Miami OH vs Ball State: MAC Championship Berth on the Line in Rivalry Showdown

The Miami (OH) RedHawks host the Ball State Cardinals this Saturday. The MAC rivalry game has major postseason consequences. A win sends Miami to their third straight conference championship game.

Kickoff is at 12:00 p.m. ET at Fred C. Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio. The game will be broadcast nationally on CBS Sports Network. According to ESPN, the RedHawks control their own destiny for a trip to Detroit.

RedHawks Eye Historic Third Consecutive Title Game Trip

Miami (OH) stands at 6-5 overall and 5-2 in MAC play. A victory guarantees them a spot in the MAC Championship Game on December 7. Head Coach Chuck Martin has built a consistent winner in Oxford.

The team has posted 7-1 conference records in each of the last two seasons. They have won the MAC East division both years. This senior class aims for an unprecedented third straight appearance at Ford Field.

Their path is clear despite a three-way tie atop the East division. Miami holds the critical tiebreaker over rivals Ohio and Toledo. This is due to their superior record against common MAC opponents.

Cardinals Play for Pride and Progress in Season Finale

Ball State enters with a 4-7 record and a 3-4 mark in the MAC. First-year head coach Mike Uremovich seeks a strong finish. A win would secure a .500 conference record, a positive step for the program.

The Cardinals are officially eliminated from bowl contention. They will play the role of spoiler against their longtime rivals. The Red Bird Rivalry Trophy has resided in Oxford for most of the past eight seasons.

Ball State’s defense has been a bright spot despite offensive struggles. Players like linebacker Nathan Voorhis have made impactful plays. The team will look to build momentum for the offseason with an upset.

Key Matchup: Miami’s Stout Defense vs. Ball State’s Ground Game

This game features a classic strength-versus-strength clash. Miami boasts one of the best defenses in the Group of Five. They rank 32nd nationally in total defense.

Defensive end Adam Trick leads a ferocious pass rush with 7.5 sacks. The secondary, featuring safeties Silas Walters and Eli Blakey, is ball-hawking. They have combined for five interceptions and 15 pass breakups.

Ball State’s offense relies heavily on the run. Quarterback Kiael Kelly is the team’s leading rusher with 547 yards. The Cardinals will test Miami’s front seven with a physical rushing attack.

Young Quarterback Gives Miami Offensive Spark

Miami’s season took a turn when they changed quarterbacks. Redshirt freshman Thomas Gotkowski took over during the Buffalo game. He provided an immediate spark for the offense.

Gotkowski passed for 185 yards and rushed for 26 more in his first action. He accounted for two touchdowns in the 37-14 win. His mobility adds a new dimension to the RedHawks’ scheme.

He is supported by a solid run game led by Jordan Brunson. The offense put together its most complete performance of the year last week. They will look to carry that momentum into the regular season finale.

The Miami OH vs Ball State prediction heavily favors the home team, but rivalry games often produce surprises. The RedHawks’ championship aspirations provide powerful motivation to close out the season strong and secure their playoff destiny.

Info at your fingertips

What time is the Miami OH vs Ball State game?

The game kicks off at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday. It will be televised live on CBS Sports Network. Fans can watch from Fred C. Yager Stadium in Oxford.

What does Miami need to win the MAC East?

Miami simply needs to beat Ball State. A victory clinches the MAC East division title outright. It would send them to the conference championship game in Detroit.

Is Ball State bowl eligible this year?

No, Ball State is not bowl eligible. Their loss last week brought their record to 4-7. Only teams with at least six wins can qualify for bowl games.

Who is favored to win the game?

Miami (OH) is a significant favorite. Sportsbooks list the RedHawks as 17.5-point favorites at home. The point spread reflects the teams’ differing seasonal trajectories.

What is the Red Bird Rivalry Trophy?

It is the trophy awarded to the winner of this annual matchup. The series has been played since 1931. Miami has won seven of the last eight meetings since 2017.