Prime-Time First TD Bets — Sunday Night Football, Week 16
Alex Christenson
With plenty of shakeup in the college football landscape heading into 2024, it’s hard to keep everything in order. In the coming weeks, I will brief you on every team, conference by conference.
One important factor in 2024? The new College Football Playoff format.
We have a new 12-team playoff format that gives more teams an opportunity to play for the College Football Championship. The five highest-ranked conference champions earn automatic bids, with the next seven highest-ranked teams completing the group.
The winner of the Conference USA will get a shot at the coveted fifth conference championship slot but will have to battle between the winners of the Sun Belt, MAC, American Athletic Conference and Mountain West.
Unlike many other conferences, the Mid-Atlantic Conference has few changes within the coaching staffs. Still, the players have plenty of turnover, as it continues to be a talent funnel for larger conferences. Let’s take a look at the teams and see which of them, if any, has a real shot at the CFB Playoff.
(All odds per FanDuel Sportsbook.)
2024 Mid-American Conference Preview
Akron
2023 record: 2-10 (1-7 conference)
2024 odds: MAC Winner: +6500; Win Total: o3.5 -100
Coach: Joe Moorhead (4-20)
Akron had a disastrous 2023 season, and I don’t anticipate much improvement in 2024. There’s significant turnover, particularly at quarterback, with transfer Ben Finley set to start, though his experience raises questions. Charles Kellom must step up following Lorenzo Lingard’s departure, while redshirt freshman transfer Marquese Williams will challenge for the starting role. Transfer Justin Campbell aims to guide a young and inexperienced group of receivers to perform at their best. On defense, CJ Nunnally, fresh off a 15.5 sack season, leads a unit that must improve for the Zips to have any shot at a bowl game.
Ball State
2023 record: 4-8 (3-5)
2024 odds: MAC Winner: +3000; Win Total: o4.5 +134
Coach: Mike Neu (37-56)
Ball State’s decline continued in 2023, falling to 4-8, their worst since 2018. Heading into 2024, the team faces numerous changes, particularly at quarterback, where Marshall transfer Chase Harrison will battle with Kadin Semonza for the starting role. With the departure of leading rusher Marquez Cooper, hopes are pinned on Charlie Spegal or TJ Horton to step up in the run-focused offense. On defense, the loss of Sydney Houston, who tallied 17 sacks last season, is significant, but Keionte Newson returns after leading the team in tackles. Despite the losses on the defensive side, there is optimism that this unit will regress off his impressive 2023 where they allowed only 24.4 points per game. If they do regress it will be hard for Ball State to improve on their 2023 season.
Bowling Green
2023 record: 7-6 (5-3)
2024 odds: MAC Winner: +750; Win Total: o6.5 +116
Coach: Scot Loeffler (20-35)
Bowling Green had a strong 2023 season, with Connor Bazelak emerging as one of the MAC’s top quarterbacks, throwing for 1,935 yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2024, he aims to build on this success and elevate the offense further. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr., a key target with 44 receptions for 623 yards and 6 touchdowns last year, returns as well. Last year’s leading rusher Terion Stewart will look to build on their rushing attack and amass his first 1,000-yard season. The defense, which allowed just 24 points per game in 2023, retains most of its starters, giving them some promising continuity. Bowling Green could emerge as a dark horse to surprise the conference this year.
Buffalo
2023 record: 3-9 (3-5)
2024 odds: MAC Winner: +3000; Win Total: o4.5 -132
Coach: Pete Lembo (new)
The Bulls face the most significant changes of any team in the MAC this season. They welcome new head coach Pete Lembo, known for revitalizing programs, which Buffalo needs. They’ve lost quarterback Cole Snyder to Eastern Michigan and top receiver Marlyn Johnson to Florida Atlantic. In addition, key players like leading rusher Ron Cook Jr. and second-leading receiver Darrell Harding Jr. have graduated. CJ Ogbonna, who showed promise with over 1,800 total yards at SEMO in 2021 but totaled less than 1,000 since, steps in at quarterback. He’ll be supported by Jacqez Barksdale at running back, along with transfer wide receivers JJ Jenkins and Taji Johnson. Defensively, the departure of lead tackler Joe Andreessen to the NFL leaves a significant gap to fill. Despite these challenges, reaching a bowl game may be a stretch, but not impossible for this roster.
Central Michigan
2023 record: 5-7 (3-5)
2024 odds: MAC Winner: +1300; Win Total: o5.5 -150
Coach: Jim McElwain (29-28)
Central Michigan boasts impressive offensive continuity heading into the new season. Marion Lukes, who led the team with 1,037 scrimmage yards and ranked second with five touchdowns, returns, alongside the top three receivers from 2023. The quarterback position is the only area of concern, where Bert Emanuel Jr., relatively inexperienced, replaces Jase Bauer, who transferred to Sam Houston. Defensively, there is also continuity with returnees like nickel back Donte Kent and middle linebacker Dakota Cochran. With this stability and considering the turnover in the conference, there is reason for optimism that Central Michigan could exceed seven wins this season.
Eastern Michigan
2023 record: 6-7 (4-4)
2024 odds: MAC Winner: +2500; Win Total: o4.5 -144
Coach: Chris Creighton (52-68)
Eastern Michigan is coming off its worst season in three years but has leveraged the transfer portal to add key pieces in hopes of turning things around. The most notable addition is Cole Snyder, who has thrown for over 5,000 yards and 32 touchdowns over the past two seasons at Buffalo. His presence should rejuvenate the passing game. Although they lost their top receiver, Tanner Kune, they retained JB Mitchell, who was second on the team with 398 yards and is expected to step up in 2024. The running back room faces uncertainty after Samson Evans’ departure, but transfer Delbert Mimms has been added to the mix to help ease the transition. Defensively, the team will need to address the loss of its two leading tacklers. With, continuity in other areas throughout the defense we may see an improved performance from this unit. While it’s unlikely this roster will exceed a .500 record, they could potentially match their previous six-win season.
Kent State
2023 record: 1-11 (0-8)
2024 odds: MAC Winner: +12000; Win Total: o2.5 -158
Coach: Kenni Burns (1-11)
Coming off their worst season in 18 years, the Golden Flashes are aiming for a rebound in 2024. They return most of their offensive starters from last year, including junior quarterback Tommy Ulatowski, who threw for 737 yards and 7 touchdowns in three starts. Running back Gavin Garcia and wide receiver Luke Floriea, the team’s top producers, are also back. On defense, the team will need to improve significantly after allowing over 34 points per game last season. They will have to make these improvements without their leading tackler from last year, Bryce Sheppert. However, middle linebacker Nick Giacolone, who recorded 59 tackles, returns and should help bolster the defense. Despite these positive changes and returning players, the roster still faces significant challenges. It wouldn’t be surprising if they struggled to reach three wins.
Miami (Ohio)
2023 record: 11-3 (7-1)
2024 odds: MAC Winner: +260; Win Total: o7.5 -144
Coach: Chuck Martin (56-62)
After winning the conference last year, Miami sets out to repeat in 2024 but will have to do so without a few key pieces. Both leading rusher Rashad Amos, who surpassed 1,000 yards, and top receiver Gage Larvadain have departed via the transfer portal. This year, senior quarterback Brett Gabbert, coming off a 1,600-yard passing season, will lead the offense. Seniors Kenny Tracy and Dylan Downing will try to fill the void left by Amos. In 2023 the defensive unit allowed a mere 15.9 points per game ranking 9th in the nation, and luckily Miami has some key pieces returning. Both Senior Matthew Salopek, who led the team with 143 tackles, and Senior Ty Wise, who was second on the team with 122 tackles, return to lead the way as the Red Hawks look to repeat this feat. They may not exceed double-digit wins this year, but they will likely flirt with it. Exceeding the 7.5 line seems like a lock.
Northern Illinois
2023 record: 7-6 (5-3)
2024 odds: MAC Winner: +650; Win Total: o6.5 -128
Coach: Thomas Hammock (24-33)
Northern Illinois is a team I’m excited to watch this year and could be a strong contender to upset the RedHawks. The Huskies return leading rusher Antario Brown, who amassed 1,296 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Trayvon Rudolph, who led the team with 531 receiving yards last year, will look to build on that performance. The receiving corps will also benefit from the addition of transfer Kenji Lewis, 6-foot-1, 200 pounds and coming off a 400-yard season. Tight end Grayson Barnes, an explosive athlete, returns after recording 23 receptions for 422 yards and 5 touchdowns. On defense, the Huskies have significant continuity, which is promising for a unit that allowed only 21 points per game last season. Notably, Raishein Thomas, who led the team with 74 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss, is back. While this roster may not be strong enough to reach 10 wins and secure a college playoff spot, Northern Illinois could potentially take the MAC title if Miami falters.
Ohio
2023 record: 10-3 (6-2)
2024 odds: MAC Winner: +1000; Win Total: o6.5 +108
Coach: Tim Albin (23-16)
After two strong seasons, Ohio may face a challenging road in 2024. Star quarterback Kurtis Rourke has moved on to Indiana, leaving the inexperienced Parker Navarro to take over. Additionally, Ricky Hunt, a redshirt freshman with only 23 carries last season, or transfer Anthony Tyus III will be expected to step up after the departure of both leading rushers. The wide receiver room is largely untested, with only Rodney Harris and Chase Hendricks returning, both of whom have under 120 career receiving yards. On defense, the top four tacklers from last season have departed, further adding to the team’s uncertainty. With significant changes and a lack of experience across the roster, it will be difficult for Ohio to replicate their recent success, let alone secure six wins.
Toledo
2023 record: 11-3 (8-0)
2024 odds: MAC Winner: +300; Win Total: o8.5 +136
Coach: Jason Candle (65-35)
Toledo has enjoyed a strong run under Jason Candle, with nine consecutive seasons above .500, and I expect this success to continue in 2024. However, there will be changes in the backfield. Penny Boone, who accounted for over 1,600 scrimmage yards, has departed via the transfer portal. Jacquez Stuart is expected to handle much of his workload, with Willie Shaw Jr. also seeing significant carries. The most crucial change is at quarterback, where the inexperienced Tucker Gleason will take over. He will benefit from a receiver corps led by Jerjuan Newton and Junior Vandeross III, who both return this season after 600-plus-yard seasons. On defense, Toledo has strengthened its already solid secondary with the addition of defensive back Jadarrius Perkins, joining standout Safety Maxen Hook. With these adjustments, Toledo is expected to remain at the top of the conference and is a strong contender for the title.
Western Michigan
2023 record: 4-8 (3-5)
2024 odds: MAC Winner: +850; Win Total: o6.5 -100
Coach: Lance Taylor (4-8)
It has been a turbulent few years for Western Michigan, but there is optimism around them this year. Redshirt senior Hayden Wolff returns — if healthy, he should help push this passing attack to a new height. Fresh off a 1,000-yard rushing season, redshirt sophomore Jalen Buckley sets out to continue his ascension, and his running mate Zahir Abdus-Salaam also returns. Kenneth Womack who led the Mustangs in receiving in 2023, is set to lead the way again this year. Transfer Popeye Williams joins in hopes of improving a pass rush that desperately needs it. They do return leading tacklers safety Tate Hallock and defensive back Aaron Wofford, with this continuity there is hope this unit can improve on the 31.8 points per game they gave up a year ago. In a conference that has had plenty of turnover, I can see this roster reaching 6 wins, but I doubt they reach the 7-win mark.
