Central Michigan’s defense was overmatched against a really good Oklahoma State team, but the offense, led by Daniel Richardson, put up nearly 550 yards (which is a little misleading considering a lot of those yards came late after the game was out of hand). South Alabama went 1-5 straight up and 0-6 against-the-spread on the road last season, while Central Michigan went 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS at home. South Alabama’s defense really struggled on the road last season, giving up 36 points a game compared to just 16 points a game at home. I also think it helps Central Michigan that it played a quality opponent in Week 1, while South Alabama played FCS Nicholls State. Our model has CMU winning this game by two touchdowns.

Central Michigan’s third year starting quarterback in Daniel Richardson put up a marvelous effort in last week’s loss to Oklahoma State. For Saturday, the Chippewas will host a South Alabama team working in new starters on both sides of the football, including at quarterback and running back.. The Jaguars' new quarterback, Carter Bradley, is a transfer from Toledo. He has played against Central Michigan three times, including a victory as a starter in 2020. Take the Jaguars to hang within the number.

Very up-and-down Week 1 in college football but that's usually the case as we are somewhat handicapping blind. Dating to 2017, South Alabama is 4-25 as a visiting team. The Jaguars beat up on little Nicholls in their 2022 opener, while Central Michigan was able to cover with a fourth-quarter scoring burst at ranked Oklahoma State and has a few extra days of preparation/rest as that game was Thursday in Week 1. The Chips scored 44 points against a Pokes defense that ranked fifth in the nation a year ago.