FACTS & STATS: Site: The Rubber Bowl (31,000) -- Akron, Ohio. Television: None. Home Record: Ball State 2-0, Akron 0-0. Away Record: Ball State 0-0, Akron 1-1. Neutral Record: Ball State 0-0, Akron 0-0. Conference Record: Ball State 0-0, Akron 0-0. Series Record: Akron leads, 10-7-1.
GAME NOTES: Mid-American Conference action will begin this Saturday for two teams, as the Akron Zips play host to the Ball State Cardinals at the Rubber Bowl. The Cardinals have been outstanding to start the season, beginning with a convincing 48-14 victory over Northeastern. BSU followed that win with another solid performance, a 35-23 triumph over Navy. Ball State will remain on the road next week, taking on Big Ten foe Indiana. As for the Zips, they opened the new campaign with a 38-17 setback to Wisconsin. However, the team was able to rebound last week with a 42-28 victory over Syracuse. Akron has played extremely well in home openers over the years, posting an outstanding 70-35-3 ledger. With respects to the all-time series between these two teams, the Zips hold a narrow 10-7-1 edge. However, Ball State snapped a three-game skid to Akron with a 23-17 victory last season.
The Cardinals possess a potent offense and they have the ability to defeat an opponent either on the ground or through the air. BSU heads into this matchup averaging 487.5 total ypg, and that includes an impressive 311.5 ypg through the air. Quarterback Nate Davis has been the star of the show thus far, completing an eye-popping 80.8 percent of his pass attempts, while throwing for 616 yards and seven scores. Dante Love has been his go-to guy, as the wideout currently leads the team with 18 receptions, 336 yards and three touchdowns. As for the ground attack, that is being led by MiQuale Lewis, who has rumbled for 209 yards and one touchdown in averaging 6.5 ypc. Davis dominated the Midshipmen last Saturday, throwing for 326 yards and four scores on 21-of-28 passing. With Davis comes Love, and the wideout made his presence known to the tune of nine receptions, 165 yards and two scores. Overall, Ball State racked up 26 first downs and tallied 488 total yards.
The Cardinal defense has not been as impressive, but the unit is playing well enough to help the team notch a pair of victories. The biggest concern for the Cards has been their inability to shut down the run, as opponents are averaging 219.5 ypg on the ground. The Middies smashed BSU's front line, rushing for 346 yards. However, considering all Navy does is run the ball, that could be considered a commendable job by the defensive unit. Ball State forced one turnover in the victory, and also recorded two sacks. Bryant Haines was all over the field, as the linebacker logged 15 tackles, including one sack. B.J. Hill and Davyd Jones added 10 stops apiece, while Hill also collected the team's lone interception.
After scoring just 17 points in the season-opening loss to Wisconsin, the Zips put forth a much better effort last weekend against Syracuse. Akron completely abused the Orange defense, racking up 478 total yards and 29 first downs. Chris Jacquemain was outstanding under center, completing 20-of-26 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns. Andre Jones was the main target down field, as the receiver grabbed seven passes for 98 yards and two scores. The ground game was paced by the two-headed monster of Alex Allen and Dennis Kennedy. Allen finished with 103 yards and two TDs, while Kennedy posted 89 yards and one score on just 11 totes. On the season, the ground game has been impressive, averaging 144.0 ypg. Akron has also made big plays when it has mattered most, as the team has converted 56 percent of its third down attempts and 88 percent of its red zone chances.
Unfortunately, the Akron defense has one major problem as it has been unable to stop the run. The Zips have been tortured for a whopping 311.0 rushing ypg. Overall, the defense is surrendering 33.0 ppg on 416.0 total ypg. In the recent win over Syracuse, the Zips' troubles against the run continued, as the Orange rumbled for 218 yards in averaging 5.1 ypc. The defense was able to force a couple of turnovers and also finished with two sacks. Almondo Sewell led the Zips with eight tackles in the win, while Mike Thomas recorded seven stops to go with one TFL and one forced fumble.
The Cardinals are clearly one of the top offensive teams in the MAC, and the Zips will get a close look at just how dangerous Ball State can be. Expect the Cardinals to score early and often en route to a satisfying road victory.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Ball State 38, Akron 27
Game Date and Time
Saturday, September 13th, 1:00 p.m. (et).
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