Ball State vs. IndianaGame Time: Noon Saturday on the Big Ten NetworkTwo teams that have a chance to become eligible for bowl games for the first since the 1990s will play each other Saturday. Indiana's last bowl game was the 1993 Independence Bowl, while Ball State's last bowl appearance was the 1996 Las Vegas Bowl. Since 1984, Ball State is 0-40 against teams from a BCS conference, including three losses to Indiana. Last season the Hoosiers scored 17 unanswered points in the second-half to defeat the Cardinals 24-23. Ball State enters this year's game with second-highest rated offense in the MAC, despite a season-low 337 offensive yards in a 28-17 loss to the University of Illinois last week. The Hoosiers are on a three-game losing steak, including losing to Wisconsin 33-3 last week.
Staff PredictionsVinnie Lopes, Managing Editor: Ball StateKyle Shaner, Sports Editor: IndianaBilly Taylor, Men's basketball coach: Ball State
Akron vs. Bowling GreenGame Time: 7:30 p.m. Friday ESPNUBowling Green has the best record in the MAC East, but a loss to Akron Saturday would eliminate the Falcons from a MAC Championship. With two more games against MAC East teams, Bowling Green is 2-2 in divisional play and two games behind first-place Buffalo. The Falcons have lost three of their last four games and have allowed 38 points and 430 yards on defense in those losses. On offense, Akron is averaging 293.4 yards per game, worst in the conference. However, the Zips have the best passing defense in the conference, allowing 198.5 yards per game.
Lopes: Bowling GreenShaner: Bowling GreenTaylor: Bowling Green
Eastern Michigan vs. ToledoGame Time: 7 p.m. SaturdayThe MAC's No. 1 scoring offense will battle the conference's third-best scoring defense Saturday. Toledo leads the MAC with 34.8 points per game. Eastern Michigan is behind Miami and Ball State in the rankings, as it allows 26.4 points per game. The Rockets' defense is last in the MAC in scoring defense as it allows 40.4 points per game. The Eagles' offense is fourth-worst in the conference and 107th overall in the nation, as it scores 20.2 points per game.
Lopes: ToledoShaner: ToledoTaylor: Toledo
Temple vs. OhioGame Time: 7 p.m. FridayTemple began the season 0-5. Since then the Owls have not lost and have improved their record to 3-5 on the season. Temple now has a winning record for its one-year MAC history as it prepares for Ohio. The Bobcats are 2-3 in the conference this season. Ohio running back Kalvin McRae is third in the MAC in rushing yards with 1,062. Temple's defense is second in the MAC at stopping the run, allowing 168.2 yards per game.
Lopes: TempleShaner: TempleTaylor: Ohio
Buffalo vs. MiamiGame Time: 3 p.m. Saturday on ESPN Game PlanAt 3-0 in the division and 4-1 overall in the MAC, Buffalo has the best record in the MAC East. Since losing to Ball State Sept. 29, the Bulls are 3-1. The other three games were wins at home against MAC opponents Ohio, Toledo and Akron. Buffalo now heads to Miami, which is second in the MAC East at 2-1 in the division and 3-1 overall in the MAC. Lopes: BuffaloShaner: BuffaloTaylor: Buffalo
Pick 'em standingsWith a 5-2 record last week, Managing Editor Vinnie Lopes extended his lead in the standings to three games. Sports Editor Kyle Shaner broke the tie for second for the first time in the fourth week of the competition. Shaner went 4-3 and the guest picker, soccer coach Michelle Salmon, went 3-4. Each week Lopes, Shaner and a guest picker from the newspaper staff or the Ball State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics project the MAC games.
Lopes: 21-9Shaner: 18-12Guest: 17-13
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