Ball State Cardinals (5-5) vs Central Michigan Chippewas (6-4)
Game Info: Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 7:00 pm (Scheumann Stadium)
Betting Odds: Ball State Cardinals -2 -- Over/Under: 60.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Central Michigan Chippewas will travel to Scheumann Stadium to take on the Ball State Cardinals this Wednesday night in College Football action.
The Central Michigan Chippewas won their 2nd straight game and improved to 6-4 on the season after defeating the Kent State Golden Flashes, 54-30, this past Wednesday. Central Michigan had no trouble generating offense against Kent State and pulled away for the victory after a Lew Nichols III 12-yard TD run gave the Chippewas a 47-30 lead with 9:56 left in the 4th quarter. Central Michigan outgained Kent State by a 505-456 margin and won the turnover battle by a 3-0 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Chippewas was Lew Nichols III who had 215 rushing yards & 4 TD on 43 carries.
On the season, Central Michigan is averaging 32.8 ppg on 449.0 total yards per game (282.9 passing yds/g; 166.1 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Central Michigan has been led by Lew Nichols III who had 1297 rushing yards & 11 TD on 235 carries while also hauling in 35 receptions for 244 yards & 2 TD. QB Daniel Richardson has completed 60.5% of his passes for 2011 yards, 19 TD, & 2 INT. The top receiving threats for the Chippewas have been Kalil Pimpleton (47 rec, 747 yards, 3 TD), Dallas Dixon (41 rec, 669 yards, 8 TD), JaCorey Sullivan (35 rec, 490 yards, 7 TD), & Joel Wilson (26 rec, 311 yards, 5 TD).
Defensively, Central Michigan is allowing their opponents to average 28.7 ppg on 418.0 total yards per game (276.2 passing yds/g; 141.8 rushing yds/g).
The Ball State Cardinals dropped to 5-5 on the season after being defeated by the Northern Illinois Huskies, 30-29, this past Wednesday. Ball State was able to get out to a quick 10-0 lead, however, the Cardinals defense struggled slowing down Huskies offense and Northern Illinois was able to pull off the victory on a game-winning 32-yard FG by John Richardson as time expired. Ball State won the turnover battle by a 2-0 margin, however, was outgained by the Huskies by a 475-372 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Cardinals was Justin Hall who had 79 rushing yards & 2 TD on 7 carries while hauling in 3 receptions for 27 yards.
On the season, Ball State is averaging 25.6 ppg on 347.2 total yards per game (206.0 passing yds/g; 141.2 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Ball State has been led by QB Drew Plitt who has completed 61.4% of his passes for 1902 yards, 15 TD, & 4 INT. The top receiving threats for the Cardinals have been Justin Hall (59 rec, 606 yards, 5 TD; 37 att, 255 yards, 6 TD), Jayshon Jackson (42 rec, 519 yards, 3 TD), & Yo’Heinz Tyler (35 rec, 361 yards, 5 TD). Leading the way for the Ball State backfield has been the duo of Carson Steele (132 att, 691 yards, 5 TD) & Will Jones (81 att, 286 yards, 3 TD).
Defensively, Ball State is allowing their opponents to average 27.8 ppg on 408.5 total yards per game (248.4 passing yds/g; 160.1 rushing yds/g).
The Chippewas are 14-2-1 ATS in their last 17 Wednesday games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog. The Cardinals are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 Wednesday games.
Ball State came into this season with high expectations, however, with the loss at Northern Illinois last week, the Cardinals are now eliminated from their chances to play in the MAC Championship game. Ball State certainly is a talented team, however, the offense has struggle at times this season and I think there are going to have their hands full with a Central Michigan offense that has been dangerous both on the ground and through the air this season. Central Michigan has won 4 of their last 5 games, while averaging 44.7 ppg over their last three games, and as I just don’t see the Ball State offense keeping up with the Chippewas in this one, I’m taking Central Michigan and the points. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Central Michigan Chippewas +2
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Follow Brett Nault on Twitter @BrettCU05