2014
Ball State
College Football
Betting Preview
Odds and Schedule
Much like Northern Illinois, Ball State has to make a big transition from their former starting quarterback Keith Wenning to someone with almost no experience at the collegiate level. The Cardinals have some big names returning, but reaching last year’s 10 wins may be a bit of a stretch for this team.
After a rough spring camp, Pete Lembo still hasn’t decided on his starting quarterback and that’s not much of a surprise. In the end, they could have Four different players start at QB this year if they all struggle. The good news is that Jahwan Edwards is in the backfield, and he’s had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and could surpass that total with a bigger role in this year’s offense. He’s complemented by Horactio Banks, who is coming off a torn ACL from last season.
The Cardinals lose Willie Snead in the receiving Game which hurts, but Jordan Williams (1,050 yards, 10 TDs) should prove able as the top receiver along with KeVonn Mabon. The offensive line has three starters returning and will be important if this team plans to run the ball more than in the past.
Ball State doesn’t have a great defense, but they are still probably one of the better MAC ones. Ben Ingle (116 tackles) and Zack Ryan (92 tackles) are beasts at linebacker and will continue to lead the unit. The secondary struggled last season probably more than any other group. However, safety Dae’Shaun Hurley can turn into one of their better players and he’s only a sophomore.
It’s tough to see this defense improving at all and the offense will definitely take a step back.
Ball State will get three winnable non-Conference Games that includes a road test at Army. It’s unlikely they’ll be able to contend on the road at Iowa in the second Game of the season, especially against a stout defense.
The main problem for the Cardinals in their quest to win the West division will be their final Game of the season as they have to travel to Bowling Green, the projected best team in the MAC. In addition to that, they’ll need to beat Northern Illinois at home in early November. That should be an interesting Game to watch, especially with the QB situations at hand.
A road Game at Toledo will also be a good test and that unfortunately is their Fourth Game of the season. That one could easily turn into a loss, but outside of that, the Cardinals have the players capable to win five Conference Games for sure if not more. That should come out to roughly seven or eight total wins for the year, and that’s on the minimum side. It’s just hard to predict their season without ever seeing their new QB in action.
Check out 5 dimes sportsbook for the latest MAC odds for the 2014 season.
2014 Ball State Football Schedule
Aug. 30 vs. Colgate
Sept. 6 at Iowa
Sept. 13 vs. Indiana State
Sept. 20 at Toledo
Oct. 4 at Army
Oct. 11 vs. Western Michigan
Oct. 18 at Central Michigan
Oct. 25 vs. Akron
Nov. 5 vs. Northern Illinois
Nov. 12 at Massachusetts
Nov. 22 vs. Eastern Michigan
Nov. 28 at Bowling Green