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Posted at 11:15 AM EST.

6:30 PM EST. Targeting overreactions is a hallmark of our strategy and given what Eastern Michigan achieved in 2016, it applies to them here. Eastern Michigan was one of 2016’s renaissance teams. The Eagles won more games in one season than they had in the previous four campaigns combined. EMU finished 7-6, capped off by their first bowl bid in 29 years when they appeared in the Bahamas Bowl. Though Eastern Michigan had lost the contest by just four points, the invitation in itself was a huge victory for the program. In 2015, the Eagles had won just one game. That one victory reinforced the notion that the Eagles were regarded as one of college football’s quintessential cupcakes. This prejudice made Eastern Michigan a great value play in the early stages of 2016 given the fact we had an opportunity to take back enhanced points. However, that day may be dead and gone in the short going. With Head Coach Chris Creighton back at the helm for his fourth season, the Eagles are elegantly equipped with much of the talent he utilized to make monumental strides in 2016. As a result, there is rare optimism surrounding Eastern Michigan. Some have argued that they are in fact a dark horse for the MAC crown in 2017.

The outlook on the 49ers has not been met with the same enthusiasm. Charlotte is one of the new kids on the FBS block and like Eastern Michigan prior to 2016, the team from the Queen City is led by an up and coming coach in Brad Lambert that has the program heading in the right direction. In 2015, the 49ers joined the FBS and won just two games. In 2016, the 49ers finished 4-8 and managed to go .500 in conference play in Conference USA. Now Charlotte enters 2017 looking to earn its first bowl bid in school history. In doing so, the 49ers are also looking for a signature win. Knocking off one of 2016’s Cinderella teams could be a huge exclamation point to hit the ground running in 2017. The fact remains that not many know who the 49ers even are and that in itself lowers their stock. Furthermore, the fact that Eastern Michigan created such headlines in 2016, the former ugly duckling that bares the semblance of a beautiful swan is an even more popular selection in this market by virtue of sentimentalism alone. Lastly, Eastern Michigan’s 39-17 thrashing of Charlotte in 2016 is a compelling argument to back the chalk too. All told, you will be paying a few extra points to back the favorite here, which rarely comes recommended. This fast-rising 49ers outfit can play EMU’s game and keep it scary close.

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