The Mid-American Conference (MAC) returns to the midweek spotlight with two key college football matchups on November 5, featuring the Toledo Rockets hosting the Northern Illinois Huskies and the Ball State Cardinals facing the Kent State Golden Flashes. Both games are set to kick off at 7 p.m. ET, promising excitement and competitive action.
In the first matchup, the Toledo Rockets, who currently hold a record of 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the MAC, will take on the Northern Illinois Huskies, who are 1-3 in conference play. According to the SportsLine model, Northern Illinois is projected to stay close to Toledo, making the Huskies a team to watch as they are 14.5-point underdogs. Historically, Northern Illinois has shown resilience during November, boasting a 5-1 record in their last six games played in this month. Additionally, they have a commendable 6-1 record against the spread (ATS) in their previous seven road games against Toledo.
The Huskies come off a solid 21-7 victory over Ball State, though they have faced challenges this season with six losses. Notably, only two of these losses were by 14 points or more, indicating that Northern Illinois remains competitive. The SportsLine model suggests there is a 66% chance that Northern Illinois will cover the spread in this matchup, highlighting potential value for bettors.
In the second game, the Ball State Cardinals will take on the Kent State Golden Flashes. Ball State enters this contest with a favorable home record of 3-0 and is expected to capitalize on their momentum against Kent State, who has struggled on the road, currently holding an 0-4 away record this season. SportsLine expert Matthew Severance emphasizes the challenges Kent State faces, noting that they have lost all four road games by at least 35 points, even when playing against tough opponents.
Ball State’s defense has also been impressive, with Nathan Voorhis leading the nation in sacks, contributing to their strong home advantage. With odds at -120 for Ball State to win, this matchup offers intriguing potential for bettors looking for reliable picks.
As the MACtion series unfolds, these matchups not only promise thrilling football but also present opportunities for strategic betting. Whether it’s the resilience of Northern Illinois or the home advantage of Ball State, this Wednesday’s college football action is sure to attract attention from fans and bettors alike.
For those interested in placing bets, various sportsbooks are offering promotions, such as Caesars Sportsbook, which provides new users with 100% profit boost tokens with their first wager, and BetMGM, where new customers can get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if their first bet loses. As the action heats up, bettors can find value in these matchups, making them highly anticipated events in the college football landscape.
