Western Michigan Broncos vs Central Michigan Chippewas Prediction, 10/17/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Western Michigan Broncos vs Central Michigan Chippewas

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Location: Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Chippewas (+6.5)

Total/Over-Under: 42.5

Kelly/Shorts Stadium is the site where the Central Michigan Chippewas (3-3) will play the Western Michigan Broncos (4-2) on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Western Michigan opens this contest as 6.5-point favorites. The total is 42.5.

The Western Michigan Broncos step onto the field holding a record of 4-2 for this season. In their last contest, the Broncos played against the Kent State Golden Flashes and walked away with a win by a score of 38-7. The Western Michigan Broncos ran the ball a total of 38 different times and accrued 204 yds, which had them averaging 5.4 yards per carry. In all, they ran 66 plays for 466 yds. Western Michigan conceded 19 completions on 35 tries for 223 yards, and a completion rate of 54.3%. In the running game, the Broncos gave up 75 yards on 33 tries, which is an average of 2.3 yds per rush surrendered.

The Broncos have earned 1,984 total yards for the season. With reference to scoring touchdowns, Western Michigan has totaled 8 touchdowns via the pass and 11 rushing touchdowns. They have surrendered the ball 2 different times. Western Michigan has amassed 115 first downs as an offense, and they have been flagged for 32 infractions for 289 yards. As a team they average 154.8 yards via the ground game which ranks them 71st in Division 1. Concerning scoring, the Western Michigan Broncos have an average of 25.7 points per outing.

Concerning yards via the pass, the Broncos have given up 1,161 yards which has them sitting in 69th in the nation. They have relinquished 193.5 yards per outing through the air and giving up a completion percentage of 59.6%. For the year, they are granting 336.2 yards/game putting them 53rd in the nation. They have conceded 8 touchdowns via the pass in addition to 6 touchdowns running the ball. They are allowing 3.6 yards per running attempt and 142.7 rushing yards per game for the year. Overall, they have allowed 856 yards via the ground game in 6 outings. The Broncos are sitting in 25th in D-1 in terms of the opposition scoring, conceding 17.3 points per game.

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The Chippewas come into this game with a record of 3-3 for this season. The last time they took the gridiron, the Chippewas went home defeated by a final of 31-14 against the Ohio Bobcats. Central Michigan relinquished 50 rush attempts for 245 yards (4.9 yds per carry). The Chippewas secondary conceded a completion rate of 61.1%, surrendering 158 yds on 11 for 18 passing. The Chippewas finished with a total of 275 yds and they ran 56 plays (4.9 yards per play). Central Michigan ran the football for 3.8 yards per attempt, finishing the game with 121 yards on 32 attempts.

The Central Michigan Chippewas maintain an average of 285.0 yards per contest, which ranks them 132nd in the nation. The Central Michigan offense has totaled 334 yds of penalties on 35 infractions, ranking them 82nd in Division 1 in terms of giving up free yards. They average 188.7 rushing yards per game and have rushed for 1,132 yards for this season. They have thrown 4 picks while letting opponents recover 6 fumbles and they have tallied 89 first downs. When discussing how much they score, the Chippewas sit 127th in college football scoring 17.0 points per contest. For the year thus far, the Chippewas have thrown for a total of 578 passing yards as well as holding an average of 96.3 throwing yards per game, which ranks 135th in the nation.

The Chippewas are giving up 26.3 points per game, which has them sitting 97th in the country. Central Michigan has allowed the opposition a total of 1,066 rushing yards (177.7 yards per game) as well as 11 touchdowns rushing so far this season. They have given up 8 touchdowns through the air as well as 195.3 yards per contest, which has them in 50th in Division 1. The Chippewas defense has been on the field for 393 plays, which ranks them 107th in college football. Their defense has compiled 4 fumbles recovered and 6 picks so far this year. Overall, they have conceded 158 points in total.

Who will win tonight's Broncos/Chippewas college football game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take the Broncos -6.5

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