Ball State at Central Michigan: 12/5/20 College Football Picks and Prediction
Photo by Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Central Michigan Chippewas (3-1) vs Ball State Cardinals (3-1)
Game Info: Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 5:30pm (Kelly/Shorts Stadium)
Betting Odds: Central Michigan Chippewas -2 -- Over/Under: 61.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Ball State Cardinals will travel to Kelly/Shorts Stadium to take on the Central Michigan Chippewas this Saturday in College Football action.
The Ball State Cardinals won their 3rd straight game and improved to 3-1 (3-1 MAC West) on the season after defeating the Toledo Rockets, 27-24, this past Saturday. Ball State got some big defense plays late and was able to hold on for the victory after having a 27-9 lead early in the 4th quarter. Ball State was outgained by Toledo by a 449-447 margin, however, did force two Toledo turnovers in the victory. Leading the way for the Cardinals was QB Drew Plitt who completed 26 of 35 passes for 304 yards, 2 TD, & 1 INT.
On the season, Ball State is averaging 31.8 ppg on 469.0 total yards per game (264.8 passing yds/g; 204.3 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Ball State has been led by led by RB Caleb Huntley who has 437 rushing yards & 6 TD on 80 carries. QB Drew Plitt has completed 68.3% of his passes for 1,059 yards, 6 TD, & 4 INT. The top receiving threats for the Cardinals have been Justin Hall (27 rec, 379 yards, TD), Yo’Heinz Tyler (25 rec, 317 yards, 4 TD), and Antwan Davis (20 rec, 238 yards, TD).
Defensively, Ball State is allowing their opponents to average 29.5 ppg on 440.0 total yards per game (311.3 passing yds/g; 128.8 rushing yds/g).
The Central Michigan Chippewas improved to 3-1 (3-1 MAC West) on the season after defeating the Eastern Michigan Eagles, 31-23, this past Friday. Central Michigan looked like they were in trouble after the Eagles too a 23-14 lead with just 8:59 left in regulation, however, the Chippewas were great offensively down the stretch and was able to get the come from behind victory after scoring the final 17 points of the game. Central Michigan outgained Eastern Michigan by a 553-439 margin and forced 5 Eagles turnovers in the victory. Leading the way for the Chippewas was RB Lew Nichols III who had 196 rushing yards & 2 TD’s on 29 carries.
On the season, Central Michigan is averaging 36.3 ppg on 454.8 total yards per game (215.3 passing yds/g; 239.5 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Central Michigan has been led by the RB duo of Kobe Lewis (78 att, 391 yards, 6 TD) and Lew Nichols III (56 att, 337 yards, 3 TD). QB Daniel Richardson has completed 64.0% of his passes for 769 yards, 4 TD, & 2 INT. The top receiving threats have been Dallas Dixon (13 rec, 263 yards, TD), Kalil Pimpleton (16 rec, 175 yards, TD; 13 att, 138 yards 3 TD), and JaCorey Sullivan (11 rec, 132 yards).
Defensively, Central Michigan is allowing their opponents to average 28.0 ppg on 414.0 total yards per game (288.0 passing yds/g; 126.0 rushing yds/g).
The Cardinals are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games and just 1-4 SU in their last 5 games vs. Central Michigan. The Chippewas are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games, however, are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. Ball State.
These are two pretty even teams, however, I think I have to give the edge to Ball State here. Central Michigan relies heavily on their rushing attack and although they have had success this season, I think they could run into some trouble against a Ball State run defense that ranks 33rd in College Football. Ball State has more of a balanced attack on offense as they have had success as of late ATS in this series, I’m taking Ball State and the points. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Ball State Cardinals +2
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
