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2009 Ball State Football Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

ball-state-61109 Ball State is coming off one of the best seasons a team from the MAC has had in recent history. The Cardinals finished 12-2 and were, perhaps, a win over Buffalo in the MAC championship game away from getting some BCS discussion. A drop off is inevitable with the loss of QB Nate Davis among others, but how far will the Cards fall? You’ll get my take in this 2009 college football predictions article. Bet the MAC this fall at BetUS and receive up to 145 percent in sign up bonuses. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Offense Ball State is going to have its work cut out for itself in replacing five first-team All-MAC performers, including QB Nate Davis. To add insult to injury, the team will have to move forward under new management as Brady Hoke rode his remarkable season to a head coaching gig at San Diego State. With former offensive coordinator Stan Parrish now promoted to head man, we are about to find out how smooth or rough his transition will be. With Davis off to play on Sundays, Kelly Page will step under center a year earlier than expected. He’s being billed as a strong arm Texan who can make all the throws, but there are always growing pains with first-year starters. That means first-team All-MAC running back MiQuale Lewis will have to be better than ever to carry the load. The 5′6”, 193-pound thunder bolt rushed for 1,736 yards and 22 scores last season. The team’s No. 1 receiving target will undoubtedly be Briggs Orsbon, who caught 83 passes for 813 yards and five touchdowns in his freshman campaign. He starred in the MAC title game with a 13-catch, 141-yard performance. This guy needs to see plenty of the football.

The offensive line did not get the credit it deserved for Ball State’s success last season. This unit took three of the five first-team All-MAC linemen spots in a league with 13 teams. Unfortunately, all three of those horses are gone and the team must replace four offensive line starters in all. It’s hard to think the offense will be the same smooth sailing ship without that beef up front.

Defense - While the offense caught most of the headlines a season ago, the Ball State defense more than held its own, ranking sixth in the league in rush defense and fourth in total defense. This side of the ball is going to have to carry the team at times this season and it has the potential to do so with all four starters returning up front. 33-year-old veteran, and second-team All-MAC selection, Brandon Crawford will anchor the unit. Hopefully the defensive front will be able to take some heat off of a linebacker unit which returns only Davyd Jones. He was fourth on the team in tackles a season ago and is expected to be the defensive stopper in 2009. He won’t be completely left hung out to dry as fellow linebackers Spain Crosby and Sam Woodworth both have playing experience.

The secondary is strong at the safety spot with Alex Knipp and Sean Baker leading the unit. The duo combined for 190 stops and eight picks in 2009. The cornerback position, however, is still unsettled as two starters need to be replaced.

Prediction: 5th MAC West – This season figures to be a difficult one for the team and fans alike after a season which saw them dominate the competition. It figures to be a struggle in the solid MAC West with holes to fill on the offensive line and an inexperienced QB taking over the reigns. Capitalize on a $500 match bonus at BetUS like so many of our other readers are doing.

The season will be here before you know it so it’s time to get geared up for another profitable NCAA football betting campaign. Beat the college football odds all season long with Jimmy Boyd’s expert football picks!

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