posted July 17, 2008 at 18:13 in NCAA F Free Picks

The Ball State Cardinals, (7-6 SU, 7-5 ATS, 6-6 O/U) haven’t won the Mid-American Conference championship in a dozen years, but will enter the 2008 college football betting regular season as one of the top contenders to end Central Michigan’s two-year conference reign, largely based on the team’s explosive offense.

While the team returns every offensive starter from last season, the Cardinals do have some concerns on defense, not to mention the fact that the club struggled in a big way in short-yardage situations.

Quarterback Nate Davis is talented and experienced and has two All-Mac performers as targets in tight end Darius Hill and wide receiver Dante Love. The team overhauled its front seven in an effort to bring more pressure along the defensive line. Ball State also has one of the best punters in the nation in senior Chris Miller.

The Northeastern Huskies enter this matchup looking to bounce back from a dismal 3-8 season in which they played five ranked opponents and all five Colonial Athletic Association, (CAA) playoff teams.

The Huskies return 15 of its 22 starters from last season, including nine on offense, but will be without the services of the school’s all-time leading rusher in Maurice Murray, who finished his career with 3,806 yards and 43 touchdowns.

The experienced Huskies’ offensive line, which helped the team to average 166.6 yards per game last season, includes a pro prospect in second team all-CAA tackle Kevin Newhall.

Quarterback Anthony Orio and tight end Brian Mandeville should both be better in 2008 after respective breakout seasons a year ago. Orio set career highs in completions, passing yards and passing efficiency while Mandeville set career highs in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns under head coach Rocky Hager.

Northeastern @ Ball State

Northeastern +20½ Points -115
Ball State -20½ Points -115

Analysis: I know Ball State is clearly the superior team in this matchup, but I’m thinking Northeastern should be able to keep the score close here while covering the high point spread for the BetUS NCAA Football online sports wagering community.

NCAAF Free Picks: Northeastern +20½ Points

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