Ball State vs. Eastern Michigan (EMU) Prediction, Preview, and Odds – 10-7-2023

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There will be football action in the MAC on Saturday as the Ball State Cardinals visit the Eastern Michigan Eagles. The Cardinals come in with a record of just 1-4 and 0-1 in the conference. The Eagles are 2-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play as well. The opening kick is scheduled for 3:30 PM EST on Saturday.

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The Ball State Cardinals fell to 1-4 on the season and 0-1 in the conference with a 42-24 loss at home to Western Michigan. Ball State has now lost two straight games overall as they head out on the road to take on the Eagles of Eastern Michigan.

“I think it's natural as a human being and natural as a football team to press a little bit,” Ball State head coach Mike Neu said after another tough loss. “They want it so bad. Then guys start to press, then the frustration sets in.”

Ball State quarterback Layne Hatcher excelled in his return to the starting lineup for the first time since the season opener. He finished 26-of-37 for 316 yards and three touchdowns in the loss. Wide receiver Qian Magwood had a big day, grabbing nine balls for 110 yards and a touchdown. The catches and yards were both career-highs. Overall, Ball State finished with 364 yards of total offens e and 11 first downs. They struggled on third down, converting on just 3-of-12 attempts in the game.

The Cardinals' defense didn't help matters on Saturday. They allowed 461 yards of total of total offense including 328 through the air. The defense coughed up 28 points by halftime. They had just two tackles for loss including one sack in the game. The defense also failed to generate any turnovers in the game.

The Cardinals come into this game hoping to end a two-game losing streak while also picking up their first win in conference play. Ball State comes in with just the 127th ranked total offense in the nation. They are just 129th rushing the ball and 86th through the air. That number improved significantly on Saturday with Hatcher back under center. They are ranked 96th in the country in red zone efficiency on offense. On the defensive end, Ball State is ranked just 102nd in total defense. They are a respecta ble 54th against the run but are just 125th against the pass. The Cardinals are also ranked just 115th in red zone efficiency defensively.

Ball State has completely struggled with turnovers this season, ranking 129th in the country. They have not shot themselves in the foot with penalties, however, ranking a solid 33rd in the country in penalties per game.

Injury Report: WR T. Robinson (thumb), RB C. Davis (knee), and TE B. Hunt (ankle) are out. RB V. Pemberton (knee) is questionable.

 

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