Detroit, MI (My Sportsbook) - The 12th-ranked Ball State Cardinals will try to cap off an already remarkable run this Friday, as they take on the Buffalo Bulls in the Mid-American Conference Championship game at Ford Field. It has been a recording breaking season already for BSU, which won its first West Division title with a 45-22 victory over Western Michigan in its regular- season finale on November 25th.
"Obviously, it's good to win," stated head coach Brady Hoke about the clinching victory.
For only the second time in school history and the first since 1978, the Cardinals finished the regular season undefeated in MAC play at 8-0.
"I am really happy for this group of kids and this senior class to come together and accomplish what they set out to get but we're not finished yet," said coach Hoke.
BSU is also one of just four undefeated teams left at the FBS level with a record-high 12 wins this season. It marks only third undefeated regular season in the Cardinals' 84 campaigns.
As for Buffalo, it played in the weaker of the two divisions, but nevertheless, it still won the East title with a 5-3 mark. It was a remarkable run for the Bulls, who overcame an 1-2 start in the conference with four straight victories, including three on the road. The team won two conference games in overtime and another on a last second play en route to its first outright East Division crown. Buffalo, which has never defeated a Top 25 team in school history, is also 0-6 all-time against BSU.
The Bulls, on offense, aren't the most prolific of the MAC teams, but they have enjoyed a good amount of success, averaging 30.2 ppg and 387.2 total ypg. The unit has been able to move the ball on the ground (144.9 ypg) and through the air (242.2 ypg) and is converting 47.0 percent of the time on third downs. What really stands out about this group is that Buffalo hasn't done much to slow itself down, committing a mere 11 turnovers on the year. Tailback James Starks has played a big part in the squad's success and he has rushed for 1,226 yards and 14 touchdowns in 10 outings. The talented back is averaging a solid 5.1 yards per carry and he has also played a role in the passing game, ranking third on the team with 37 catches. Speaking of the air attack, it is led by quarterback Drew Willy, who has enjoyed a productive campaign. On the season, Willy has completed 64.5 percent of pass attempts for 2,885 yards, with 22 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Naaman Roosevelt has clearly been his go-to-guy and he paces the squad with 86 catches for 1,196 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Defensively, Buffalo has been nowhere near as impressive and has struggled to slow down opposing clubs, allowing 27.8 ppg and 400.4 total ypg. The defense has been abused for 159.3 ypg and 26 touchdowns on the ground, while allowing 241.1 ypg and 16 scores through the air. The Bulls have created 23 turnovers, which is a positive, but their mere 11 sacks leaves a lot to be desired. Opponents are also converting 46.0 percent of the time on third down and that certainly isn't good news for Buffalo. Justin Winters has done all that he can for this unit and he leads the Bulls with 112 tackles, to go with 7.5 TFLs and two sacks. Mike Newton trails him with 99 stops and Davont Shannon has made 97 tackles for this defense.
The Cardinals bring one of the most potent offensive attacks to this championship game, as they are producing 37.7 ppg behind 455.8 total ypg. The offense has displayed good balance between the run (196.1 ypg) and pass (259.7 ypg) and has been outstanding in protecting the ball, committing just 10 turnovers. If that wasn't impressive enough, BSU is also making good on 52.0 percent of its third down chances. MiQuale Lewis is one of the premier backs in the nation and he has displayed that by rushing for 1,570 yards and an impressive 20 touchdowns. He is averaging a hardy 5.7 yards per carry and has even hauled in 25 passes. Quarterback Nate Davis is every bit as dangerous and he has completed an efficient 67.3 percent of his throws for 3,095 yards, with 25 touchdowns and six picks. He can also be effective with his legs, rushing for 241 yards and four more scores. Briggs Orsbon and Darius Hill have been his primary targets and they have combined for 86 catches, 1,179 yards and 12 touchdowns.
On defense, there isn't a big drop off for BSU, as the team is holding its opponents to a mere 16.7 ppg and 351.8 total ypg. The unit has given up a few too many yards on the ground (145.7 ypg) and through the air (206.2 ypg), but has compensated for that by forcing 21 turnovers, including 16 interceptions. The team has also done a decent job getting to opposing quarterbacks, notching 20 sacks. Sean Baker has had a great campaign up to this point and he paces the defense with 90 tackles as well as six interceptions. Alex Knipp has provided a nice complement to him with 79 tackles and two picks, while Kenny Meeks is the team's top pass rusher with six sacks to his name.
