Boone Pickens Stadium will play host to a Thursday night college football clash between the Central Michigan Chippewas and the 12th ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Chippewas (9-4) won six of their eight MAC Conference games in 2021 and head coach Jim McElwain has led the program to bowls in two of their last three years. The Central Michigan offensive line lost two tackles to the NFL, but returns leading rusher Lew Nichols (1,848 yds).
Central Michigan's recent success has caused them to lose several key defensive players via the transfer portal to bigger schools. The Chippewas will be forced to replace plenty of production on a front seven that led the nation in tackles for loss.
The Oklahoma State Cowboys has reeled off 16 straight winning seasons for head coach Mike Gundy and lost to Baylor in last season's Big 12 Conference Championship Game. Spencer Sanders (2,800 yds) is the top returning quarterback in the conference and will work behind an offensive line that has three starters back. Seven of the top eight pass catchers will be at Sanders' disposal, including Brennan Presley (50 rec).
The biggest loss for Oklahoma State in the offseason was veteran DC Jim Knowles, who took the same position at Ohio State. Former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason will look to keep things going on a unit that led the conference in total defense and points allowed.
Recent Betting Trends
- Chippewas are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
- Cowboys are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.
- Under is 7-2 in Chippewas last 9 road games.
- Under is 7-1-1 in Cowboys last 9 games in September.
- Under is 19-9-1 in Cowboys last 29 games overall.
Free NCAAF Pick:
UNDER 57.5