Western Kentucky vs. Central Michigan
Wed., Dec. 26 - 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Detroit - Ford Field
A game in Detroit, one day after Christmas? It’s no problem for Western Kentucky, which is making its first bowl-game appearance.
The Hilltoppers, who won a FCS national championship in 2002, have been methodically climbing the mountain a few seasons now after making their jump to the higher level. Coach Willie Taggart, a former WKU quarterback, inherited an 0-12 team when he took over in 2010. Unfortunately for the Hilltoppers, Taggart is off to USF. Defensive coordinator Lance Guidry will serve as interim coach.
Now things are on solid ground. The Hilltoppers (7-5) like to pound it with junior running back Antonio Andrews (1,609 yards, 11 TDs), who is coming off rushing games of 238 and 230 yards.
Even though the Chippewas (6-6) won their final three games to reach the postseason, their defense wasn’t a pretty sight. Central Michigan allowed an average of 43.3 points in its six defeats.
Opening point spread: Western Kentucky by 6
The pick: Western Kentucky 29, Central Michigan 24
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