The MAC is back, as Ball State and Miami (OH) are set to square off. Both teams will be hoping to start the year strong after relatively disappointing finishes in 2019. Neither finished anywhere near the national rankings nor the top of the conference.
The Cardinals finished at .500 in MAC play a season ago, well below the expectations they set for themselves. The offense performed well, scoring over 34 points per game. It was the defense that cost them dearly, allowing around 31 a game. It’s as a team that was only good on one side of the ball.
On the other hand, Miami (OH) finished 7-2 in the East of the MAC in 2019. They really didn’t impress, though, allowing four more points per game than they averaged.
How that could happen, and they finish over .500 is truly impressive. But, this is a team with their work cut out for them this year.
We’ll see what the RedHawks are capable of in 2020, as they hope to turn over a new leaf as a competitive team.
ODDS:
The RedHawks are favored by two points in this one, with the over/under set at 55.5.
Cardinals Seeking a Win to Open 2020
After a long offseason, it’s great to finally see Ball State on the field again. But, they have a tough matchup with one of the better teams in the MAC in Miami (OH).
The key for them this year will be to get some stops on defense. They allowed north of 30 points per game last season.
They bring back quarterback Drew Pitt, who threw for 24 touchdowns and 2,900 yards a year ago. He added five more touchdowns on the ground, proving to be a versatile option for them.
Senior running back Caleb Huntley is back too, having put up close to 1,300 yards last year, plus 12 touchdowns.
The offense is not the issue here, but it’s clearly the defense. That’s where coach Mike Neu’s team has to win.
RedHawks Seeking Victory
After going 8-6 a year ago, Miami (OH) is back for their first game of 2020. The offense limped to an average of 24 points per game, while the defense surrendered 28 a game. They need to support the defense by putting up more points.
They return Brett Gabbert as the starting quarterback for this season. The younger brother of the Tampa Bay Bucs backup Blaine Gabbert was mediocre a year ago. He completed 55% of his passes in 2019, throwing for 2,411 yards. He tossed 11 TD passes and was picked off eight times.
They lost their top two running backs from last year in Jaylon Bester and Tyre Shelton, putting a lot of pressure on Davion Johnson this year. Bester scored 14 rushing touchdowns in 2019 and will be missed.
Ball State Falls Short
A win is coming for the RedHawks of Miami (OH) as the MAC is back. Sorry, Ball State.
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