This is a very good bet. I have already wagered 4 units on EMU @ -4. I was going to post a write-up on this game but saw your thread Skipper. I was really considering putting 10units on this wager.
Eastern Michigan and Buffalo were the two worse offenses in league LY combining for avg 31 pts/gm. EMU returns 20 seniors and stud tailback anthony Sherril who rushed for 1531 yds LY. New coach for EMU who was hired in season, and finished 2-1 last three games. UB does return 7 defensive starters but this is a defense that allowed 34 pts a game. EMU was #1 in their conf. in pass defense to begin with even during their horrible season LY, and this year have improved their rushing defense immensely. To cover chalk, IMO you need to have a defense, and UB does not.
Another angle I love.
EMU also has far superior special teams with 2 of the most dangerous pr/kr in the MAC, a Groza finalist as there pk, and better than decent punter. Buffalo was last in Division 1 last year in net punting @ 29 yards, and second to last in returns of both punts and kicks. they have no proven place kicker.
Both teams were bad LY, both teams should be better this year, but EMU will be "a lot" better and needs to get offf to a win in a home opener. Only a 4 unit play because I also do not like wagering $$ on bad teams, but $$ won on this game count the same, just not going to go over a 4 unit play. Line is already -5 @ Carib, and know it will be -6+ by game time on 9/02, Will be telecasted nationally on Comcast Network so I am glad I will be able to watch it.
34-13 sounds about right! Once again, I hate betting on bad teams.