How and what to watch for Eastern Michigan vs. Ball State

The Eastern Michigan Eagles will head on the road to take on the Ball State Cardinals for the opening game of Wednesday night’s MACtion slate held at Scheumann Stadium.

EMU fell to Kent State in its season opener last Wednesday by a score of 27-23. The Eagles came back from an 11-point deficit and took their first lead in the fourth quarter but could not hang on for the win. Eagles quarterback Preston Hutchinson completed 21 of 35 passes for two touchdowns and two interceptions. He found Hassan Beydoun nine times for 112 yards, and Darius Boon Jr. rushed for 68 yards on nine carries.

Ball State went back and forth with Miami (Ohio) last Wednesday, but ultimately fell 38-31. The Cardinals blew an 11-point lead but came back from 10 points down in the second half before the Redhawks scored a late touchdown for the win. Ball State’s offense operated incredibly well in the season opener with Drew Plitt completing 19 of 32 passes for 309 yards with a touchdown and interception. Ball State had a pair of 100-yard receivers with Justin Hall going for 124 yards on four receptions and a touchdown, and Antwan Davis had 110 yards on six catches. Caleb Huntley ruhed for 130 yards and two scores.

After losing three straight games in this series, Ball State won this matchup last season 29-23 on the road.

Game Time/TV Channel/Streaming

You can watch Eastern Michigan vs. Ball State on Wednesday, November 11th at 7:00 p.m. ET on CBSSN, or you can stream it via the CBS Sports app with a cable or streaming service login.

Point Spread, Totals, Odds, Trends

Point spread: Eastern Michigan vs. Ball State (-8.5)
Point Total: 59
Money line: Eastern Michigan +250 vs. Ball State -335

• Eastern Michigan is 4-1 against the spread in its last five games.
• The point total went over in five of Eastern Michigan’s last seven games.
• Ball State is 1-5 straight up in its last six games.
• The point total went over in each of Ball State’s last five games.

Betting splits

Eastern Michigan: (77% of handle, 50% percent of bets)
Ball State: (23% of handle, 50% percent of bets)

The Best Bet

Ball State’s offense is picking up right where it left off last season when the Cardinals were ranked No. 1 in the MAC. The issue has been giving up too many points, which we saw again in the season opener. While the defense appears to be an issue moving forward, I cannot see Eastern Michigan keeping up with the Cardinals offensively. Let’s take Ball State in its home opener.

Pick: Ball State -8.5

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