Ball State vs. Georgia State Prediction, Game Preview
Ball State vs. Georgia State prediction and game preview for the opening contest of the 2016 season. Find out who's projected to win the matchup between
Ball State vs. Georgia State prediction and game preview for the opening contest of the 2016 season. Find out who’s projected to win the matchup between the Cardinals and the Panthers.
Ball State vs. Georgia State Game Preview
Game Details
When: Friday, Sept. 2 – 7 p.m. ET
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Ga.
Last Season: Georgia State won 31-19 on the road behind 412 yards passing from Nick Arbuckle.
Matchup To Watch
Georgia State’s quarterback vs. Ball State’s defense
The Panthers ranked ninth in the nation in passing offense last season as Arbuckle threw for 4,368 yards and 28 touchdowns. Junior Conner Manning, sophomore Emiere Scaife and redshirt freshman Aaron Winchester have been battling for the starting job through camp, but coach Trent Miles said he doesn’t plan to name a quarterback before the opener.
Arbuckle picked apart a Ball State unit that ranked 122nd in pass defense at 292.5 yards allowed per game last year, one of the major reasons the Cardinals finished 3-9 and fired coach Pete Lembo. Defensive coordinator Tim Daoust will try to get more out of the 10 returning starters and apply much-needed pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Offensive Edge
Mike Neu was the MAC offensive player of the year in 1993 as quarterback for the Cardinals, and Ball State turned to one of its own to replace Lembo. Neu, who previously served as the New Orleans Saints’ quarterback coach, plans to institute an air-it-out offense. Riley Neal isn’t exactly Drew Brees, but he showed some promise while throwing 16 touchdowns as a true freshman, including two against Georgia State.
Panthers receivers Penny Hart and Robert Davis should help make the adjustment easier for the new signal caller. Hart had a stellar freshman season with 71 catches for 1,099 yards and eight touchdowns, while Davis finished with 61 receptions for 980 yards and six scores. Davis torched the Cardinals for 125 yards and a touchdown in last year’s meeting.
Advantage: Georgia State
Defensive Edge
The Panthers gave up an average of 349.6 yards over a 5-3 finish that included their first bowl appearance in school history. Defensive back Bobby Baker and linebacker Kaleb Ringer return as Georgia State looks to continue improving on the defensive side of the ball.
Ball State allowed 445 total yards to Georgia State last year. Shockingly, eight opponents finished with more than that.
Advantage: Georgia State
Special Teams Edge
The Panthers lost All-Sun Belt kicker Wil Lutz, who booted a 50-yard field goal against the Cardinals last season.
Ball State gets nearly every contributor back from a unit that was one of the best in the MAC in overall return yardage and kickoff coverage.
Advantage: Ball State
Coaching Edge
Miles took over Georgia State as it made the transition from the FCS in 2013. After going 1-23 in the first two FBS seasons, Miles guided the Panthers to six victories in 2015 and has them on an upward track to compete for a Sun Belt title.
Neu has plenty of experience and a familiarity with Ball State, but it’s yet to be determined if he can help the Cardinals rediscover some of their past success in the MAC.
Advantage: Georgia State
Ball State vs. Georgia State Prediction
The Panthers spoil Neu’s debut with a close, 27-24 victory.
