The Ball State Cardinals (1-2, 1-2 ATS, 2-1 O/U) meet with the Georgia Southern Eagles (2-1, 2-1 ATS, 2-1 O/U) in a week four clash on Saturday night. The Cardinals earned their first win in a 31-0 triumph against Murray State. The Eagles were hit with their first defeat in a 35-21 loss at UAB last week.
The Ball State Cardinals head into their final non-conference game with confidence. They struggled in the opening two games. They were clobbered 59-10 at Tennessee in the opener and were 6.5 point dogs in an ugly 37-30 home loss to WMU in their MAC opener. The Cardinals covered the 31-point spread in a 31-0 home win against Murray State of the FCS last week. The Cardinals have covered the points in one of their three games.
John Paddock had some experience last season but is in his first year as the #1 QB. The junior has been solid, recording 797 passing yards accompanied by a 6:3 TD to INT ratio. Paddock has collected at least 217 yards in all three games. Carson Steele has been a threat, rushing for more than 100 yards in two consecutive games. The sophomore RB has accrued 304 rushing yards and should have another productive game against a subpar r ush defense.
Jayshon Jackson is consistently producing as well, bringing in 209 receiving yards. Ball State has three receivers with at least 100 yards. The offense is definitely the strength of this team and will be tough to contain in MAC play.
Put 'em in the spin cycle! ?????
Go crazy @HumbleJay4_ ??#1AAT x #WeFly pic.twitter.com/VdGSZzBoSV
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) September 17, 2022
The Cardinals' defense is another matter. They didn’t have much of a challenge last week against Murray State but had no answer for the Vols and Broncos in the first two clashes. The pass defense stands 68th while the rush defense is pegged 98th. Ball State is posting 23.7 points, landing them 103rd overall. The defense is allowing an average of 32 points, pegging them 101st in the FBS.