Free College Football Picks Ball State at Central Michigan 10-2-10

Ball State Cardinals (1-3) vs. Central Michigan Chippewas (2-2)

Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 PM EST

Line: Central Michigan -16 1/2

Ryan Radcliff and the Chippewas look to help their even record when they face the visiting Ball State. Radcliff has had a great passing season so far, throwing for 1,142 yards and five touchdowns. Ball State has lost 3 out of their last four games. They were shut out 45-0 in their meeting against Iowa last week.

Keys to the Games

* Paris Cotton is the junior running back for the Chippewas. He’s rushed for 342 yards and five touchdowns so far this season. Look for Central Michigan to give him some more touches against Ball State. He’s had a streaky season; rushing for 209 yards and three touchdowns against Eastern Michigan before running for -1 and four carries in his following game against Northwestern.

* Eric Williams is one of the few talented players on Ball State. The running back has 232 yards and a touchdown in his 50 touches. Ball State is ranked 67th in the nation in rushing yards per game, with 148.5 yards this season.

* Central Michigan’s surprising loss to Northwestern has pushed them back to a record to 2-2. The week prior to that, their quarterback Radcliff put up a solid performance; going 15 for 23 and throwing in a touchdown.

Ball State will put up a strong effort to avoid heading into a losing season. Both MAC-Conference teams know how important this game is and will look to their running game to set up the big plays. Central Michigan will win this one but it’ll be closer than expected.

Free NCAA Football Pick: Ball State +16 1/2