2008 Motor City Bowl Preview
The 2008 Motor Bowl between Central Michigan and Florida Atlantic is by no means a marquee match-up or a game many people are looking forward to, although it does have the makings of being an entertaining affair. Both teams posses quarterbacks who may be playing in the NFL with the Chippewas led by Dan LeFevour and the Owls led by Rusty Smith, who battled minor injuries throughout the season, but still managed to throw 22 touchdowns.
Florida Atlantic will be without four starters who were ruled ineligible for the game, including two offensive linemen, which has been a team strength all season.
Central Michigan is now favored by seven and the total on the game has moved all the way from 62 to 68. Roughly three-fourths bets are coming in on Central Michigan, but I'm not sure if the line will move past a touchdown.
Central Michigan will definitely have the crowd on its side, as the game is being played in Detroit, but FAU has to get the coaching nod, as Howard Schellenberger has been to plenty of bowl games in his time.
Most people know that both teams scored 50 or more points in their last game, as well as allowed 50 or more, which is a major reason for the total climbing as high as it has, but it also has added value to taking the under, which I feel is the way to go in this game.
Both teams are capable of running the ball with a bit of success, which will hopefully shorten the game and keep the clock moving.
Neither defense is particularly solid and you can see both teams wanting to control the ball to an extent to keep their defenses off the field.
It's also worth noting that one of FAU suspended players is kicker Warley Leroy, who was 10 of 13 on field goals this year, which could hurt the Owls when they get into field goal range.
If I had to play a side, I'd lean towards FAU, but probably will not play them, as it's not a strong opinion.
3.5* Under 68
