It's rivalry day in Mount Pleasant. Western Michigan (4-2, 2-0 MAC) visits Central Michigan (3-3, 1-1) at 1:30 on ESPN+, and the Victory Cannon and a leg up on the Michigan MAC Trophy are at stake, along with the league race.
Western Michigan insider Corwin Dahlquist rates opponents in pancake stacks and gives the Broncos a full stack. He likes Broc Lowry's one interception in 139 attempts, Jalen Buckley's five rushing touchdowns and last Saturday's 38-7 win over Kent State. Central Michigan insider Brynn Haverkamp tracks sacks like hunting tags. She's counting on quarterback Angel Flores, who has run for 501 yards and four touchdowns, to carry the Chippewas just like he has all season.
No key quarterback injuries are reported on either side. Central Michigan lost 31-14 at Ohio last week and needs a cleaner offensive game. Western's defense ranks well ahead of Central's offense in ESPN's numbers, so Flores will have to make plays with his legs. A rivalry crowd always adds some energy.
Our call: Western Michigan 25, Central Michigan 16.