Ball State @ Army – Free Pick and Analysis (Week 9)

By College Football

Ball State -4 @ Army

Thankfully our armed forces take a tougher stance on the front line of battle than they do on the football field.  A week after getting torched by Eastern Michigan’s mediocre running game, the Black Knights welcome offensive powerhouse – by MAC standards – to Michie Stadium.  Army currently ranks 105th in total defense and stopping a Ball State team that averages 480 yards per game and 34 points per contest won’t be any easier than it was a week ago.  The Cardinals are the definition of being effectively balanced on the offensive side of the ball, ranking 31st in the nation in passing and 33rd in rushing.  Consider that Army has given up 42, 41, 49, 31, 31 and 48 points to FBS teams this year – the Cardinals will have no problem putting points on the board this Saturday.

What will happen:  Army ranks near the bottom of the NCAA across the board defensively.  Ball State will use a balanced attack to keep the Black Knights off balance racking up points early and often.  Army has thrown for a grand total of 468 passing yards…ALL YEAR.  If Ball State jumps out to an early lead as I expect they will, Army has no way of putting up points in a hurry.  A one dimensional team will not be able to keep up with the Cardinals, or anyone else in the country (hence Army’s 1-7 record).

Prediction:  Ball State 45 Army 22

The Play:  Ball State -4

YTD Record: 5-7

Don’t forget to check out the other college football picks for this week.


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