Oct 30, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (81) scores a goal as Detroit Red Wings goaltender Alex Lyon (34) tends the net during the first period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images

Sure as we’ve seen election ads sandwiched around State Farm “Bundlerooski” commercials this past month, people who tire of politicking athletes frequently mutter, “Stick to sports.”

How can a free-speaking jock resist, though, when some political earmarks are already embedded in the culture? On this election night, for example, the St. Louis Blues and Texas Tech Red Raiders are both in action (or Texas Tech Red Raiders and St. Louis Blues, for equal time).

The moderate set is also covered with purple-clad Kansas State and Washington hosting men’s college basketball games.

In any event, your remote, cell phone or streaming device indeed can stick to sports if election analysis or “M*A*S*H” reruns aren’t your thing.

Take a look at these Tuesday best bets.

BOWLING GREEN AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN

Who needs a proverbial political football when real pigskin will fly through the air?

Bowling Green merely carries a 4-4 record to Central Michigan, but at 3-1 in MAC play, the Falcons are firmly in the race for a top-two spot in the conference and a place in the league championship game in Detroit on Dec. 7.

Western Michigan, which meets Bowling Green next week, is 4-0 in the MAC, but three teams have one loss.

The Falcons feature an attack that ranks third in the conference in scoring (27.1 points) and third in passing (230.4 yards), as well as the league leader in receiving yards in tight end Harold Fannin Jr. The Bowling Green ground game is capable, too, though, and with the Chippewas keying on the pass, look for running back Terion Stewart to break through. He has 223 rushing yards in the past two games and stopped a two-game streak without a TD in last week’s 41-26 win at Toledo.

Terion Stewart two-plus touchdowns (+195, BetMGM)

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$100,000 Daily Race

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UTAH HOCKEY CLUB AT WINNIPEG JETS

The first meeting between these Central Division rivals sort of took place long ago when Utah skated as the Phoenix Coyotes, who themselves played as the original Winnipeg Jets until 1995-96.

Although Utah relocated from the desert after last season, the NHL officially branded the Hockey Club as an expansion team.

Things change in sports, to be sure, but these Jets have disproved that theory so far with victories in 11 of their first 12 games for an NHL-leading 22 points.

Forward Kyle Connor leads the charge, logging at least a point in every game. Expect that trend to continue against a Utah team that’s lost four of five, surrendering at least four goals four times.

Kyle Connor over 1.5 points (+170, BetMGM)

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For help with a gambling problem, call or text the NCPG – (1-800-522-4700)

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LOS ANGELES KINGS AT MINNESOTA WILD

The Minnesota Wild began play in October 2000, shortly before “hanging chads” became part of the national lexicon. These days, they’ve rewritten franchise history with 41 goals in their first 11 games, although the Wild can grit it out, too, as Sunday’s 2-1 overtime win against Toronto suggests.

Los Angeles comes to Minnesota on short rest after winning 3-0 at Nashville on Monday night. Whether the Kings start goaltender Darcy Kuemper off a shoutout or David Rittich, they’ll likely meet the Wild’s Filip Gustavsson, who has a solid 2.12 goals-against average.

While both teams boast playmaking ability, the goalies help make under the pick on this night.

Under six goals scored (-105, BetMGM)