Ball State will be looking to be above .500 for the first time since 2020, although the task won’t be easy.
The Cardinals were 4-8 overall and 3-5 in the MAC last season, but the difference between a winning and losing season was closer than the record indicates. Ball State lost three of its MAC games by a touchdown or less, including two by three points or fewer.
The Cardinals have undergone some big changes. There are five new assistant coaches and 20 players who have been brought in from the transfer portal.
During the MAC’s media day, ninth-year Ball State head coach Mike Neu expressed confidence that this could be an improved team. Others have a different view. Ball State was selected to finish ninth of 12 teams in the MAC coaches preseason poll.
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Ball State’s MAC Title Odds
Ball State’s odds to win the MAC are +4000, via BetMGM.
Ball State Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Ball State’s win total Over/Under is 3.5, with Under 3.5 at +120 and Over 3.5 at -145.
Ball State Football’s 2024 Schedule
9/7 vs Missouri State
9/14 at Miami
9/21 at Central Michigan
9/28 at JMU
10/5 vs Western Michigan
10/12 at Kent State
10/19 at Vanderbilt
10/26 vs Northern Illinois
11/5 vs Miami (Ohio)
11/12 at Buffalo
11/23 vs Bowling Green
11/29 at Ohio
Bold indicates MAC contests
Key Ball State Returners
2023 All-MAC 3rd Team
TE Tanner Koziol
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Kadin Semonza To Start At Quarterback For Ball State Football
Neu said redshirt freshman Kadin Semonza will be the starting quarterback.
Last year, the 5-foot-11, 192-pound Semonza played the first four games before it was decided he would redshirt. He completed 50 of 82 passes for 480 yards, three touchdowns, and five interceptions. He played in losses at Kentucky and Georgia, a home win over Indiana State, and a home loss to Georgia Southern.
Last year, Kiael Kelly appeared in 12 games at quarterback, but Neu said he has been moved to defensive back. Neu said there are still some packages the Cardinals will employ Kelly at quarterback, and he will also be a return man. Last season, he rushed for 724 yards and seven touchdowns.
Leading the receiving corps is Qian Magwood, who led Ball State in both receptions (41) and receiving yards (358) while scoring one touchdown. Ty Robinson, who suffered a season-ending injury in the second game of the year against Georgia, will be another key receiver, along with Eastern Illinois transfer Justin Bowick.
Tight end Tanner Koziol (34 receptions, 295 yards, and three TDs in 2023) is expected to be an even bigger part of the passing game.
One person who is expected to improve the running game is Braedon Sloan, a transfer from FCS Eastern Kentucky where he had 1,636 all-purpose yards last year.
Center Ethan Crowe, who missed five games last year due to injury, anchors an experienced offensive line. He has made 29 career starts for the Cardinals.
Linebacker Keionte Newson is Ball State’s defensive leader. He paced the team with 81 tackles. Cornerback Thailand Baldwin started four games and is expected to be a key member of the secondary. He totaled 30 tackles and five pass breakups.
Neu said Ball State has five new defensive linemen from the transfer portal, including Kyran Montgomery, who spent the past three seasons at Missouri, although he didn’t see any game action.
2024 Ball State Football Season Prediction
I predict Ball State won’t win the MAC Championship and will win five games.
The key will be offensive efficiency. Last year, Ball State averaged 18.3 points per game, which was 119th in the nation. The Cardinals had a minus-5 turnover ratio, which was tied for 101st in the FBS. Semonza should be better after a year in the system, and Kelly should keep defenses on their toes with his running ability.
Last year, the defense allowed 24.4 points per game, which was 53rd in the country. The unit, despite many new faces, should be solid.
The non-league schedule featuring Missouri State, Miami, James Madison, and Vanderbilt is challenging, but even if Ball State goes 1-3, the Cardinals are capable of going .500 in the MAC. They have momentum from last season, finishing the year 3-2 with the two losses by a combined five points.
So improving by a win is a realistic goal, although no doubt Neu and the team will be looking for a bigger leap.
