The MAC Championship game is set for Friday, December 18, 2020, when the Ball State Cardinals (5-1) play the Buffalo Bulls (5-0) in Detroit. Buffalo won the MAC – East by two games and Ball State won the MAC – West by one game. This game will air live on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Through six games, the Ball State offense is averaging 34.4 points per game and 479.0 yards per game, 285.0 through the air and 194.0 on the ground. Caleb Huntley leads the team with 437 rushing yards and six touchdowns, and Justin Hall has a team high 44 receptions for 630 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, the Cardinals area allowing 27.6 points and 420.4 yards, 286.6 passing and 133.8 rushing.
Five games into their season, the Buffalo offense is averaging 51.8 points per game and 510.6 yards per game, 166.4 through the air and 344.2 on the ground. Jarret Patterson, who will be in the Heisman conversation, leads the team with 1,025 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, and Antonio Nunn has a team high 20 receptions for 353 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Bulls are allowing 24.5 points and 408.0 yards.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaaf/buffalo” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Below is my pick for the Ball State Cardinals at Buffalo Bulls.
Ball State Cardinals at Buffalo Bulls (-12.5): O/U 66.5 (-106/-114)
Last time out, Ball State hosted the Western Michigan Broncos and clinched the MAC – West title with 30-27 win. This game saw one of the wildest ending you will ever see as it appeared Ball State recovered a fumble after a bunch of laterals, the bench rush the field after thinking they won, Western Michigan continuing play and scoring on that lateral….all for it to be called back for an illegal forward pass. In the end, Ball State overcame a 27-19 fourth quarter deficit to earn a spot in Detroit. QB Drew Pitt went 22/33 for 249 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Justin Hall had a big day through the air as he totaled 175 yards and two touchdowns on 10 receptions. Defensively, the Cardinals allowed 491 total yards and forced two Broncos turnovers, one interception and one lost fumble.
Buffalo concluded their dominant regular season with a 56-7 home demolition of the Akron Zips. This game was over before it started as Buffalo led 14-0 at the end of the first quarter and 35-0 at the half. Kevin Marks Jr. and Jaret Patterson combined for 287 yards and four touchdowns on 31 carries. On the day, Buffalo rushed the ball 50 times for 428 yards, an 8.6 average, and six touchdowns. Defensively, the Bulls allowed just 204 total yards and forced one Zips interception.
Series History: Buffalo won the most recent meeting, back in 2017, but Ball State leads the all-time series 9-2.
CFB Predictions: I like Buffalo -12.5 to win the MAC Championship.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 57-32