Ball State Cardinals vs Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Pick & Prediction 9/21/24
ESPN+ will be handling the TV coverage as the Central Michigan Chippewas host the Ball State Cardinals in a week four matchup. The game is set for 1:00 ET at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant. The Chippewas are coming in as the -6.5 point favorite at home, with the over/under line currently at 53.5 points. Both teams are looking to move to 2-1 on the season.
BALL STATE CARDINALS VS CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Ball State Cardinals +6.5
This game will be played at Kelly/Shorts Stadium at 1:00 ET on Saturday, September 21st.
WHY BET THE BALL STATE CARDINALS:
- We have the Ball State Cardinals winning this one by a score of 33 to 25
- Not only do we have the Ball State Cardinals winning straight-up, we have them covering the spread at +6.5
- Look for this game to go over the line of 53.5 points
Will The Ball State Cardinals Pull Off An Upset As Road Underdogs
Ball State is looking to bounce back after a 62-0 loss to Miami (FL). The Cardinals were +37.5 point underdogs on the road and failed to cover the spread. This game also went over the 55.5-point over/under line, with Miami and Ball State combining for 62 points.
Ball State’s record is now 1-1 after this loss. Miami dominated from the start, leading 10-0 after the first quarter and extending their lead to 31-0 by halftime. The Cardinals were shut out in this game and allowed 21 points in the 2nd and 4th quarters.
Ball State’s offense was held to just 115 total yards in their 62-0 defeat to Miami. The Cardinals managed only 6 rushing yards on 20 attempts, forcing them to rely heavily on the passing game. Kadin Semonza completed 61.5% of his passes for 111 yards, with his longest completion going for 23 yards. However, Semonza was unable to lead the Cardinals to any points and threw one interception, finishing with a passer rating of 55.13.
The Cardinals’ offense struggled to sustain drives, converting just 9 first downs. Braedon Sloan, who led the team in rushing with 13 yards on 5 carries, also topped the receiving chart with 4 catches for 41 yards.
Ball State’s defense had a tough outing, giving up 750 total yards in a 62-0 loss to Miami. The Cardinals were unable to stop the pass, allowing 507 yards and six touchdowns through the air. On the ground, they surrendered 243 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Miami’s offense moved the chains 31 times, and the Cardinals were unable to force any turnovers.
Are The Central Michigan Chippewas Going To Defend Home Field Advantage?
Central Michigan is looking to bounce back after a 30-9 road loss to Illinois. The Chippewas, who were +21.5 point underdogs, covered the spread, but they still fell to 1-2 on the season. The game’s total score of 39 points was below the over/under line of 50 points.
Central Michigan was down 7-3 after the first quarter but managed to add a field goal in the second quarter, while Illinois scored 6 points. The Chippewas trailed 13-6 at halftime and were outscored 10-0 in the third quarter, making a comeback nearly impossible. In the fourth quarter, Central Michigan added a late touchdown but only managed to score 3 points in the quarter.
Central Michigan’s offense, led by quarterback Joe Labas, totaled 309 yards in their 30-9 loss to Illinois. Labas completed 12 of 25 passes for 125 yards, while Myles Bailey was the most effective rusher, gaining 49 yards on just six carries. The Chippewas’ offense moved the chains 18 times but was unable to find the end zone, with Labas throwing one interception.
Central Michigan’s ground game produced 142 yards, and the passing attack added 167 yards, with Evan Boyd leading the receiving corps with 38 yards on three catches.
Central Michigan’s defense will be looking to bounce back after giving up 379 total yards to Illinois in their last game. The Chippewas allowed 242 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air, while also giving up 137 rushing yards and a score on the ground. Illinois converted 6-of-15 third-down attempts against Central Michigan’s defense.