Ball State Look to End Losing Streak Against Ohio in Key MAC Matchup
Ball State vs Ohio: Cardinals Aim to End Losing Streak, Bobcats Eye MAC Championship Berth
In a pivotal Week 13 Mid-American Conference (MAC) showdown, the Ball State Cardinals (3-8, 2-5 MAC) will look to break a three-game losing streak and finish the season on a high note as they face the Ohio Bobcats (8-3, 6-1 MAC) this Friday at Peden Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET, and the game promises to be a high-stakes affair as the Bobcats are vying for a spot in the MAC Championship.
Ball State’s Struggles: A Season of Missed Opportunities
Coming off a tough 38-13 loss to Bowling Green, where they were 12.5-point underdogs, Ball State has had a disappointing season. The Cardinals’ offense has shown flashes of potential, averaging 25.7 points per game, but inconsistency has plagued them all year. Their passing attack, led by freshman quarterback Kadin Semonza, has been the team’s bright spot, as he threw for 211 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to Bowling Green. However, Semonza’s 51% completion rate highlights the challenges he faces in developing into a reliable starter.
The running game, with sophomore Vaughn Pemberton leading the way, has also struggled to gain consistent yardage. Pemberton finished with just 29 yards on five carries last week, but he did manage to lead the team in receiving with three catches for 70 yards and a touchdown. Ball State’s offense will need a more balanced effort to stand a chance against an Ohio defense that has been among the best in the MAC.
Defensively, Ball State has been particularly vulnerable. The Cardinals are allowing 39.9 points per game, one of the worst marks in the conference. In their recent loss to Bowling Green, they gave up 38 points, and against an explosive Ohio offense, that trend could continue unless there are significant improvements.
Ohio Bobcats: Poised for a MAC Championship Run
Meanwhile, the Ohio Bobcats are riding high on a four-game winning streak and enter this matchup with a chance to secure their spot in the MAC Championship Game. Sitting at 6-1 in conference play, Ohio is currently tied atop the MAC standings with Miami (OH) and Bowling Green. A win on Friday would clinch a berth in the conference title game, adding extra motivation for this road contest.
Ohio has been successful this season with a balanced offensive attack. The Bobcats average 27.3 points per game, thanks to a strong running game that racks up 205.1 rushing yards per game, which ranks among the best in the conference. Junior quarterback Parker Navarro has been efficient, completing 58% of his passes for 129 yards and one interception in last week’s 24-7 win over Toledo. However, Navarro’s biggest impact came on the ground, where he ran for 104 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.
The Bobcats’ ground game doesn’t stop with Navarro. Anthony Tyus III has been a key contributor, rushing for 125 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries against Toledo. Additionally, sophomore receiver Caleb Gossett has been Navarro’s top target, posting six catches for 86 yards in the win over the Rockets. Ohio’s offense will look to continue its dominance on the ground, as Ball State has struggled to stop the run throughout the season.
Defensively, Ohio has been a force, allowing just 18.5 points per game. The Bobcats’ defense shut down Toledo’s offense in their last game, limiting the Rockets to just seven points. With their defense in top form, Ohio will look to pressure Semonza and limit the big plays that Ball State has relied on to stay competitive.
Conclusion
As of now, Ohio enters the game as the heavy favorites. With Ball State’s struggles on both sides of the ball and Ohio’s quest for a MAC Championship berth, the Bobcats will be highly motivated to secure a dominant win. While Ball State will fight hard to end their season on a high note, it’s hard to overlook the stark differences in team performance this season.
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