The 2012 College Football season kicks off on Thursday night and we will see the Eastern Michigan Eagles travel to Muncie, Indiana to take on the Ball State Cardinals. The game is scheduled for a7:00 p.m. (Eastern) start time and it will be televised live on ESPN3. Currently the odds for the game have Ball State favored by 3 points for the game, while the total sits at 59. Currently 58% of the Public is on Eastern Michigan, while 80% is on the Over. Find out what side the Public is taking on all the games by clicking HERE.
Free Analysis: Two teams that finished in the middle of the pack in the 2011 league standings open their season with a Mid-American Conference clash, as the Eastern Michigan Eagles head to Scheumann Stadium to take on the Ball State Cardinals. Coach Ron English was named the MAC Coach of the Year after he guided his Eagles to a 6-6 overall record and a 4-4 league finish last season. Bowl eligibility was still just out of reach because two of EMU's victories came over FCS opponents. Ball State was one of just two teams with bowl eligibility to not be invited into the postseason in 2011. The Cardinals became bowl eligible in 2011 by defeating Eastern Michigan, 33-31, on the road. The victory gave Ball State a 30-21-2 advantage in the all-time series. EMU's Alex Gillett begins the year as the team's starting QB for the fourth time after having to defend his starting spot in the offseason. Gillett was primarily a scrambler and led the team with 736 rushing yards last season. The Eagles ranked 14th in the nation with 218.3 rushing yards per game last season and all five starting offensive linemen from that squad return. EMU had one of the toughest and most improved defensive units in the MAC last season and surrendered an average of 350.3 yards per game. The Eagles improved by 103.8 yards per contest from the previous season, but lost key players from 2011's successful lineup. their 2 interior DL have no game experience. The Eagles have a pair of talented cornerbacks in Marlon Pollard (54 tackles, one INT) and Marcell Rose (56 tackles, one INT). That secondary will be tested by Ball State's QB Keith Wenning, who enters his junior season with 4,159 yards. Wenning is just 134 yards shy of sixth place on the school's career passing yards list. Five offensive linemen with a combined 109 career starts are back to protect Wenning. BSU ranked 11th in the NCAA with only .92 sacks allowed per game. The Cardinals' offensive system spreads the ball out to multiple receivers. Eight different BSU wideouts had 11 catches or more in 2011. Ball State's defense was in clear need of adjusting after finishing 2011 at or near the bottom in every significant category. Poor fundamentals and injuries helped opposing offenses average 34.7 ppg and 510 ypg versus the Cardinals and with just 5 starters back they will struggle again. This rivalry game has been decided by three points or less in each of the past three seasons.
Free Pick: I like the Over in this one. The Eastern Michigan Eagles put up just 21.3 ppg last year, but they have 9 starters back and 24 of 29 lettermen so I will look for this team to be more explosive this year. This team is loaded at the skill positions as they have all of their ball carriers back from last year and 5 of their top 6 pass caters, plus SR QB Alex Gillett who should have a much better year than last year. The OL also returns 4 of 5 starters and rates as the 2nd best in the league.The Ball State spread offense put up 25.3 ppg last year and with 8 starters returning from that group they should be even better offensively this year. E. Michigan on defense allowed just 24.3 ppg last year, but they only bring back 5 starters and they lose some key players from last year. Defensive end Andy Malumba is the only returning player from the front four. Cy Maughmer and Travis Linser are the projected starting interior defensive linemen despite their lack of any collegiate game experience and that will make it hard to put pressure on Ball State QB Kieth Wenning. Last year Ball State allowed 510 ypg and 34.7 ppg, and with just 5 starters, 12 of 22 lettermen and 1 of their top 5 tacklers back this unit will struggle once again. Both offenses will score plenty in this one and there is always the chance for OT as well as the last 3 in the series has been decided by 3 or less points. Look for the mid 60's in this one.
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Big 12 Conference 2012 Preview
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