Go Daddy Bowl: Arkansas State vs. Ball State

Matchup: Arkansas State vs. Ball State
Line: Ball State -7.5. Total 63.5

Key Points for Arkansas State
-The Red Wolves have lost 3 head coaches in three years after Bryan Harsin moved onto Boise State. This is coming after Gus Malzahn left for Auburn and promptly has led them to a National Championship Bid. Even after all of the head coaching uncertainty, Arkansas State continues to produce and win.
-Dual threat quarterback Adam Kennedy and sophomore wide receiver J.D. McKissic. Kennedy is not nearly as efficient as QB Jordan Lynch of Northern Illinois, but he will be the games biggest factor as the Cardinals could not handle Lynch at all.
-The Red Wolves have plenty of playmaking options in the backfield. David Oku had 511 yards and six touchdowns after 141 carries. Michael Gordon is a real speedster and was the team's leading rusher and was named second-team All-Sun Belt. He averaged 6.8 yards for each of his 106 carries to total 717 yards and ten touchdowns. They can also turn to Sirgregory Thornton, who has 60 carries and averages 5.7 yards per touch.


Key Points for Ball State
-Ball State led the MAC and rank No. 9 nationally in passing offense because of the play from quarterback Keith Wenning (3,933 yards, 34 touchdowns, six interceptions) and wide receiver Willie Snead (1,429 yards, 14 touchdowns).
-Wenning is the all time leader in just about every Ball State passing category. He also has Jahwan Edwards in the backfield who has run for 5.2 yards per carry and almost 100 per game. He also scored 13 touchdowns.
-Senior defensive end Jonathan Newsome has been a nightmare for opposing MAC offenses to deal with this year, and as a result, he led the team with eight sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. Newsome was named All-MAC first team.

Prediction: Arkansas State is up against the best passing game they've seen all season. It'll be necessary for them to use their dynamic backfield to control the ball and keep it out of the hands of Wenning. I lean Arkansas State, but not with much confidence and will pass on the bet.