Ball State 2018 Betting Preview: Cardinals Will Be Favored in Only 2 Games
Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports. Pictured: Riley Neal
Ball State 2018 Betting Odds
- To win the National Title: +999999
- To win the MAC: +12500
- Win Total: 4 (over +100, under -130)
All lines as of Aug. 3. Always shop for the best line.
Ball State 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds
The Action Network Projected Wins: 3.2
Bet To Watch
Ball State Under 4 wins (-130)
The hot ticket in the 2017 futures market was for a turnaround in Muncie. But before a snap in MAC conference play, injuries to an all-MAC running back, a multi-year career starter at quarterback, and its best offensive lineman sunk Ball State. The medical tent on the Cardinals' sideline was the size of a Wal-Mart. There's a tricky balance between scheduling multiple Power 5 teams for the money (see NIU's schedule) but also staying light to preserve the health of your program. Ball State was on the wrong side of that in 2017.
The #NeuEra hype has dried up on social media, as head coach Mike Neu is in his third season after a 6-18 start. In better news, Ball State ranks fifth overall in returning production, including plenty of medical redshirts.
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Defensively, Ball State does return its three top tacklers from last season. Defensive coordinator David Elson had the Cardinals line up in a 4-3, but they'll move to his preferred 3-4 scheme this year.
[VIDEO] Spring practice has been critical for a handful of @BallStateFB defensive ends. They're making the move to outside linebacker as part of the team's 3-4 shift. All-Access caught up with the group to check in on the process. #ChirpChirp#WeFlypic.twitter.com/Br3D7g0GMQ
— Ball State Sports (@BallStateSports) April 3, 2018
Ball State was a tough wager in 2017, going 3-9 ATS and specifically 1-7 ATS in #MACtion. I had excitement over Mike Neu's 4-8 season in 2016, but don't feel that way entering 2018. It's tough to find wins, with Central Connecticut State and Kent State the only games in which the Cardinals will be favored.
Three upsets are needed to cash an over ticket, and that is reason enough for an under 4 +100 ticket.
What else you need to know about Ball State
Things have not gone well for Ball State with prep even before Neu took over as head coach. Ball State is 1-7 ATS after a bye week since 2013, giving the season-ending edge to Miami of Ohio. (The teams play on Nov. 20.)
More College Football Betting Previews
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