In Week 5 of the NCAAF season, the Ball State Cardinals (1-2) face a formidable opponent in the unbeaten James Madison Dukes (3-0). This game, taking place at Showker Field at Bridgeforth Stadium, is set for a 1:30 PM ET kickoff and will be aired on ESPN+. As the Cardinals look to turn their season around, the Dukes aim to extend their winning streak. With both teams having much to prove, our college football tips today will dissect the key dynamics and player impacts set to define this clash.
Ball State Cardinals vs. James Madison Dukes 9/28/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 1:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Showker Field at Bridgeforth Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Ball State Cardinals (1-2) vs. James Madison Dukes (3-0)
The Ball State Cardinals head into this encounter with some critical players who are supposed to help in the offensive push, more so in rushing and receiving. Although he is a running back prop, Braedon Sloan has been performing to the top, rushing for 210 yards after carrying the ball 45 times and scoring two tds. For achieving passing touchdowns, he plays a key part as he helps in moving the ball with a high and consistent rate, which is important in creating scoring chances, just like it would be needed in this Louisvile vs Notre Dame game today where run support is a key facet in spreading and making balanced offensive sets. Tanner Koziol, on the other hand, strengthens the offense with his versatility by posting 211 receiving yards on 20 receptions, accruing an average of 10.6 yards a reception and scoring two TDs. Among boosting up Koziol’s statistics, he had a rush for a long of 33 yards making him the long reception target ruler in the offensive setup and breaking the defense.
On the other side, the James Madison Dukes capitalize on a well-balanced wholistic offense that encompasses both a dynamic rush and a complementary passing attack. Running back George Pettaway registers significant contribution on his 34 carries, with 201 rushing yards at an average of 5.9 yards a carry, complete with one touchdown. Pettaway binge eating and wearing down defenders to dominate on the ground resembles strategies employed during the Fresno St vs UNLV matchup earlier in the day, where rushing was effective enough to dictate the game’s pace. More so, Omarion Dollison is also a handy tool in the passing game for the Dukes as he recorded 205 receiving yards on only 5 catches good for 41 yards a catch and 2 touchdown passes. He can hit deep on receivers, as evidenced by a 73-yard reception, making Dollison one of the offensive weapons that James Madison has, enhancing their aerial assault because of its diversity.
Kadin Semonza QB vs. Alonza Barnett III QB
Kadin Semonza, Ball State’s offensive even commander, stands out among these players with all chances of further enhancement of his skills and is proof of that where he depicts. Completing 74 passes out of 104 pass attempts, Semonza was able to amass a total of 658 yards with an excellent percentage of 71.2% completion rate. Gaining 6.3 yards per attempt, with a touchdown touchdown-to-interception ratio of 7:2, Semonza is good at making plays but needs to reduce the nine sacks, allowing or taking to realize minimal risks. In this regard, his contribution towards integrating the offense unit at Ball State will be essential in dealing with James Madison’s different defensive patterns.
For James Madison, Alonza Barnett III, the quarterback, is the most efficient and controlling. Of those attempts, Barnett was successful on 46 of them, reaching 742 yards with 62.2% success. This number of throws produces a very healthy 10 yards a throw with seven touchdowns and one interception, resulting in a passer rating of 174.9. Barnett has been sacked seven times. However, the way he manages the passing game and the attacking style of defenses that he utilizes makes him a very strong asset for the Dukes’ offense.
As it is known, when Semonza faces Barnett in a game, their different approach and execution are essential in how the game is played and what the outcome will be. Semonza has to protect passing lanes and keep the offensive flow, while Barnett wants to use his passing ability to put more emphasis on the offense.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: James Madison Dukes Spread -20.5, Total Odds: 57.5
James Madison is favored with a -20.5 spread, indicative of their dominance and home-field advantage. A point total 57.5 suggests the potential for a high-scoring game driven by offensive capabilities. Bettors should assess James Madison’s ability to cover the spread alongside Ball State’s potential for strategic underdog disruption.
Ball State Cardinals Betting Trends
Ball State’s recent trends show promise, with an 8-1 ATS record highlighting their valuation in exceeding spread expectations. However, a stark 1-9 SU road history speaks to pivotal challenges in securing outright victories, necessitating an elevated focus on adaptive progression during away contests.
James Madison Dukes Betting Trends
James Madison projects commanding trends, boasting a 17-2 SU record indicative of robust control over game outcomes. The home form remains formidable at 8-1 SU, further augmented by recent ATS achievements reflecting comprehensive strategic execution underlined in proficient game contexts.
Ball State Cardinals vs. James Madison Dukes 9/28/24 Betting Picks
Analyzing overall form and dynamics, James Madison’s coherence positions them favorably to cover the spread, propelled by systemic solidity and home synergy. Ball State’s imperative lies within subverting more significant point differentials through calculated offensive exertions.
Recommendations through Expert premium analysis picks suggest emphasizing reception focal points, sack mitigations, and offshoot turnover posits. Expanded acumen enables depicted trading outlines to transcend preemptive projections into matured betting articulation connotations.