Bahamas Bowl 2014: Central Michigan vs. Western Kentucky TV Info, Spread, Time
The Central Michigan Chippewas and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers won the postseason lottery of a trip to the Bahamas, but their vacations are over. Now, it's time for Wednesday's inaugural Bahamas Bowl.
The Chippewas fell to a fourth-place finish in the MAC West but have a chance to secure an eight-win season with a victory on Christmas Eve. Some important recent history is also on their side: The last time Central Michigan faced Western Kentucky, it was in a 2012 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl win.
But they will face a much different Western Kentucky team. Despite early struggles that saw the Hilltoppers sputter to a 4-4 Conference USA record, they became the only team to defeat Marshall all season en route to a 4-0 finish.
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Don't expect too rowdy of an environment—Thomas Robinson Stadium's capacity is 15,000, per the bowl's official site. But factoring in the pleasant beach setting and the history between these two teams, the Bahamas Bowl won't be one to miss.
When: Wednesday, December 24 at 12 p.m. ET
Where: Thomas Robinson Stadium, Nassau, Bahamas
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Spread (via Odds Shark): Western Kentucky -4
Battle of Strengths
Lining up on defense isn't an area of comfort for many teams, but it has been for Central Michigan. However, that might not be the case Wednesday afternoon.
That's because the Chippewas will be going up against a high-octane Western Kentucky offense that puts up points among the nation's best, averaging almost 45 points per game this season. And it does so in a number of ways.
The unquestioned leader is senior quarterback Brandon Doughty, who is playing in his sixth year of eligibility after two seasons were cut short by injury. The C-USA MVP has had the hot hand all season, throwing for 44 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Oh, and he's passed the 490-yard passing mark in three different games this year.
There wasn't much doubt in CMU head coach Dan Enos' mind that Doughty would be the best they've faced all year, per Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun's Nate Schneider:
What has taken the Hilltoppers offense from good to great, though, is Leon Allen in the run game.
The big junior rusher (6'1", 235 pounds) averages almost six yards per carry, with 1,490 rushing yards and 12 scores on the season. There are few scarier passing-and-running duos in the nation, with Doughty able to stretch out defenses and Allen there to hammer them.
While Central Michigan may not be used to Western Kentucky's potent offense, the same could be said of the Hilltoppers facing a stout Chippewa defense. The MAC school ranks an impressive 15th in the FBS in total defense.
The Chippewas were able to hold Western Kentucky to just 21 points in their 2012 bowl meeting, but they're facing a more multifaceted offensive unit in 2014.
Replacing the Workhorse
The Chippewas will have their work cut out for them if Doughty has his way through the air. But if Western Kentucky's beleaguered defense is any indication, Central Michigan just might be able to win a shootout.
The Hilltoppers have scored fewer than 30 points this season just once, but that statistic sounds less impressive when you consider they're 7-5. In those five losses, they have allowed almost 48 points per game on average.
Central Michigan fans wouldn't need to fear about their offense with dominant senior running back Thomas Rawls in the fold, as he has 1,103 yards and 10 scores on the season. But as CM Life reported Monday, Rawls will not play:
Saying the Chippewas lean on Rawls on the offensive end would be a striking understatement. They have two backs with 65 or more carries in Devon Spalding and Saylor Lavallii, but neither has more than 360 rushing yards on the year.
Spalding has turned heads in a few recent contests and should be called upon to replace Rawls. In back-to-back November wins over Eastern Michigan and Miami (Ohio), Spalding amassed over 300 yards on the ground and four touchdowns—good for most of his season total.
Against a Western Kentucky defense that has been gashed all season long, Spalding will need to post a similar performance for the Chippewas to have a chance.
Prediction
With the way Western Kentucky's offense is clicking, not even an extravagant vacation and a trip to the beach can cool it off.
Doughty won't have an eight-touchdown game against a veteran Chippewa defense, but the threat of it will open up lanes for Allen all game long. CMU will be ready for the shootout in the first half but will find points harder and harder to come by as Western Kentucky begins to generate stops.
Prediction: Western Kentucky 44, Central Michigan 31
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