Bahamas Bowl Pick
Central Michigan
vs.
Western Kentucky
12/24/15
There are a number of storylines going into the inaugural Popeyes Bahamas Bowl featuring Central Michigan and Western Kentucky. Most notably this is the first bowl Game outside of the U.S. or Canada since 1937. The last time both of these teams played in a bowl Game was against each other in 2012, when the Chippewas won 24-21 as a 6-point underdog. Once again, the Hilltoppers are favored, this time by 4.
Both of these teams were bowl eligible last year (CMU 6-6, WKU 8-4), but neither of them made one. This time around both are 7-5 and got a postseason Game.
The Chips are an inconsistent team if anything. One week they’d win at Purdue and the next they’d lose at Kansas. In the middle of the season they beat the MAC winners Northern Illinois 34-17, and the next week lost at home to Ball State.
Western Kentucky was fairly similar in the inconsistency department, as they lost to Florida Atlantic one week, but have road wins at Navy and Marshall. But the main reason for the Hilltoppers struggles is on the defensive end while CMU’s are more hidden. However, WKU did close the season with Four straight wins.
WKU has a high-powered offense led by a nation-leading quarterback in Brandon Doughty. They have five losses because the defense is extremely porous, allowing more than 39 points per Game. At one point, they gave up at least 42 points in Four straight Games. And then of course the final Game of the season a 67-66 overtime win over Marshall. against a solid MAC team in the first Game of the year, WKU beat Bowling Green 59-31.
This offense has really only had one bad Game all season in the 59-10 beat down at LA. Tech. Doughty is efficient completing 67.5% of his passes for 4,344 yards, 44 TDs and 10 INTs. He leads the nation in yards and TDs. Doughty spreads the ball plenty as well, as five receivers have at least 39 receptions. In addition to the passing Game, Leon Allen has 1,490 yards and 12 TDs on the ground.
This is where the MAC-leading Central Michigan defense comes in. While they are inconsistent, this is a group that has shown they can stop good offenses at times. This might be the best offense they’ve seen all year, though.
As for the Chippewas on offense, they only Score25.2 points per Game, which probably won’t cut it if the defense can’t step up in this Game. They’ll try and pound running back Thomas Rawls (1,103 yards, 10 TDs) as much as possible to keep WKU’s offense off the field. QB Cooper Rush has improved in his second year, but his main goal will be getting WR Titus Davis (843 yards, 9 TDs) the ball as much as possible, as he’s their best playmaker.
In order for CMU to have a chance, their defense will need to have a good Game, although there’s no telling how many points the Chips can put on the board against an extremely weak defense.
The Chippewas are 3-1-1 ATS in their last five bowl Games, but 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 non-Conference Games. The Hilltoppers are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 on grass, but only 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Check back on Game day (maybe sooner) for a pick on this Game.