Joe D'Amico's NCAAF MAC Game of the Year

Ball State vs. Miami (Ohio), 11/23/2012 13:00 EDT, Score: 31 - 24

Point Spread: -7/-110 Ball State

Sportsbook: TopBet

Result: Push

Friday's winner is Ball State over Miami Ohio. This is my MAC Game of the Year.

Keith Wenning is out for Ball State. Hence, the gift in the number. But I must say that I feel Kelly Page brings more stability over Center. Page will keep it simple in the air while Edwards and Banks (1528 YR and 15 TDs combined) go to work on the ground against a Miami Ohio "D" that ranks 123rd vs. the run. The Cardinals have a well-balanced offense that posts 35.4 PPG. The Red Hawks give up a whopping 35.3 PPG. BSU has won and covered 5 in a row, never posting less than 30 points in that span. UM has dropped 3 straight and 5 of their L6 SU, going 1-4-1 ATS. Overall, at home, the Red Hawks are just 1-3 against the number. Miami Ohio has no ground game which allows stop units to put pressure on Dysert and the passing game. BSU controls the clock and the line of scrimmage here. The road team is 5-1 ATS the L6 meetings in this series. The Cardinals are 4-0 ATS their L4 games played vs. the Conference, 5-0 ATS their L5 games played vs. teams with a losing record, 14-3 ATS their L17 games played overall, and 38-13 ATS their L51 games played on the road. Take Ball State. Thank you.