Ball State vs Central Michigan Prediction College Football Picks 9/21/24

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Ball State Cardinals

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Central Michigan Chippewas

Recent betting trends in games played between Ball State and Central Michigan

A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Ball State vs Central Michigan game

Ball State Cardinals Betting Preview

Ball State had a wild opener this year versus Missouri State. After a 28-20 fourth-quarter blitz, the Cardinals had a 42-34 win when the dust settled. QB Kadin Semonza finished with 262 yards, four scores, and a pick. Braedon Sloan led the rush on 21 carries for 103 yards and a TD.

In game two versus Miami-FL, the Cardinals were in trouble from the very beginning. Ball State faced a 31-0 deficit by the break and lost 62-0 in blowout fashion. Semonza posted 111 yards and a pick this time, while Sloan had just 13 rush yards on five carries.

Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Preview

Over on the Chippewas’ side, they took on Central Connecticut State in their opener. Central Michigan didn’t have too many issues in that one during a 66-10 win. Game two versus FIU went much differently, however. The Chippewas would lose that one 52-16 in a blowout.

Last Saturday versus Illinois, the Chippewas managed a 13-6 deficit after the second quarter. CMU could only muster a field goal from there in a 30-9 loss. QB Joey Labas had 125 yards and an interception. Myles Bailey led the rush with 49 yards off six totes.

Why the Central Michigan Chippewas will win

• Ball State has lost each of its last 10 September road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Central Michigan has won seven of its last eight home games in September.
• Ball State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last eight September games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
• The home team has covered the spread in eight of Ball State's last 10 games.

Why the Ball State Cardinals will win

• The underdog has won four of the last six games between Ball State and Central Michigan.
• Central Michigan has lost four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Ball State has covered the spread in each of its last six games against conference opponents.
• Central Michigan has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last nine games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.

Total Points Facts

• Twelve of Ball State's last 14 games against conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Six of Central Michigan's last seven games as a favorite against Ball State have gone UNDER the total points line.

Ball State vs Central Michigan Prediction

I’ll go with Central Michigan, but you could probably make a case either way. The Chippewas mustered 309 yards (142 rushing) and 19 first downs against a good Illinois team last weekend. On defense, CMU gave up 379 yards (242 passing) and held the Illini to 4-of-11 on third downs. The 10 Illinois penalties didn’t hurt, either.

As for Ball State, there aren’t many positives to seek out following their blowout defeat by Miami. The Cardinals gained just 115 yards (six rushing) and went 1-of-12 on third-down tries. This weekend will be significantly easier but I don’t think Ball State will quite cover.