Buffalo Bulls Football Vs. Ball State Cardinals: Game Preview

Nothing says #MACtion like a classic must win Thursday night football game. That’s just the case for UB tonight as the Bulls travel to Muncie, Indiana to take on the Ball State Cardinals. In a roller coaster season for the Bulls, they remain in the hunt for bowl eligibility as they need to win their remaining two games in order to qualify.

Buffalo is coming off a strong performance where they beat Bowling Green 38-28 last Tuesday. Led by Tyree Jackson, Buffalo’s offense seemed like it could score at will, something they will have to do again this week. That shouldn’t be a problem however. Ball State is currently 0-6 in the MAC and are allowing a shocking 53 (!!!) PPG and has only held one MAC team under 50 (Akron). During this streak their offense has only managed to score 10.5 PPG including a 9 quarter stretch in which they did not score a TD. A loss tonight would be embarrassing for the Bulls to say the least, especially when looking to go bowling. Here’s what to watch for.

What to Watch For

Anthony Johnson

This dude can play. Plain and simple. Johnson has been able to torch most every MAC defense no matter who has been under center. I expect Johnson to go off against a weak Cardinals team and hopefully find the end zone multiple times. I expect the Bulls to air it out most of the game and really put their foot down on the Cardinals.

Defense

Like I said above, the Ball State offense is not very good either. So that means it’s even more important for the UB defense to try and shut them down early. Any sort of momentum for a team whose season is over is not good. If the Bulls can establish early on defense, I think this game will be over quickly.

Special Teams

Kyle Deween has been wonderful. Adam Mitcheson has not been. I would love to see Mitcheson come out and hit some FGs in this game to hopefully give him confidence heading in to next weeks match up with Ohio, where every point will mean so much. I want so badly to believe in him on every kick, and they may happen if I see some go through the uprights tonight.

Final Thoughts

Like I’ve stressed, the Bulls should win this game. A loss hear almost feels like a fireable offence with how bad the Cardinals have been. It won’t be, but still, it needs to be a win. I expect UB to dominate unless they are looking too far ahead to Ohio. If they do that, I see this game being closer than it has to be. I think the offense airs it out and UB gets the confidence they need going in to the biggest game of the season. I hope everyone enjoys the game tonight and as always, go bulls!