This is the Miami University team we’ve all been waiting for.
The defending MAC champion struggled with a rough schedule over the first five weeks, and now it’s all kicking in with three straight blowout wins to get back in the mix for the MAC title.
After this the team doesn’t leave Ohio for the rest of the season with Kent State and Northern Illinois up next before finishing at Bowling Green.
Ball State is still hanging around for a shot at a bowl game with a stunning win over Northern Illinois last week to potentially turn the season around. It doesn’t get easy with road trips to Buffalo and Ohio and a home game against Bowling Green to close, but win this, and the season takes a big step forward.
Aug 31, 2024; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Miami (Oh) Redhawks quarterback Brett Gabbert (5) looks to pass against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium.
© David Banks-Imagn Images
Miami University vs Ball State: How to Watch and Game Preview
Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Game Time: 8:00 pm ET
How to Watch: ESPN
Venue: Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN
Teams: Ball State (3-5), Miami University (4-4)
- Week 11 Schedule, Predictions
Why Miami University Will Win
Ball State can’t come up with a third down stop.
The Cardinals are allowing teams to hit half of their third down tries, and while Miami is having issues on both sides of the ball on the money downs, the chains should keep moving.
Overall, the biggest change in the MU turnaround - besides the easier schedule - has been the improvement with the running game.
The RedHawks have rushed for over 110 yards in each of the four wins, and they many or fewer in the four losses.
Ball State has allowed more than 110 yards in six of the eight games, with the two outliers against an awful Kent State team and Missouri State from the FCS.
Why Ball State Will Win
Ball State has to overcome the various issues by taking the ball away.
The defense hasn’t been great at generating takeaways, but that’s how the team beat Northern Illinois - four forced turnovers.
Miami has cleaned up the mistakes over the last few weeks, but the offense has to be careful with the ball. The team turned it over seven times in the four losses and twice in the two wins.
Ball State has to get its own running game going. The team is 3-0 when running for more than 150 yards and 0-5 when running for fewer. Miami allowed 150 yards or more in four games, and …
Miami University vs Ball State: Who Will Win?
Ball State might have something interesting on a Tuesday night to keep this close. But Miami will start to pull away in the second half.
The RedHawks are showing why they might have the best team in the MAC. The offensive balance and ability to keep moving on third downs will take over in the fourth quarter.
Miami University vs Ball State Prediction, Betting Lines
Prediction: Miami University 34, Ball State 16
Line: Miami University -12.5, o/u: 48.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Must See Rating: 2
