The Ohio Bobcats (6-3, 4-1 MAC) are easily the biggest surprise in the MAC and have a chance to maintain their position to play in the MAC Championship later this season. The Bobs entered the 2024 season with a win total of 6.5, yet they have already racked up 6 victories before Thanksgiving.
Now, the Eastern Michigan Eagles (5-4, 2-3) are set to travel to Athens, Ohio, to play spoiler on Wednesday night. The Eagles have won 5 games, so they need just 1 more to reach bowl eligibility. Oddsmakers have the Bobcats as 10.5-point home favorites with the total at 50.5.
Let's dive into my Eastern Michigan vs. Ohio predictions and college football picks for this MAC matchup on Wednesday, November 12.
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs Ohio Bobcats Prediction and Picks
- Eastern Michigan vs. Ohio Pick: Eastern Michigan +10
My Ohio vs. Eastern Michigan best bet is on the Eagles to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at ESPN Bet, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Eastern Michigan vs Ohio Odds, Lines, Spread
| Eastern Michigan Eagles Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+11 -105 | 51.5 -110o / -110u | +320 |
| Ohio Bobcats Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-11 -115 | 51.5 -110o / -110u | -425 |
- Eastern Michigan vs Ohio Spread: Ohio -11 · Eastern Michigan +11
- Eastern Michigan vs Ohio Over/Under: 51.5
- Eastern Michigan vs Ohio Moneyline: Ohio ML -425 · Eastern Michigan ML +320
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs Ohio Bobcats Betting Preview
Eastern Michigan Eagles Betting Preview: Intriguing Matchup for EMU
When Eastern Michigan blew a late lead to Toledo on Nov. 2, it was brutal. The Eagles had the opportunity to get right back in the thick of the regular-season MAC title race, but now they're 2-3 in conference play.
It's safe to say this team has overachieved thus far in 2024. Many of its underlying metrics suggest it should have a worse record than its current 5-4 mark.
Still, this is an intriguing matchup for EMU.
Starting with the offense, quarterback Cole Snyder has performed well after transferring from Buffalo. He has compiled 11 touchdown passes and is nearing 2,000 passing yards for the season.
What's troubling about Snyder is that he takes a lot of sacks — 23 thus far, to be exact. While he has chipped in four rushing touchdowns, he has also lost four fumbles.
The Eagles' offensive line is a significant factor heading into the matchup, as it's 47th in Havoc Allowed but 97th in Line Yards. They have a tough draw against a solid Bobs defensive front that has not allowed much on the ground and has created plenty of pressure.
The offense should get a boost if it reaches the red zone, as Ohio's defense has struggled in that area. The path to an upset for the Eagles will be to attack the secondary, which is the weakest aspect of the Bobcats' defensive unit.
EMU's uptempo style could be successful if it throws the ball down the field. This team ranks 53rd in Quality Drives, so it appears there's a path for it to score.
The Eagles haven't been the best defensively, but they have an edge heading into this matchup.
Ohio runs the ball at a 61% clip, but EMU has done an excellent job limiting rush explosiveness. It's also 38th in Defensive Rush EPA.
The one issue is its secondary has been a nightmare and now draws a tough matchup against Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro.
The Eagles are exploitable on the back end, ranking 132nd in PFF Coverage grade and 111th in Pass Success Rate allowed. However, the Bobs' offensive line is also vulnerable, giving the Eagles a chance to get after the quarterback.
If Eastern Michigan can continue the trend of limiting rush explosives and force the Bobs into tough third-down situations, that will allow these pass rushers to go to work and make Navarro uncomfortable.
The Eagles have also had a bye week to prepare, and they'll benefit from the extra rest by getting some players back on the defensive side of the ball.
Ohio Bobcats Betting Preview: Air It Out
The Bobcats find themselves in the middle of the MAC race and can still earn a regular-season title. They took care of business last week against Kent State, completely dominating the Golden Flashes with their special teams and defense.
However, they will not have it as easy on Wednesday night, as the Eagles are a far more formidable opponent.
Offensively, Navarro has led the way. However, there's more to that, as Navarro has thrown only seven touchdowns compared to six interceptions.
The Bobs run the ball most of the time, so Navarro has been tasked to do more with his legs than his arm. However, Eastern Michigan has been strong against the run, so Navarro will be asked to throw more than usual.
That's not a bad move against an Eastern Michigan secondary that has been suspect throughout the season.
With a much slower tempo than the Eagles, the Bobcats will really need to capitalize in the red zone.
I like the Bobs' defensive matchup, but I have questions about their ability to hold up in the secondary. They rank 103rd in EPA/Play against the pass, which is not a good sign going up against Snyder.
The defensive line has been excellent against the run, but the Eagles don't run the ball that often. I would expect the defense to be challenged in the secondary for the majority of the evening.
Both of these teams have overperformed thus far, but I can't lay double digits with Ohio here.
Eastern Michigan vs Ohio Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Eastern Michigan and Ohio match up statistically:
Eastern Michigan Offense vs. Ohio Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 85 | 21 | |
| Line Yards | 97 | 36 | |
| Pass Success | 64 | 77 | |
| Havoc | 47 | 30 | |
| Finishing Drives | 98 | 97 |  |
| Quality Drives | 53 | 37 | |
Ohio Offense vs. Eastern Michigan Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 36 | 96 | |
| Line Yards | 62 | 76 | |
| Pass Success | 81 | 111 | |
| Havoc | 73 | 59 | |
| Finishing Drives | 79 | 46 | |
| Quality Drives | 76 | 72 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 41 | 122 |
| PFF Coverage | 132 | 59 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 86 | 97 |
| Middle 8 | 127 | 26 |
| Seconds per Play | 25.1 (28) | 28.9 (109) |
| Rush Rate | 54% (82) | 61% (21) |
Eastern Michigan vs Ohio Best Bet and Pick
I'm backing Eastern Michigan on the road here, as this is a bit of a sleepy spot for Ohio.
The Bobcats' 41-0 win last week looks impressive, but they capitalized on a ton of mistakes from Kent State that ballooned the score.
Ohio also ranks 100th in strength of schedule, so it's not like it's faced a murderer's row of opponents. The Eagles come in at 125th in the same category, but there's no way the Bobs should be laying double digits here.
Snyder should benefit from a plus matchup against a vulnerable Ohio secondary, and EMU's uptempo offense should do some damage. The Eagles defense also does an outstanding job of limiting rush explosives, which is the strength of Ohio's offense.
I'm happy to back the Eagles to keep it close on Wednesday night.
Pick: Eastern Michigan +10 (Play to +8.5)
Eastern Michigan vs Ohio Channel, Streaming, Start Time, How to Watch
| Location: | Peden Stadium, Athens, OH |
| Date: | Wednesday, Nov. 13 |
| Kickoff Time: | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN2 |
Eastern Michigan will face Ohio at Peden Stadium in Athens on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Eastern Michigan vs Ohio Betting Trends
- 51% of bets and 54% of the money are on Ohio to cover the spread
- 92% of bets and 66% of the money on the moneyline are on Ohio to win outright
- 64% of bets and 61% of the money are on the over
Betting trends via our live, updating NCAAF public betting & money percentages page.
Eastern Michigan vs Ohio Weather
