Western Michigan Broncos vs Nevada Wolf Pack 2021 Quick Lane Bowl

Our Monday, December 27, our Western Michigan vs Nevada prediction for the 2021 Quick Lane Bowl is our first of two for the day. The Western Michigan Broncos (7-5) finished in a three-way tie for fourth place (last) in the MAC West. Their conference record of 4-4 tied them with Eastern Michigan and Ball State. The Broncos finished the season with a 42-21 win over NIU, the top team in the West. The Nevada Wolf Pack (8-4) ended the season third in the MWC West with a 5-3 mark. After losing two straight games, they ended the season with a 52-10 victory over the Colorado State Rams.

Quick Lane Bowl Spread and Totals Odds

In this game, Nevada is the underdog at +7.0 (-106), while Western Michigan is favored at -6.5 (-112). The totals range from 56.0 to 57.5. The best under of 57.5 is -111 and best over of 56.0 is listed at -115. The 2021 Quick Lane Bowl will be played at Ford Field in Detroit Michigan with kickoff at 11:00 am ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

Broncos vs Wolf Pack Pick - Stats

Our Western Michigan vs Nevada prediction notes that the Wolf Pack is out scoring (36.7-30.8 PPG) and allowing fewer points (24.4-28.6 PPG) than the Broncos. On offense, WMU is averaging 261.2 YPG in passing and 202.6 YPG in rushing. On the other hand, the Wolf Pack are averaging just 73.8 YPG on the ground. However, Nevada is averaging a hefty 365.8 YPG in the air. On defense, the Wolf Pack are permitting opponents 398.3 YPG (224.2 YPG Passing; 174.1 YPG Rushing), while the Broncos are holding opponents to 60 fewer total yards (339.3 YPG) with 191.8 in the air and 147.4 on the ground.

On defense, Nevada dominate Western Michigan in sacks (40-35) passes defended (45-36), interceptions (13-3), anf forced/recovered fumbles (13/13-6/9). The also come to the Quick Lane Bowl with three pick sixes. The Broncos have none.

Western Michigan vs Nevada Prediction - Key Players

The big news is Nevada QB Carson Strong (4,186 YDs, 70.0 COMP%, 36 TDs, 8 INTs, 36 SCKs) will not play in this game. Plus, the other big news is head coach Jay Norvell will not guide the team, as he’s accepted another position with Colorado State. Assistant coach Vai Taua takes over as the interim. Senior QB Nate Cox, who has very little game experience, will run what is a pass-oriented offense. The Wolf Pack is rich with wideouts who are led by Romeo Doubs (80 REC, 1,109 YDs, 13.9 AVG, 11 TDs). Running backs Toa Taua and Devonte Lee have combined for 950 yards and nine scores.

For WMU, QB Kaleb Eleby (3,115 YDs, 63.8 COMP%, 21 TDs, 5 INTs, 27 SCKs) is a veteran signal caller. The receiving unit is three deep with wideout Skyy Moore (91 REC, 1,256 YDs, 13.8 AVG, 10 TDs). The Bronco rush attack, which is also three deep, features Sean Tyler (164 ATT, 1,004 YDs, 6.1 AVG, 9 TDs). RB La'Darius Jefferson is averaging 4.5 YPA and has scored 10 TDs.

Defense

Both teams have solid defenses. However, Nevada’s D is exceptionally deep and skilled. Top performers include LB Daiyan Henley (94 TCKLs, 3 PD, 4 INTs, 3 FR), DTs Dom Peterson (5.5 SCKs, 3 PD) and Tristan Nichols (10 SCKs, 2 FF), and DE Sam Hammond (5.5 SCKs, 1 PD). In the secondary, Tyson Williams (4 PD, 3 INTs) and Berdale Robins (3 PD, 2 INTs) are important anchors.

For the Broncos, front men Ralph Holley (5.5 SCKs, 2 PD) and Ali Fayad (11.5 SCKs, 2 PD) are QB interrupters. Top-notch pass defenders include corner Dorian Jackson (11 PD, 1 INT), linebacker A.J. Thomas (5 PD), and safety Jake Moertl (4 PD).

Western Michigan vs Nevada Prediction

This Western Michigan vs Nevada prediction is a tough one. Obviously, Nevada is at a major disadvantage without Strong or Norvell. However, they do have a game-stopping defense. Might that defense be a major force and keep the Wolf Pack in the game. we think they will help to make this contest closer than one might expect. We’re taking the Nevada Wolf Pack at +7.0 (-106). We also like the under at 57.5 is -111.

Sports Betting Smarts is previewing and predicting every one of this season’s 41 college football bowl games. In the first week, we went 12-4 with an 8-2 mark on Saturday.

2021 Quick Lane Bowl - Western Michigan vs Nevada Summary

Spread - Nevada +7.0 (-106)

Over/Under - Under 57.5 (-111)