, Miami (OH) threw the ball with decent success, but EMU's passing attack will be the strongest unit CMU has seen in conference play this season.
The Eagles' receivers are too talented, and Central Michigan will allow enough big plays for Eastern Michigan to have several chances to see the red zone.
Central will have to throw the ball more than usual, but I fully expect the Chips to have some success. Eastern’s secondary is weak, and the Eagles grade out as the worst tackling defense in the MAC.
The Chips will be able to move the ball here, convert on third down and have chances in the red zone.
Both of these red-zone defenses have struggled to keep opponents out of the end zone, and I expect those struggles to continue.
Three of Eastern Michigan’s conference games this season have exceeded this point total, and the one that didn’t landed on 44 points with EMU operating with its backup quarterback.
Three of CMU’s four MAC games have exceeded this point total as well, with two in the high 50s against weaker MAC defenses. I see value on the over and will be playing the high side here.
Pick: Over 44.5
