Game of the Week:
Central Michigan vs. Western Michigan
The key matchup in this game will be Western Michigan QB Tim Hiller against Central Michigan's secondary. Hiller has struggled at some points this season, so he must be on the money if his team is going to pull the upset against Central Michigan. The Chippewas QB Dan LeFevour will have much success against Western Michigan's rebuilt secondary, so for the upset to happen, Hiller will find himself in a shootout. Hiller has only thrown for 300 yards once this season, and he will have to reach that mark again if Western is to pull out a win. In the Bronco's three losses, he has thrown only two touchdown passes, with three interceptions. Central Michigan has allowed just three touchdown passes this season.
Mid Major Mid-Season Award:
Defensive Player of the Year
Central Michigan LB Nick Bellore. Central Michigan's defense has been surprisingly good this season. They rank 26th nationally in total defense, at 297.3 yards per game, and Bellore has been one of the main reasons for that. He has 54 tackles, with 6.5 tackles for a loss, a sack and a forced fumble. In the Chippewas' two games against Bix Six opponents, Bellore had 19 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble. Keep up the good work.
Here's your chance, now show us what you can do:
Wyoming quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels has been on a hot streak. Carta-Samuels, a true freshman, has thrown for 689 yards with six touchdowns and one interception, all in the past three games, all wins. However those wins were against UNLV, Florida Atlantic and New Mexico, which have a combined 2 wins, both by UNLV. Carta-Samuels will face some tougher competition on Saturday, when he goes up against Air Force. The Falcons lead the nation in takeaways and are fifth nationally in pass defense and 11th in scoring defense.
Mid Major Madness Picks of the Week:
Central Michigan 24 Western Michigan 21
Mississippi State 24 Middle Tennessee 17
Colorado State 14 TCU 38
Wyoming 20 Air Force 31
Memphis 17 Southern Miss 24