Ohio vs. Western Michigan Prediction & Betting Picks (November 11, 2025)
The Ohio Bobcats will be ever so mild road favorites (-118) when they take on the rival Western Michigan Broncos in a huge MAC clash on Tuesday night.
Ohio is red hot, as they’ve won each of their last three games, including a massive showdown with conference rival Miami Ohio to boost them to a four-way tie for first place in the MAC.
Western Michigan will be hoping to do more than play the role of spoiler, as they are part of that tie atop the conference standings. A win here would leave them all on their own for the moment. Still, the Broncos will be 1.5-point home underdogs in a game that isn’t expected to be a huge shootout thanks to a modest 46.5 total.
So, which side should bettors back? Ohio could stay hot, or Western Michigan could continue to defend their turf (4-1 at home this year). Let’s find the best bets for this game as I inspect the odds and matchups en route to an Ohio vs. Western Michigan prediction.
Game Basics & Context
- Matchup: Ohio Bobcats (6-3) vs. Western Michigan Broncos (5-4)
- Date & Time: Tuesday, November 11th, with kickoff at 7:00 pm CT (8:00 pm ET)
- Venue: Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, MI
- How to Watch: The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Team Record
- Ohio is 6-3, 4-1 in the MAC
- Western Michigan is 5-4, 4-1 in the MAC.
Betting Odds
Check out the most current Ohio vs. Western Michigan odds, per DraftKings:
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Ohio | -1.5 (-105) | -112 | O 46.5 (-115) |
Western Michigan | +1.5 (-115) | -108 | U 46.5 (-105) |
Rivalry & Venue Context
This is a solid college football rivalry that has been going on since the dawn of time. These two teams have faced off 66 times, with the results being virtually even.
Western Michigan holds the all-time edge, 34-31-1, but it’s been all Bobcats in the last two meetings. Ohio won 20-17 in the most recent showdown in 2023, while they got past Western Michigan with ease (33-14) in 2022.
Why This Game Matters
First place in the MAC is on the line. Well, to be more specific, these teams are currently literally tied for first place. Buffalo and Miami Ohio, also factor into that, but this game breaks up that four-way tie.
One of these teams will plummet down the standings, while Western Michigan could be at risk of losing a shot at a bowl game if they drop this one.
Ohio would move to 7-3 and temporarily be in first place all by themselves at 5-1 if they win.
Beyond the conference title implications, these two teams know each other well and will get up to play for the first time since 2023. High stakes thrown on top just make this showdown that much more compelling.
Team Profiles
Ohio Bobcats
The Ohio Bobcats are coming off a huge win against inner-state rivals, Miami Ohio. It wasn’t easy, but they got the job done in a 24-20 thriller and are now in fantastic form with wins in five of their last six games.
Ohio looks like the favorite to pull away and win the MAC this year, but they have to go into Michigan and get a tough road win to realize their ceiling.
The Bobcats are not an imposing team on paper. They are balanced enough with a capable offense and solid defense, but they aren’t necessarily elite in either regard. The only thing they do at a high level is run the football, of course, as they love to do it (56% rush rate), and they rank 28th in rushing yards per game.
If they can establish the run early, Ohio can enforce their will and control this game. That’s easier said than done, however, as they can be sloppy with penalties and turnovers.
Western Michigan Broncos
The Broncos are one big win from making the MAC title theirs to lose. They certainly take care of business in front of their home crowd, as they are 4-1 at home. They are also coming off a big win over an intense rival of their own, as they downed the Chippewas 24-21 last week.
Western Michigan got off to a brutal 0-3 start early in the year, but they have bounced back in a big way, winning five of their last six games. Their lone loss during that run was a relatively close 26-17 meeting with Miami Ohio.
This is not a gifted offensive team. The Broncos only muster 19.3 points per game, but they are capable of running the ball, and they don’t make a lot of mental mistakes.
Western Michigan’s biggest asset is their defense, though. They are incredibly stingy in the scoring department (17th) and have the nation’s 9th-best sack rate. In addition, they don’t typically get burned on the ground, and their pass rush plays into the 11th-best pass defense in the country.
The Broncos are not scary on offense, but they combat that with a sharp mental game and hard-nosed defense. That gives them a shot against anyone, and it’s mildly surprising they aren’t favored in this one due to that.
Key Matchup Angles
Consider the following key matchups:
- Ohio’s rush offense vs. Western Michigan’s run defense: The Bobcats want to run the ball and do a solid job of it, but the Broncos are capable against the run. Whether or not the Bobcats can get it going on the ground will tell us a lot about how this game unfolds.
- Western Michigan’s pass rush vs. Ohio’s o-line: The Broncos have an elite pass rush that should be able to give Ohio problems when they throw. Stuffing that run game and forcing Ohio to the air is crucial for their success in this matchup.
- Turnover & Penalty Battle: Ohio is not as disciplined in terms of penalties and protecting the football as Western Michigan. If that holds true, the Broncos could have a serious advantage on their home field.
Betting Insights & Trends
Both of these teams are coming off a big win, so betting on the “letdown” narrative isn’t wise. I’d focus on the matchup and also give Western Michigan a boost at home, where they have lost one game all year.
Ohio is a respectable 5-3-1 against the spread in 2025, but they are just 2-2-1 ATS following a win and they are just 1-2-1 against the spread on the road. In addition, they are a middling 3-3 against the spread as the betting favorite.
Western Michigan has been better (6-3) against the spread, while they are 2-0 as the home underdog and 4-1 ATS at home in general. The Broncos are also 3-1 ATS following a win and 3-2 against the spread as the underdog.
Best Bets & Confidence Levels
Check out the top picks for this game:
| Bet | Recommendation | Confidence Level |
|---|---|---|
Western Michigan -108 | The Broncos have been very good defensively, can run the ball a bit, and are tough to beat at home. Ohio may be the better offensive team, but on a short week, I favor the home team. | 8/10 |
Under 46.5 (-105) | If Western Michigan wins this game like I think they will, it will probably be low-scoring. Both teams also like to run a lot, which plays into the clock burning quickly. | 7/10 |
- Primary Pick: Western Michigan ML (-108)
- Secondary Pick: Under 46.5 (-115)
Western Michigan is a stellar 4-1 at home, and this is a huge game for both sides. Given the clear defensive edge and their solid form, I love the value we get with them as the home dog in a night game on a short week.
Additionally, the offensive styles and defense in this game have me leaning toward the Under.
Ohio vs. Western Michigan lines can shift quickly—keep an eye on every move and lock in the best spread or total before kickoff with the tools at the top football betting sites.
Risk Factors & What Could Go Wrong
There are no guarantees in betting. Here’s why these bets could potentially fail:
- Rivalry Game: MAC battles are tough to predict, and conference rivalry games can always flip logic on its side.
- Superior Offense: Ohio definitely has the better offense. If Western Michigan’s defense doesn’t show up, the Broncos could get blown out.
- Star Power: Ohio could lean hard on stud running back Sieh Bangura, who has 830 rushing yards and 10 scores already.
Putting Our Pick on the Board: Here’s How It Plays Out
Final Score Prediction: Western Michigan 23, Ohio 20
Ohio is the trendy pick and the favorite, so I get why people would want to take them here. They have the superior offense, and they are more capable than Western Michigan of going off.
However, Western Michigan can also run the ball, they’re great at home, and they have a way better defense. Ohio’s offense is not so dominant that I trust them on the road and at night on a short week.
Give me the Broncos to get the job done and for the Under to also deliver in what should be a low-scoring defensive battle.
