Western Michigan Broncos defeat Central Michigan Chippewas 21-14: Recap, Betting Results & AiQ Picks
Sat, Oct 17, 2026 · NCAAF · Western Michigan Broncos 21, Central Michigan Chippewas 14
Western Michigan Broncos defeated Central Michigan Chippewas 21–14 on Saturday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Central Michigan covered the +7.5 spread despite the loss, and the game finished under the 43-point total at 35 combined points.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Central Michigan Chippewas final score and game recap
The Broncos scored in each of the first three periods-7 points per quarter-and held Central Michigan scoreless through halftime and into the third. By the end of the third quarter, Western Michigan led 21-0, a margin that proved insurmountable even after Central Michigan's fourth-quarter rally.
The Chippewas finally scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth, but the deficit was too steep. Jalen Buckley led Western Michigan's ground attack with 24 carries for 150 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. Lolo Mataele added 13 carries for 60 yards. For Central Michigan, Angel Flores carried the offensive load with 31 rushes for 117 yards and completed 14 of 25 passes for 162 yards and 1 touchdown, but his late-game production could not overcome the early deficit.
Who covered the spread in Western Michigan Broncos vs. Central Michigan Chippewas?
Central Michigan Chippewas covered the +7.5 spread. Western Michigan won by 7 points, finishing under the closing line, which allowed the underdog to cover. The spread opened at Central Michigan +6.5 and moved to +7.5 as money shifted toward Western Michigan. AiQ's spread pick on Western Michigan Broncos -7.5 lost.
Did Western Michigan Broncos vs. Central Michigan Chippewas go over or under the total?
The game went under the 43 total, finishing at 35 combined points—8 points below the line. The total opened at 43.5 and slipped to 43 before kickoff. AiQ's over pick lost.
How did AiQ's Western Michigan Broncos vs. Central Michigan Chippewas predictions do?
AiQ finished 2–4 across all graded picks.
- Moneyline: Picked Western Michigan Broncos at -307 – WIN (+$32.57 on a $100 bet)
- Spread: Picked Western Michigan Broncos -7.5 – LOSS
- Total: Picked Over 43 – LOSS
- Player props: 1–4 – net loss of $350 on $100 per pick
AiQ correctly identified the Broncos as the outright winner but missed the spread and total. The player-prop slate was overwhelmingly unsuccessful.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Central Michigan Chippewas player prop results
AiQ's player-prop record was 1–4, netting a $350 loss.
- Jalen Buckley anytime touchdown at -200 – actual 2 – WIN
- Broc Lowry anytime touchdown at -180 – actual 0 – LOSS
- Nick Woodford anytime touchdown at +400 – actual 0 – LOSS
- Brock Townsend anytime touchdown at +500 – actual 0 – LOSS
- Angel Flores anytime touchdown at -180 – actual 0 – LOSS
Only Buckley exceeded his line; every other selected player failed to reach the touchdown threshold.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Central Michigan Chippewas game prop results: team totals, first half and first quarter
- Western Michigan Broncos team total 26.5: Under (paid -113); they scored 21.
- First-half moneyline: Western Michigan Broncos won the first half (paid -250).
- First-half spread: Western Michigan Broncos -4.5 covered (paid -108).
- First-quarter total 7.5: Under (paid -130); 7 points were scored.
- First-quarter moneyline: Western Michigan Broncos won the first quarter (paid -238).
- First-half total 21.5: Under (paid -122); 14 points were scored.
- Central Michigan Chippewas team total 16.5: Under (paid -102); they scored 14.
The early scoring pace kept both halves and the opening quarter under their respective totals, while the Broncos' strong start secured the first-half moneyline and spread.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Central Michigan Chippewas odds: sportsbook value and line movement
The Broncos entered as -307 favorites, implying a 72% win probability after vig removal, while the Chippewas were +245 at 28%. The bookmaker's vig was 4.4%. A $100 wager on the Broncos paid $32.57 on a win. AiQ's pre-game moneyline pick at -290 carried -1.1% expected value—a negative-EV price despite AiQ's 74% confidence matching the market's implied probability. The spread opened at Central Michigan +6.5 and moved to +7.5, indicating money flow toward Western Michigan, yet the underdog covered. The total slipped from 43.5 to 43, a half-point shift that did not affect the under result.
Western Michigan Broncos and Central Michigan Chippewas betting trends: 2026 season
Western Michigan Broncos sit at 5–2 overall. At home they are 2–1; away/neutral they are 3–1. Against the spread in six games with a recorded line, they are 3–3. Their over/under record in six games is even at 3 overs and 3 unders. Their last five results are W, W, W, L, W, giving them a three-game winning streak.
Central Michigan Chippewas are 3-4 overall. At home they are 3-1; away/neutral they are 0-3. In six games with a closing spread they are also 3-3 against the spread. Their last five results are L, L, W, L, W, leaving them on a two-game losing streak.
What's next for Western Michigan Broncos and Central Michigan Chippewas?
The Broncos travel to face the Toledo Rockets on Saturday, October 24. The Chippewas host the Miami (OH) RedHawks the same day.