The Georgia Southern Eagles will travel to Muncie to face the Ball State Cardinals in non-conference play this Saturday from Scheumann Stadium. Georgia Southern won last year’s meeting in Statesboro, 34-23.
Georgia Southern Preview
Georgia Southern comes in at 2-1 after falling to Wisconsin in Madison by three touchdowns, 35-14. The Eagles went into the break tied with the Badgers, before the hosts' smothering defense began to alter the game, and they’ll now look to bounce back here against Ball State. The GA Southern offense is scoring 32.3 ppg, while passing for 463.3 ypg, rushing for 130.0 ypg, and converting 56.8% of their third downs.
GA Southern Player Notes
• Davis Brin managed to go for a season-high 383 yards against Wisconsin last week, but he tossed a whopping five interceptions, which ultimately swayed the outcome of a contested game. The former Tulsa quarterback had adjusted to life in the Air Raid pretty well prior to last weekend, and he’ll look to get back on track here in Muncie. Brin has passed for 945 yards with five touchdowns to seven interceptions thru three starts.
• Jalen White and O.J. Arnold split the work for the Eagles. White leads the team in rushing with 184 yards after a big season opener against the Citadel, while Arnold has scored in all three contests, and totaled 166 yards on the ground.
• Junior wideout Derwin Burgess Jr. went off for 124 yards in the loss to Wisconsin, and he leads GASO in receptions (22) and receiving yards (124).
• The GA Southern defense is allowing 23.3 ppg.
Ball State Cardinals Preview
Ball State enters at 0-1 after defeating Indiana State in Muncie, 45-7. The Cardinals got into the win column after enduring a pair of brawls with the SEC, and they’ll look to double down at home here in battle of birds with Georgia Southern. The BSU offense is scoring 20.7 ppg, while passing for 169.0 ypg, rushing for 169.0 ypg, and converting 41.9% of their third downs.
Ball State Player Notes
• Kadin Semonza managed last week’s contest well, protecting the ball, while tossing for 137 yards and two scores. Semonza naturally looked better against Indiana State, and he’ll now walk into what appears to be Ball State’s first fair matchup. Semonza has passed for 357 yards, with three touchdowns to three interceptions thru three games.
• Kent State transfer Marquez Cooper got loose and gained 177 yards on 22 touches in the win over ISU, and he now leads the Cards in rushing (218).
• Sophomore tight end Tanner Koziol reached the endzone for the first time last weekend, and he’s Ball State’s leader in receptions (18) and receiving yards (150).
• The Ball State defense has allowed 32.0 points per game.
Georgia Southern vs Ball State Trends
• Ga. Southern is 2-1 against the spread, with a 1-2 O/U record.
• Ball St. is 2-1 ATS, with a 2-1 over/under record.
Corey’s Free Pick
It’s very easy to see Georgia Southern overpowering Ball State with their aerial attack here, and I like backing that theory. The Cardinals had an uneasy start to the season facing Georgia and Kentucky, and they still have questions to answer at the quarterback position. The Eagles come in with the confidence of sticking with Wisconsin last week, and they’ll be out to avenge a lopsided second half effort here. Back the aerial attack of Georgia Southern for this battle of birds Saturday.
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
