Yager Stadium -- Oxford, OH
ESPN+
This week’s Miami vs Ball State game is an under-the-radar game that has big ramifications, especially for Miami.
Despite injuries, the RedHawks have rallied to beat two of the MAC’s better teams -- Ohio and Northern Illinois -- over the last two weeks. That has earned them a shot at reaching six wins on the year with a victory over Ball State.
A sixth win would give the RedHawks bowl eligibility, something that looked nearly impossible after back-to-back heartbreaking losses to Army (2 OT) and Buffalo.
Ball State, however, knows all about injuries -- both from last year and this season. After an injury to quarterback Riley Neal, the Cardinals have rallied behind Drew Plitt, and the sophomore was at the helm last week as BSU defeated Western Michigan 42-41 in overtime. He completed 21-of-26 passes (80%) for 258 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions against the Broncos. The win and his performance should give the Cardinals a boost. Despite being in the West Division, they are a crossover rival that meets MU each season.
Ball State, in fact, has won four of its last five games in Oxford, but when the RedHawks prevailed in 2016, it sealed a sixth win that sent Miami to the St. Petersburg Bowl. The RedHawks will be focused on trying to earn another bowl trip this time around.
Both teams have some balance.
For Ball State, Plitt has shown is is capable of keeping the passing game (which was very effective under Neal) going. James Gilbert and Malik Dunner are among the team’s running threats, wich each averaging over four yards per carry.
Miami quarterback Gus Ragland has been a strong leader for the team and has kept alive many important drives with either his passing or timely scrambles. With the loss of wideout James Gardner, MU hs turned to young targets such as Luke Mayock and Jack Sorenson.
Alonzo Smith is a powerful back for grinding out some yards, while Kenny Young is a versatile back who is both a dangerous running and receiving threat.
The biggest question may be whether or not the RedHawks defense can step up again in the final regular season game. Injuries have taken their toll, so there are varying degrees of experience at some important spots. Freshman Ja’don Rucker Furlow was the one to step up last week as he stepped in front of a Northern Illinois receiver for a pick six interception that proved to be the game winner.