Ball State Cardinals vs Central Michigan Chippewas Prediction, 9/21/2024 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Ball State Cardinals vs Central Michigan Chippewas

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024

Location: Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Chippewas (-7.0)

Total/Over-Under: 53

The Ball State Cardinals (1-1) are hitting the road to Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2024 where they will take on the Central Michigan Chippewas (1-2). Central Michigan opens this game as 7.0-point favorites. The betting total is set at 53.

The Ball State Cardinals head into this game 1-1 for this season. The last time they stepped onto the field, the Cardinals played against the Miami Hurricanes and went home with a loss by a final score of 62-0. In the running game, the Cardinals conceded 243 yards on 31 tries, which is 7.8 yards per run surrendered. Ball State allowed 30 pass completions on 40 attempts for 507 yards, and a completion percentage of 75.0%. When the final whistle blew, they had 52 plays for 115 yds. The Ball State Cardinals ran the rock 20 times and accounted for 6 yds, which is an average of 0.3 yds per attempt.

In terms of scoring points, the Ball State Cardinals are averaging 21.0 points per game. As a unit they're maintaining an average of 89.5 yards on the ground which has them sitting 118th in the nation. The Cardinals have earned 550 total yards for the season. In terms of getting in the endzone, Ball State has compiled 4 passing touchdowns and 2 touchdowns via the ground. Ball State has tallied 34 1st downs, and they have been called for 10 infractions for 67 yds. They have surrendered the ball 2 times.

The Cardinals are sitting in 133rd in college football when it comes to the opposition scoring, allowing 48.0 points per contest. They are allowing an average of 5.6 yards per rushing attempt and 152.5 yards on the ground per game on the campaign. During this campaign, they have allowed 305 rushing yards through 2 games. Regarding yards via the pass, the Cardinals have allowed 765 yds which has them ranked 107th in D-1. They have yielded 382.5 yards per outing through the air and conceding a completion percentage of 68.1%. Overall, they are allowing 535.0 yards/contest which puts them 130th in D-1. They have surrendered 8 touchdowns via the pass as well as 4 touchdowns pounding the rock.

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The Chippewas come into this game with a record of 1-2 for this season. In their last game, the Chippewas took a loss by a score of 30-9 when they played the Illinois Fighting Illini. Central Michigan surrendered 29 run attempts for 137 yds (4.7 yds per carry). The Chippewas passing defense gave up a completion rate of 65.5%, surrendering 242 yds on 19 out of 29 through the air. The Chippewas finished the game with a total of 309 yards on 62 plays (5.0 yards per play). Central Michigan ended up running for 4.3 yds per carry, finishing the contest with 142 yards on 33 attempts.

Concerning their ability to score points, the Chippewas currently sit 68th in the nation holding an average of 30.3 points per outing. The Central Michigan Chippewas have an average of 389.7 yards/game, which has them ranked 76th in college football. The Central Michigan offense has accrued 183 penalty yds on 24 violations, which is good for 29th in D-1 in terms of making mistakes. They have tossed 6 picks while surrendering 1 fumbles and they have recorded 63 first downs. During this campaign thus far, the Chippewas have a total of 735 passing yards in addition to holding an average of 245.0 throwing yards per contest, giving them a rank of 58th in college football. They have an average of 144.7 run yards per game and have toted the ball for 434 yards in total.

Central Michigan has allowed a total of 516 yards rushing (172.0 yards per outing) and 6 touchdowns on the ground this season. They have conceded 4 touchdowns via the pass in addition to 152.3 yards/game, which has them ranked 32nd in Division 1. Their defense has tallied no fumbles and 1 interception so far this season. The Chippewas defense has participated in 176 plays, which is good for 38th in Division 1. The Chippewas are allowing 30.7 PPG, ranking them 109th in D-1. This season, they have surrendered 92 points.

Who will win tonight's Cardinals/Chippewas college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Cardinals +7.0

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