By: Dane Massey
Ball State Sports Link
Following a loss to Central Michigan, Ball State will look to bounce back in hopes to make a second consecutive bowl game appearance as they clash with the Buffalo Bulls in a rematch of the Mid-American Conference championship game last year. Buffalo, much like Ball State has been on a slide, losing three straight games, including loses to Northern Illinois and Miami (OH).
Ball State on the other hand has lost three of their last four, however there is a bright side to this as the Cardinals are not counted out yet for a bowl game. They look to make a statement against a very solid Buffalo team.
This game on paper is destined to stick to the run game, and much like Ball State, Buffalo is powered by star running back Dylan McDuffie, who is primed to have a 1,000-yard season this year as he is 18 yards shy of that mark. On the other hand, Ball State running back Carson Steele is having a phenomenal freshman campaign with almost 800 yards on the season. Along with three games with over 100 yards rushing.
For many Ball State football players, this will be their last game at the Schue, however the Cardinals are will try and end their 2021-22 season with a bang with focus and determination.
“Obviously for a lot of these guys, the last one that they will have a chance to play at Schumann Stadium,” head coach Mike Neu said. “You’re always going to remember your last one, and it takes a great week of focus, a great week of preparation to give ourselves the best chance to win.”
As Ball State prepares for their home closer in a MAC championship rematch against Buffalo, here are a few players to keep an eye on.
JUSTIN HALL:
After sitting out the game against Central Michigan due to injury, the all-time receiving king is looking to return to action and help the offense to a much-needed victory against Buffalo in his last game at Schumann Stadium. Hall has been one of biggest offensive playmakers for the Cardinals, not only in the passing game, but in the run game as well. Hall will look to go out with a bang against a team that should be very familiar to him.
It was not too long ago that Justin Hall had a performance against Buffalo in the Mid-American Conference championship game. As he put up five receptions for 45 yards and one score. He averaged nine yards per reception in that game.
Obviously when you play your last game for a team that you put your heart and soul into is very hard for a player like Justin Hall, but there is a guarantee that he will leave the fans speechless as he looks for a highlight reel in his final game as a Ball State Cardinal.
DREW PLITT:
The man under center for the Cardinals has a serious resume under his belt. He led Ball State to its first Mid-American Conference Championship in 25 years and is regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in Ball State football history. However, Plitt, much like Justin Hall, is very familiar with this Buffalo team as he arguably had one of the best games of his career against Buffalo last year. Throwing for over 250 yards, three scores, and an interception.
Plitt will look to make a statement heading into this game after coming off two straight losses. Ball State is not going to end their season on a bad note. Drew Plitt will look to end the regular season on a high note as he looks to lead the offense to another victory against a Buffalo team who has given up an average of 30 points a game.
