2021 LendingTree Bowl prediction, odds, line: Liberty vs. Eastern Michigan picks from model on 43-29 run
SportsLine's model simulated the LendingTree Bowl 2021 pitting Eastern Michigan vs. Liberty 10,000 times

The Liberty Flames (7-5) look to snap a three-game losing streak when they take on the Eastern Michigan Eagles (7-5) in the 2021 LendingTree Bowl on Saturday. Hugh Freeze's squad came up short against a solid trio of opponents -- Ole Miss, Louisiana and Army -- to wrap up the regular season. The 2021 campaign was a step back overall from last year's 10-1 mark, but there's still a lot of talent on this roster. Eastern Michigan, meanwhile, had an up-and-down season. The Eagles never lost back-to-back games, but they also didn't win more than two in a row.
Kickoff at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala., is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. ET. The latest Liberty vs. Eastern Michigan odds from Caesars Sportsbook list the Flames at -9. The over-under for total points is set at 58, up one point from the opening line. Before locking in any Eastern Michigan vs. Liberty picks, make sure you check out the college football predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Over the past five-plus years, the proprietary computer model has generated a stunning profit of almost $3,700 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. It also enters the 2021-22 college football bowl season on a 43-29 run on all top-rated college football side picks. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has zeroed in on Liberty vs. Eastern Michigan in the 2021 LendingTree Bowl and released its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are the college football odds and betting lines for Eastern Michigan vs. Liberty:
- Eastern Michigan vs. Liberty spread: Liberty -9
- Eastern Michigan vs. Liberty State over-under: 58 points
- Eastern Michigan vs. Liberty money line: Liberty -350, Eastern Michigan +280
- EMU: The total has gone under in the Eagles' last three games
- LIB: The Flames are 1-4 ATS in their previous five games
Why Eastern Michigan can cover
Eastern Michigan is 5-6 ATS but has covered fairly consistently since failing cover in its first three games of the season. The Eagles haven't failed to cover in back-to-back contests since Week 3 and have covered five times in their last nine outings.
Eastern Michigan isn't elite through the air or on the ground but can match Liberty's point production. The Eagles average 31 points per game and can count on one of the country's most reliable wideouts to move the chains. Hassan Beydoun ranks ninth in catches with 86 and has tallied 932 receiving yards with no scores. The Eagles can keep the game close if they score regularly and avoid giving the ball up. They've only lost 11 turnovers in 2021.
Why Liberty can cover
The Flames are 6-6 ATS in 2021 and have thrived when considered big-time favorites. They've covered as double-digit favorites four times this season. Eastern Michigan has a middling 5-6 record ATS and was only 0-1 ATS as a double-digit underdog. Liberty will likely have the most talented player on the field in this matchup, and he could make or break its chances of covering. Dual-threat quarterback Malik Willis has been the driving force behind much of the Flames' success this season.
The NFL prospect has racked up 2,626 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns and leads his team in rushing yards (820). Willis has found the end zone 11 times with his legs, and Liberty has covered five times when Willis has contributed to three or more touchdowns. Eastern Michigan has given up at least 31 points while losing by seven or more points in three of its last five games.
How to make 2021 LendingTree Bowl picks
SportsLine's model is leaning over on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 64 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 50 percent of simulations. You can only get the model's picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Eastern Michigan vs. Liberty in the LendingTree Bowl 2021? And which side of the spread hits well over 50 percent of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on Saturday, all from the model that has crushed its college football picks, and find out.















