The Miami Hurricanes aim to go 3-0 as they prepare to host the Ball State Cardinals this Saturday. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best college football odds from the top sportsbooks.
NCAAF Pick: Over 54.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Ball State vs. Miami
Saturday, September 14, 2024 – 05:55 PM ET at Hard Rock Stadium
Two Talented Offenses Clash
Miami is coming off a dominant performance against Florida A&M, securing a 56-9 blowout on Saturday. Quarterback Cam Ward was in top form, throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns, completing 20 of 26 passes, with no interceptions. He also added a rushing touchdown with 13 yards on four carries.
Running back Damien Martinez made his presence felt with 91 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, averaging an impressive 8.3 yards per run. He also chipped in with a 15-yard reception. Wide receiver Xavier Restrepo contributed significantly in the passing game, hauling in four receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown.
Ball State, meanwhile, grabbed a 42-34 victory over Missouri State on Saturday. Quarterback Kadin Semonza was the star, completing 28 of 38 passes for 262 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Semonza also added 16 rushing yards and a score on six carries.
Running back Braedon Sloan had a strong performance, rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries while also catching six passes for 46 yards and another score. Wideout Cam Pickett provided additional support, snagging seven passes for 69 yards.
NCAAF Pick
Miami is looking to secure its third straight victory, with Ward proving to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Ball State struggled to defend Missouri State’s passing attack, and that weakness could be exposed further by Miami’s potent offense.
The Cardinals’ defense faces a much tougher test against Miami, but their offense has shown the capability to score and could challenge Miami’s defense. Ball State will put together some successful drives to help this game go Over the total.
The Hurricanes’ offense has been on fire, putting up 56 points against an FCS opponent last week and totaling 97 points across their first two games. There’s no sign of them slowing down anytime soon.
Even with a road game at South Florida, this doesn’t seem like a potential letdown spot, especially with Ball State’s defensive vulnerabilities, as they gave up 34 points to an FCS team in Week 2. Since 2021, Ball State has allowed at least 44 points to every power conference team they’ve played, with those matchups averaging nearly 58 points overall.
Miami’s offense is strong enough to possibly reach that number on their own, but Ball State should still find some success. With four offensive linemen who have over 400 snaps and road game experience at tough venues like Kentucky and Georgia, the Cardinals won’t be overwhelmed by the moment. They also have big-bodied receivers for Semonza to target deep, provided the offensive line can handle Miami’s pressure.
NCAAF Pick: Over 54.5 (-110) at Bet365
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