THE INSIDERS ROOM'S 10* WED. NIGHT 'MAC-ATTACK!' (WON 3 OF L4 CARDS!)
(NCAAF) Ball State vs. Miami-OH,
Point Spread: 2.00 | -109.00 Ball State (Away)
Result: Loss
This is a 10* MAC-ATTACK on Ball State.

The RedHawks won the conference last year, but I expect a predictable step back this season.

Miami Ohio enters the season with plenty of off-field issues as well, as three freshman were just arrested and suspended indefinitely.

I don't see much of a difference either between the starting QB's, as Blaine Gabbert finished with 11 touchdowns for the RedHawks last year, while Drew Pitt enters his senior season for the Cardinals with 33 career touchdowns.

These teams met at the end of the regular season last year and Ball State picked up the 41-27 upset victory and in my opinion, everything points to a similar result here.

Pitt is the difference maker for me here. He's extremely accurate and while the RedHawks' defense is better against the pass than the run, I still think the unit will be caught flat-footed in the first game. Teh advantage definitely goes to Pitt in that matchup.

Miami Ohio will try to the run the ball, but Ball State should improve dramatically in stopping the rush this year with seven returning starters on that side of the field.

Clearly the outright is possible, but I'm still going to grab the handful of points.

Good luck, NP