Ball State vs. ToledoFor the third consecutive week, the Cardinals are looking to become bowl eligible. The last two weeks Ball State lost to the University of Illinois and Indiana University. The Rockets are also looking to become bowl eligible. While Ball State has lost its last two games, the Rockets are in the midst of a three game winning streak as it defeated Ohio, Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan. Last season the teams played a Tuesday game on ESPN2, which the Cardinals won 20-17.
Staff PredictionsVinnie Lopes, Managing Editor: Ball StateKyle Shaner, Sports Editor: Ball StateCraig Nicholson, Softball Coach: Ball State
Eastern Michigan vs. Bowling GreenBowling Green is led by sophomore quarterback Tyler Sheehan. Sheehan is second in the MAC with 268.9 passing yards per game, behind Ball State's sophomore Nate Davis. Sheehan began the season leading the MAC in passing as he threw for at least 295 yards in each of his first three games. With Sheehan's dropping passing yards is also the Falcons' record. They started out 3-1 but are 2-4 since. The Owls began the season 0-5 but then won three straight games prior to losing last week at Ohio.
Lopes: Bowling GreenShaner: Bowling GreenNicholson: Bowling Green
Northern Illinois vs. Kent StateNorthern Illinois has not defeated a team from the Football Championship Subdivision this season. The Huskies' one win was a 42-35 victory against the University of Idaho Sept. 22. Since the win, Northern Illinois has lost five consecutive games, including a 70-21 loss to Toledo in its last game. Kent State is looking for its second win in the MAC this season. The Golden Flashes defeated Ohio 33-25 earlier this season. They also beat Delaware State University and Iowa State University.
Lopes: Kent StateShaner: Kent StateNicholson: Kent State
Akron vs. MiamiAkron enters the game against Miami with one of the best special teams units in the MAC. The Zips have the conference's leading kickoff returner in Bryan Williams, who averages 32.1 yards per return. They also have the leader in punt return average in Andre Jones, who averages 18.5 per return. Miami is seventh in the conference in kickoff coverage, allowing an average of 37.7 yards per return. Miami's defense is first in the MAC in scoring with an average of 26 points allowed per game.
Lopes: MiamiShaner: MiamiNicholson: Miami
Temple vs. Penn StateNo. 23 Penn State is the first ranked opponent Temple has played this season. Last season the Owls played two ranked teams and lost both times. Temple lost to No. 12 Clemson 63-9 and No. 13 Louisville 62-0. The last non-conference game Penn State played was against Buffalo Sept. 15. The Nittany Lions defeated the Owls. 45-24. Buffalo beat Temple 42-7 on Sept. 8. The Owls have not won a game against a team not from the MAC this season, Temple's first year in the conference.
Lopes: Penn StateShaner: Penn StateNicholson: Penn State
Manchester College vs. Anderson UniversityIn this week's obscure game of the week, Anderson University faces Manchester College in the Bronze Ball Trophy Game. Anderson and Manchester are both NCAA Division III football teams in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Manchester's last win was Oct. 6 against Bluffton University 20-13. Anderson won two of its last three games, including a 25-18 win against Bluffton. Last season Anderson beat Manchester 19-16.
Lopes: ManchesterShaner: AndersonNicholson: Manchester
Pick 'em StandingsLast week Managing Editor Vinnie Lopes lost ground in his lead with a 2-3 week. Sports Editor Kyle Shaner and men's basketball coach Billy Taylor both went 3-2 on the week. Each week Lopes, Shaner and a guest from the newspaper or Ball State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics project the MAC games.
Lopes: 23-11Shaner: 21-14Guests: 20-15
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