Ball State at Buffalo: 12/18/20 College Football Picks and Prediction
Photo by John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bulls (5-0) vs Ball State Cardinals (5-1)
Game Info: Friday, December 18, 2020 at 7:30 pm (Ford Field)
Betting Odds: Buffalo Bulls -12 -- Over/Under: 66.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Ball State Cardinals and Buffalo Bulls will square off at Ford Field in the MAC Championship game this Friday night in College Football action.
The Ball State Cardinals come into this game with an overall record of 5-1 and was able to secure a spot in the MAC Championship with an exciting 30-27 victory over the Western Michigan Broncos. Ball State scored 17 unanswered points in the 4th quarter and took a 30-27 lead with just :29 seconds left, on a 22-yard FG and survived a wild play at the end of the game to secure the victory. Ball State was outgained by Western Michigan by a 491-352 margin, however, did win the turnover battle by a 2-0 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Cardinals was WR Justin Hall who had 10 receptions for 175 yards & 2 TD’s.
On the season, Ball State is averaging 33.7 ppg on 457.8 total yards per game (279.0 passing yds/g; 178.8 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Ball State has been led by QB Drew Plitt who has completed 66.3% of his passes for 1,674 yards, 13 TD, & 1 INT. The top receiving threats for the Plitt and the Cardinals have been Justin Hall (44 rec, 620 yards, 3 TD), Yo’Heinz Tyler (32 rec, 413 yards, 6 TD), & Antwan Davis (32 rec, 413 yards, 6 TD). Leading the way for the Ball State backfield has been the duo of Caleb Huntley (80 att, 437 yards, 6 TD) & Tye Evans (56 att, 250 yards, TD).
Defensviely, Ball State is allowing their opponents to average 27.5 ppg on 432.2 total yards per game (284.3 passing yds/g; 147.8 rushing yds/g).
The Buffalo Bulls continued to roll through the MAC conference last Saturday and had no trouble improving to 5-0 on the season after defeating the Akron Zips, 56-7, this past Saturday. Buffalo already had punched their ticket to the MAC Championship game, however, that didn’t stop Buffalo showing why they are the team to beat as they easily cruised to victory after taking a 35-0 halftime lead. Buffalo outgained Akron by a 507-204 margin and forced 1 turnover in the victory. Leading the way for the Bulls was Kevin Marks Jr. who had 182 rushing yards & 2 TD on 15 carries.
On the season, Buffalo is averaging 51.8 ppg on 510.6 total yards per game (166.4 passing yds/g; 344.2 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Buffalo has been led by the RB duo of Jaret Patterson (123 att, 1,025 yards, 18 TD) & Kevin Marks Jr. (68 att, 510 yards, 5 TD). QB Kyle Vantrease has completed 60.0% of his passes for 821 yards, 6 TD, & 1 INT. The top receiving threats for Buffalo have been Antonio Nunn (20 rec, 353 yards, 2 TD), Trevor Wilson (8 rec, 191 yards, 2 TD), Zac Lefebvre (6 rec, 109 yards, TD), and Jovany Ruiz (10 rec, 102 yards, TD).
Defensively, Buffalo is holding their opponents to average 21.0 ppg on 367.2 total yards per game (206.8 passing yds/g; 160.4 rushing yds/g).
The Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Friday games and 7-2 SU in their last 9 games against Buffalo. The Bulls are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Friday games.
Ball State has had success against Buffalo in recent years, however, the Bulls this season are a different monster as they come into this game with the top scoring offense in College Football to go along with the 2nd best rushing attack. Ball State is a solid team, however, this is not a team that has been able to put up big offensive numbers throughout the season and as I just don’t see the Cardinals offense being to keep up the Bulls in this one, I expect Buffalo to win this one convincingly and cover this large spread. Good Luck!
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Brett’s Pick Buffalo Bulls -12.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
