Tuesday, Nov. 4 -- 7 p.m.
Yager Stadium, Oxford, OH
CBSSN
A week before winning the 2019 MAC Championship, Miami’s RedHawks fell to Ball State by a 41-27 count. Those two two teams will tee it up again Wednesday when MAC football resumes play.
A key to this week’s outcome will be how well each team has prepared, given there were . . .
The 2020 preseason MAC coaches poll gave MU a slim edge to again win the East, but the writers poll had Buffalo winning that division. In any case, the RedHawks know they should be in the hunt to defend their title, and the margin for error is again slim.
Playing in close conference games has been a mark of the program in recent times, with Miami’s post-season chances riding on the outcomes. Two years ago, the RedHawks fell just short. Last year, they went 5-0 in games decided by a single possession. Only one other FBS team (Minnesota, 6-1) went plus-5 in such a scenario.
Ball State Cardinals
2019 Records: 5-7 overall, 4-4 MAC
Preseason Coaches Poll: Fourth in MAC West
Preseason Media Poll: Third in MAC West
>> Ball State has the offensive fire-power to stay with just about anybody on a given day. The Cardinals averaged a league-best 34.8 ppg overall and tallied 21, 31, 44 and 38 points in four straight MAC losses before defeating Miami in the finale. This year’s interdivisional matchup between the two will again pit the Cardinals potent offense against another good MU defense.
>> Senior Drew Plitt is back at quarterback. He has the tools, along with Ball State’s uptempo offense -- to again be among the MAC leaders. Last year he completed 64.3 percent of his passes, good for 2,918 yards with 24 TDs against seven picks.
>> Senior wideout Justin Hall led BSU with 61 taches for 684 yards and six TDs in 2019. Yo’Heinz Tyler was fourth on the team with 27 receptions, good for 504 yards and five scores.
>> Senior RB Caleb Huntley allows the Cardinals to have a balanced offense.His 1,275 yards and 106.3 ypg were both third among MAC rushers. He also provided 12 touchdowns.
>> Defensively, BSU surrendered 31.4 ppg, ninth among all MAC squads. Ironically, the Cardinals forceda conference-best 24 turnovers.
>> Defensive backs Antonio Phillips and Amechi Uzodinma II combined for nine interceptions on the way to All-MAC honors.
>> Ball State returns three starting linebackers. Christian Albright was the team leader in tackles for loss (10.5). Jaylen Thomas registered 97 stops. If the Cardinals can improve up front, they have the potential to make a leap forward on the defensive side.
Miami RedHawks
2019 Records: 8-6 overall, 6-2 MAC
Preseason Coaches Poll: First in MAC East
Preseason Media Poll: Second in MAC East
>> Miami managed to win the 2019 title with a freshman at quarterback. Brett Gabbert was the first freshman in program history to start as QB in a season opener. He started all 14 games, with his role and production increasing as the season progressed.
>> With a more experienced QB and receiving corps, MU will hope to improve on its passing game early. The RedHawks ranked 10th among MAC teams in passing, averaging 178.2 ypg. Miami completed 54.3 percent
>> Jack Sorenson, whose second half touchdown was a key score in Miami’s championship game win, is an important leader among receivers. Jalen Walker has shown himself to be an explosive threat.
>> Jaylen Bester led Miami rushers with 171 carries for 741 yards and 14 touchdowns last year. Tyre Shelton and Davion Johnson can also keep the chains moving.
>> DL Doug Costin is gone, but the defense has seven returning starters and some additional young talent moving into other spots.Senior linebacker Ryan McWood came on last year and registered 99 tackles, while safety Sterling Weatherford was right behind with 98 stops. Safety Mike Brown had three interceptions, two of which he returned for scores.
>> The RedHawks were second among MAC teams with 38 sacks in 2019.
>> Some of the biggest questions for MU this season may well be on special teams. It has been a strength for the last several seasons, but kicker Sam Sloman has moved on, along with punter Kyle Kramer. Both were All-MAC selections. Maurice Thomas, who energized MU with a long kickoff return to start the MAC Championship game, is also gone.