The Eastern Michigan Eagles (2-3) and the Ball State Cardinals (1-4) play on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Rynearson Stadium in a battle of MAC opponents.
Tune in to ESPN+ to watch the Eagles battle the Cardinals.
When is Eastern Michigan vs. Ball State and when does it start?
This contest between the Eagles and Cardinals will happen on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Expect to see the kickoff at 3:30 PM ET.
Where to watch Eastern Michigan vs. Ball State
The Eagles and Cardinals will hit the field at Rynearson Stadium for this matchup on October 7, and if you’d like to catch the game live, get your tickets now from Vivid Seats!
What channel is the game on?
You can catch this game live on ESPN+.
Watch Eastern Michigan vs. Ball State live stream on ESPN+
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Eastern Michigan vs. Ball State Game Preview
Eastern Michigan Stats & Insights
In their most recent outing, the Eagles lost 26-23 to the Central Michigan Chippewas.
It’s been a difficult stretch for Eastern Michigan, which ranks third-worst in total offense (260.2 yards per game) and 22nd-worst in total defense (414.8 yards per game allowed) in 2023.
While the Eagles’ pass defense ranks 27th with 192.4 passing yards allowed per game, they’ve been less successful on offense, ranking fourth-worst (136.8 passing yards per game).
Eastern Michigan has the 105th-ranked rushing offense this season (123.4 rushing yards per game), and has been less effective on defense, ranking third-worst with 222.4 rushing yards allowed per game.
The Eagles have been a bottom-25 scoring offense this season, ranking fifth-worst with 16.2 points per contest. On the defensive side of the ball, they are ranked 48th in the FBS (22.4 points allowed per game).
Ball State Stats & Insights
The Eagles enter the matchup after losing 26-23 to the Central Michigan Chippewas in their last game on September 30.
Ball State’s offense has been a bottom-25 unit in total offense this season, putting up 301.0 total yards per game, which ranks eighth-worst in the FBS. On the defensive side of the ball, it ranks 97th with 399.0 total yards surrendered per contest.
The Cardinals’ defense has been a bottom-25 unit in pass defense this season, allowing 275.2 passing yards per game, which ranks 14th-worst in the FBS. On offense, they rank 102nd with 196.6 passing yards per contest.
Ball State’s running game has been sputtering, ranking 15th-worst in the FBS with 104.4 rushing yards per game. It has been more productive defensively, giving up 123.8 rushing yards per contest (52nd-ranked).
The Cardinals have been outplayed on both sides of the ball this season, ranking ninth-worst in points (17.8 per game) and 11th-worst in points surrendered (35.6 per game).
Eastern Michigan Key Players to Watch
Austin Smith has thrown for 642 yards (128.4 ypg) to lead Eastern Michigan, completing 60.4% of his passes and tossing three touchdown passes and three interceptions this season. He’s also contributed in the ground game with 120 rushing yards (24.0 ypg) on 46 carries with one rushing touchdown.
Jaylon Jackson has carried the ball 49 times for a team-high 258 yards (51.6 per game), with one touchdown this year.
This season Samson Evans has racked up 47 carries for 242 yards (48.4 per game) and two touchdowns.
Tanner Knue’s 187 receiving yards (46.8 yards per game) pace all receivers on the team. He’s registered 22 receptions and two touchdowns.
JB Mitchell III has recorded 103 receiving yards (20.6 yards per game), hauling in 11 passes this year.
Blake Daniels’ nine receptions are good enough for 101 yards (25.3 ypg).
Ball State Key Players to Watch
Kadin Semonza leads Ball State with 480 passing yards (120.0 ypg) on 50-of-82 passing with three touchdowns compared to five interceptions this season.
The team’s top rusher, Marquez Cooper, has carried the ball 73 times for 316 yards (63.2 per game), with one touchdown this year.
This season Kiael Kelly has rushed for 87 yards (17.4 per game) on 23 carries.
Qian Magwood’s team-high 241 receiving yards (48.2 yards per game) have come on 24 receptions with one touchdown.
Tanner Koziol has totaled 169 receiving yards (33.8 yards per game) and one touchdown, reeling in 20 passes this year.
Ahmad Edwards’ 10 receptions are good enough for 153 yards (38.3 ypg) and one touchdown.
