Ball State at Miami (OH): 11/4/20 College Football Picks and Prediction
Photo by Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Miami (OH) Redhawks (0-0) vs Ball State Cardinals (0-0)
Game Info: Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 7:00 pm (Yager Stadium)
Betting Odds: Miami (OH) Redhawks -3.5 -- Over/Under: Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: CBSSN Stream live sports and exclusive originals on ESPN+. Sign up now! 
The Ball State Cardinals will travel to Yager Stadium to take on the Miami (OH) Redhawks this Thursday Night in College Football action.
The Ball State Cardinals will kick off their 6-game 2020 season after finishing last season with an overall record of 5-7 while finishing 4-4 in MAC play. Ball State looked like one of the teams to beat in the MAC last season after starting conference play with a 3-0 record, however, the Cardinals suffered a 4-game losing streak that kept the Cardinals out of a Bowl game. Ball State was competitive in their losses last season as in conference play, their four losses came by just an average of 5.3 ppg.
Ball State was outstanding offensively last season, leading the MAC by averaging 35.0 ppg, and the outlook for this season looks good as the Cardinals return many key players, including QB Drew Plitt who completed 64.3% of his passes for 2,918 yards, 24 TD’s & 7 INT. In the backfield for the Cardinals, they will also be returning their leading rusher in Caleb Huntley who has 248 carries for 1,275 yards & 12 TD’s. Ball State will no longer have Riley Miller (43 rec, 612 yards, 6 TD), however, the Cardinals do return many key threats at the receiver position led by Justin Hall (61 rec, 684 yards, 6 TD), Antwan Davis (38 rec, 516 yards, 3 TD), and Yo’Heinz Tyler (27 rec, 504 yards, 5 TD).
Defensively, Ball State struggled last season, allowing opponents to average 31.4 ppg and really struggled opposing passing attacks. Ball State’s defense will be led this year by LB Christian Albright & CB Antonio Phillips.
The Miami (OH) Redhawks will look to continue their success from last season when the Redhawks finished the year with an overall record of 8-5 while finishing conference play with a 6-2 record. Miami (OH) was able to take home the MAC Championship with a 26-21 victory over Central Michigan however, Miami (OH) couldn’t pick up a bowl win after losing to the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, 27-17, in the LendingTree Bowl.
Miami (OH) finished last season averaging just 24.1 ppg, however, there is optimism this season that the offense will be able to produce more as they are bringing back a bunch of starters, including QB Brett Gabbert. Gabbert did not light up the scoreboard last year as a freshman, but he did enough to lead the Redhawks to the MAC Championship after completed 55.4% of his passes for 2,411 yards, 11 TD, & 8 INT. Gabbert will have two of his top receivers back in Jack Sorenson (44 rec, 568 yards, 4 TD) and Jalen Walker (24 rec, 418 yards, 2 TD). Miami (OH) will also bring back their RB duo of Jaylon Bester (171 att, 741 yards, 14 TD) and Tyre Shelton (108 att, 587 yards, 2 TD).
Defensively, Miami (OH) was solid last season, holding their opponents to an average of 28.1 ppg. The Redhawks will return a solid secondary, led by CB Emmanuel Rugamba & S Sterling Weatherford.
The Cardinals are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Redhawks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Miami (OH) comes into this season as the reigning MAC champions, however, they will have a battle on their hands to start the season against a very similar Ball State team that defeated them by a 41-27 margin last season. Ball State was a better team than their record from last season indicates and as I think they have the offense that will be able to keep this game close, I think the play is to take the Cardinals and the points in this one. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Ball State Cardinals +3.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
