Category: Ball State

San Jose State vs Ball State: Offerpad Arizona Bowl Prediction, Game Preview

San Jose State vs Ball State: Offerpad Arizona Bowl prediction and game preview.

San Jose State vs Ball State: Offerpad Arizona Bowl prediction and game preview.

San Jose State vs Ball State: Offerpad Arizona Bowl Broadcast

Date: Thursday, December 31
Game Time: 2:00 ET
Venue: Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ
Network: CBS

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

San Jose State (7-0) vs Ball State (6-1) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM 

Three Reasons Why You Should Watch The Offerpad Arizona Bowl

– The Allstate Sugar Bowl – a College Football Playoff semifinal between Ohio State and Clemson – and this. Those are the only two bowl games with a matchup of conference champions. Ball State is a veteran team with a good balance and a whole lot of offense. It shocked Buffalo to win the MAC Championship, but handling Mountain West champion San Jose State is a whole different issue.

– It’s the best season in the history of San Jose State football, going 7-0 with every win by double-digits. The program has won its last four bowl games, but it took since 1987 to get them. Head coach Brent Brennan has become a hot name on the coaching carousel circuit, QB Nick Starkel has been fantastic after transferring in from Arkansas – and before that Texas A&M – and the defense has been steadily great.

– Ball State has never won a bowl game in seven tries – this is the first attempt since 2013. The Cardinals have problems against good passing teams, but they own the turnover battle with an ultra-aggressive style on both sides of the ball.

Overall, this young bowl hasn’t been bad. Two of the five games have gone to overtime, the inaugural effort was fun – a 28-23 Nevada win over Colorado State – and technically, this is the biggest matchup yet with the two conference champs.

Why San Jose State, Ball State Will Win
What’s Going to Happen, Prediction, History

NEXT: Why San Jose State Will Win, Why Ball State Will Win, San Jose State vs Ball State Prediction

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Buffalo vs Ball State: MAC Championship Prediction, Game Preview

Buffalo Buffalo at Ball State Cardinals: MAC Championship prediction and game preview.

Buffalo at Ball State: MAC Championship prediction and game preview.

Buffalo at Ball State: MAC Championship Broadcast

Date: Friday, December 18
Game Time: 7:30 pm
Venue: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Network: ESPN

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Buffalo (5-1) vs Ball State (5-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM 

Three Reasons Why You Should Watch The MAC Championship

– 3 Reasons: Jaret Patterson, Jaret Patterson, and Jaret Patterson. Buffalo’s 5-9, 195-pound pinball running back ran for close to 1,800 yards and 19 scores as a sophomore after running for 1,013 yards and 14 touchdowns as a freshman. In just five games he tore off 1,025 yards and 18 touchdowns highlighted by his eight-score day against Kent State. He’s worth the watch.

– This could’ve been a special battle of backs, but Ball State’s Caleb Huntley has opted out and is done for the year. However, the Cardinals still have a good ground game with Justin Hall coming off a 175-yard, two-score day on just ten carries against Western Michigan. He’s not Patterson, but he’s a dangerous gamebreaker.

– This is going to be fun. Buffalo has been one of the MAC’s best teams over the last four years, but it gagged away the 2018 MAC Championship to Northern Illinois and totally whiffed last year with a brutal loss to Kent State that kept it out of the title game. It has a shot at its first MAC title since getting it done in 2008 under Turner Gill. It’s going to care.

Ball State hasn’t had a winning season since 2013, and it hasn’t been in the MAC title game since 2008 when Brady Hoke’s 12-0 squad lost to that Buffalo team. It’s going to care.

Why Buffalo, Ball State Will Win
What’s Going to Happen, Prediction, History

NEXT: Why Buffalo Will Win, Why Ball State Will Win, Buffalo at Ball State Prediction

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Western Michigan vs Ball State Prediction, Game Preview

Western Michigan Broncos at Ball State Cardinals prediction and game preview

Western Michigan at Ball State prediction and game preview.

Western Michigan at Ball State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, December 12
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN
Network: ESPN+

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Western Michigan (4-1) vs Ball State (4-1) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Western Michigan Will Win

The offense continues to rock.

The Broncos might have lost a 53-42 shootout to Eastern Michigan last week, but the O put up over 500 yards with a good balance, but …

Three lost fumbles. That was it. The team doesn’t have a whole slew of problems turning the ball over, but -3 turnover margin turned into the difference against an inferior EMU team.

Ball State isn’t bad at taking the ball away – it came up with four turnovers in the win over Central Michigan – but as long as WMU is careful with the ball, it should be able to hang offensive punch for offensive punch.

WMU’s defensive line is great at getting into the backfield and is among the MAC’s most disruptive. Ball State has a leaky line that gives up way too many sacks. However …

– Week 15 College Schedule

Why Ball State Will Win

The Cardinals have a terrific pass rush, too.

WMU might generate the most tackles for loss in the MAC, but Ball State isn’t far behind. The Cardinals are winning on timely defensive stops and enough offensive balance to do what’s needed. Just pencil them in for 400 yards getting off the bus, and figure them for closer to 500 in some way, shape or form.

They don’t do a whole lot to control the clock and own the tempo, but they’ll always seem like they have the ball. Western Michigan has a high-powered attack with a big passing game, but they get crushed in time of possession with their quick O.

– CFN Experts Picks: College

What’s Going To Happen

Western Michigan is so infuriating.

The passing game is the most efficient in the nation. They don’t screw up, they have enough defensive playmakers to be more dominant, and yet, outside of the opener against Akron, every game is a struggle.

The Broncos have the better offensive line, their pass rush is going to be more of a bother than Ball State’s, and there won’t be the turnovers to blow it like they did last week.

– CFN Experts Picks: NFL

Western Michigan at Ball State Prediction, Line

Western Michigan 38, Ball State 34
Bet on Western Michigan at Ball State with BetMGM
Ball State -1.5, o/u: 65.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5

Must See Rating: 3

5: Wonder Woman 1984
1: A Holly Dolly Christmas

CFN 1-127 Rankings | Bowl & CFP Projections

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Ball State vs Central Michigan Prediction, Game Preview

Ball State Cardinals vs Central Michigan Chippewas prediction and game preview.

Ball State vs Central Michigan prediction and game preview.

Ball State vs Central Michigan Broadcast

Date: Saturday, December 5
Game Time: 2:00 ET
Venue: Kelly/Shorts, Mountain Pleasant, MI
Network: ESPNU

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Ball State (3-1) vs Central Michigan (3-1) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Ball State Will Win

The Cardinals picked it back up after losing the opener to Miami University, ripping off three straight including a season-changing – potentially defining – win over Toledo on the road.

Drew Plitt was fantastic. The veteran quarterback has thrown a pick in every game, and last week he was phenomenal hitting 74% of his throws for 304 yards and two scores for the win.

Central Michigan is playing well overall, but it gave up 382 yards through the air in a loss to Western Michigan, and 365 yards in a win over Eastern Michigan over the last two games.

Throw in Ball State’s ability to get into the backfield, and the run D has been strong, but …

– Week 14 College Schedule

Why Central Michigan Will Win

Can the Central Michigan passing game get rolling?

The offense has been balanced so far with 318 rushing yards last week against EMU and over 200 in each of the last three games, but Ball State’s secondary is what gets hit.

The Cardinals have one of the nation’s worst pass defenses – allowing 311 yards per game – and it’s not coming up with enough big plays. CMU is winning on its offensive balance, its run defense, and in turnover margin.

– CFN Experts Picks: College

What’s Going To Happen

This should be fun.

Central Michigan will pull this off at home, but only after needing to survive a massive offensive performance from Plitt and the Cardinal offense. Each team will trade big punches, but CMU will win the turnover and time of possession battles.

– CFN Experts Picks: NFL

Ball State vs Central Michigan Prediction, Line

Central Michigan 38, Ball State 34
Bet on Ball State vs Central Michigan with BetMGM
Central Michigan -1.5, o/u: 62
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 3

5: Gangs of London
1: Hillbilly Elegy

CFN 1-127 Rankings | Bowl & CFP Projections

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Ball State vs Toledo Prediction, Game Preview

Ball State Cardinals vs Toledo Rockets prediction and game preview.

Ball State vs Toledo prediction and game preview.

Ball State vs Toledo Broadcast

Date: Saturday, November 28
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH
Network: ESPN3

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Ball State (2-1) vs Toledo (2-1) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Ball State Will Win

The Cardinals got past the tough loss to Miami University in the opener to crank up the offense in the two wins to follow. The offensive balance is there – going over 200 yards rushing and receiving in both – the ground game is rolling, and the team has found a way to come through to hold on late.

Caleb Huntley is running as strong as any RB in the MAC – maybe outside of Buffalo’s Jaret Patterson – hitting the 100-yard mark in each of the three games with a 204-yard, three-touchdown day to carry the team past Eastern Michigan.

However …

– CFN Experts Picks: NFL

Why Toledo Will Win

The Toledo defensive front has been outstanding in the first few games.

There aren’t a whole lot of plays in the backfield, but the run D stuffed Eastern Michigan and only allowed 3.6 yards per carry so far. As long as the MAC’s leading defense is okay, the offense will take care of the rest.

The Rockets dominate the time of possession battle, Eli Peters and the passing game have been solid, and Bryant Koback is leading a strong ground game. But …

– CFN Experts Picks: College

What’s Going To Happen

Toledo might lead the league or be near the top in all of the important categories, but there can’t be any special teams meltdowns and the D has to hold firm against the Ball State balance.

At home, the Rockets will get a bit more out of their lines, and the defense will come up with more key stops. Ball State doesn’t come up with enough takeaways to matter.

Ball State vs Toledo Prediction, Line

Toledo 38, Ball State 24
Bet on Ball State vs Toledo with BetMGM
Toledo -10, o/u: 63.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 3

5: Thanksgiving beef tenderloin
1: Thanksgiving turkey

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MAC Predictions, Schedule, Game Previews, Lines, TV: Week 12

MAC college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 12 of the season.

MAC college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 12 of the season.

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Results So Far
SU: 11-0, ATS: 9-3, Point Total: 4-8

Tuesday, November 17

Buffalo at Bowling Green

7:00 CBS Sports Network
Line: Buffalo -31.5, o/u: 59.5

Akron at Kent State

8:00 ESPN
Line: Kent State -24, o/u: 57.5

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Wednesday, November 18

Toledo at Eastern Michigan

7:00 CBS Sports Network
Line: Toledo -7, o/u: 60.5

Western Michigan at Central Michigan

7:00 ESPN2
Line: Central Michigan -2, o/u: 60.5

Northern Illinois at Ball State

7:00 ESPN News
Line: Ball State -14.5, o/u: 60.5

– Bet on the MAC at BetMGM

Ohio at Miami University

Canceled

Northern Illinois vs Ball State Prediction, Game Preview

Northern Illinois Huskies vs Ball State Cardinals prediction and game preview.

Northern Illinois vs Ball State prediction and game preview.

Northern Illinois vs Ball State Broadcast

Date: Wednesday, November 18
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN
Network: ESPN News

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Northern Illinois (0-2) vs Ball State (1-1) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Northern Illinois Will Win

The defense is getting off the field.

This might not be a rock of a Huskie D – it’s giving up too many points – but it’s been great on third downs, allowing a nation-low 20% conversion rate.

The running game hasn’t quite worked as well as expected, but the team is able to control the game and the clock, holding the ball for over 35 minutes per game. NIU will have to do what it can to slow down the Cardinal offense, and tempo-wise, it can do that. However …

Why Ball State Will Win

Ball State is versatile.

It threw for 309 yards in the loss to Miami University to start the season, and ran for 304 yards last week to get by Eastern Michigan. The offense is averaging over 500 yards per game, the ground game is rolling, and special teams and punting are strong enough to keep the field tilted.

Make the Northern Illinois offense start deep in its own territory, and there’s going to be a problem.

What’s Going To Happen

Ball State has been through two good fights against two of the MAC’s better teams, Miami University and Eastern Michigan. It has been tested, and the offense still worked.

Northern Illinois will need a whole lot of breaks, takeaways, and special teams blunders to pull this off, and it won’t get enough of them.

Northern Illinois vs Ball State Prediction, Line

Ball State 41, Northern Illinois 20
Bet on Northern Illinois vs Ball State with BetMGM
Ball State -14, o/u: 62.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 2

5: The Crown: Season 4
1: A Nashville Christmas Carol

CFN Rankings | Bowl Projections
College Football Playoff Rankings Prediction
20 Most Important College Football Thoughts Ever

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MAC Predictions, Schedule, Game Previews, Lines, TV: Week 11

MAC college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 11 of the season.

MAC college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 11 of the season.

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Results So Far
SU: 6-0, ATS: 6-0, Point Total: 1-5

– Bet on MAC football at BetMGM

Tuesday, November 10

Akron at Ohio

7:00 CBS Sports Network
Line: Ohio -27.5, o/u: 57

Kent State at Bowling Green

7:30 ESPN2
Line: Kent State -20.5, o/u: 55.5

Miami University at Buffalo

8:00 ESPN
Line: Buffalo -9.5, o/u: 57

– Bet on MAC football at BetMGM

Wednesday, November 11

Eastern Michigan at Ball State

7:00 CBS Sports Network
Line: Ball State -9, o/u: 60.5

Toledo at Western Michigan

8:00 ESPN
Line: Western Michigan -2.5, o/u: 59.5

Central Michigan at Northern Illinois

8:00 ESPNU
Line: Central Michigan -7.5, o/u: 58

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Eastern Michigan vs Ball State Prediction, Game Preview

Eastern Michigan vs Ball State prediction and game preview. Eastern Michigan vs Ball State Broadcast Date:Wednesday, November 11 Game Time: 7:00 ET Venue: Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN Network: CBS Sports Network – All of the CFN Fearless …

Eastern Michigan vs Ball State prediction and game preview.

Eastern Michigan vs Ball State Broadcast

Date:Wednesday, November 11
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN
Network: CBS Sports Network

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Eastern Michigan (0-1) vs Ball State (0-1) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Eastern Michigan Will Win

It’s Eastern Michigan, so it’s always able to stay in games and it’s always finding ways to keep things close. That happened last week, getting outplayed in a variety of ways against Kent State, but it was close in a 27-23 loss.

Miami University has an improved offense, but it’s not strong enough to be hitting 38 points and 288 passing yards on a regular basis. That’s what it did against Ball State in a 38-31 win, and now it’s up to Preston Hutchinson to keep pressing the passing game deal – the receiving corps is good enough to shine against this secondary, especially on third downs.

Why Ball State Will Win

The offense worked against Miami University.

Caleb Huntley is among the MAC’s best running backs – he tore off 130 yards and two scores – and Drew Plitt is a veteran passer who should be able to hit the rebuilding EMU secondary for close to nine yards per pass.

The Cardinals are better equipped for some sort of a shootout. They steadily scored last week and should keep the pressure on all game long.

– CFN College Football Experts Picks

What’s Going To Happen

Ball State might get ignored a bit after the loss to MU, but it’s still among the MAC’s best teams. The offensive balance will be too much for the Eagles to overcome. Kent State was able to mix up the offense to win, and Ball State will do the same.

But it’s Eastern Michigan. It’ll be be close, because all Eastern Michigan games are close.

Eastern Michigan vs Ball State Prediction, Line

Ball State 30, Eastern Michigan 24
Bet on Eastern Michigan vs Ball State with BetMGM
Ball State -9, o/u: 60
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 2

5: Alex Trebek
1: “Who are three people who have never been in my kitchen.”

CFN 1-127 Rankings | Bowl Projections
20 Most Interesting College Football Thoughts Ever

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MAC Predictions, Schedule, Game Previews, Lines, TV: Week 10

MAC college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 10 of the season.

MAC college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 10 of the season.

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Results So Far
SU: 0-0, ATS: 0-0, Point Total: 0-0

– Bet on MAC football at BetMGM

Wednesday, November 4

Eastern Michigan at Kent State

6:00 ESPN+
Line: Kent State -6, o/u: 62

Western Michigan at Akron

6:00 ESPN3
Line: Western Michigan -17.5, o/u: 54

[lawrence-related id=522251]

Buffalo at Northern Illinois

7:00 ESPN2
Line: Buffalo -13.5, o/u: 52

Ohio at Central Michigan

7:00 ESPN
Line: Central Michigan -1, o/u: 60.5

[lawrence-related id=522199]

Ball State at Miami University

7:00 CBS Sports Network
Line: Miami University -3.5, o/u: 54.5

Bowling Green at Toledo

8:00 ESPNU
Line: Toledo -19, o/u: 62.5

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