Scoring is not a strong suit for either side. They rank eighth and ninth in the 12-team MAC for points per game, and the home-standing Cardinals miss QB Riley Neal (knee) dearly. Of replacement Jack Milas’ three starts, he was TD-less in two of them while tossing six interceptions. RB James Gilbert (thumb), their next-best offensive player, also remains shelved. The Chippewas have gone Under in five of the last six away outings and Ball State in eight straight during October. The total opened pretty low (47), but the slight upward movement makes it an inviting play.

I'm projecting 58 points for Central Michigan-Ball State, giving us a nice cushion for an Over play. The Over is cashing in 69 percent of my simulations.