Ball State Cardinals
Ball State Cardinals Coming off their toughest game of the year a week ago against Central Michigan, no. 15 Ball State looks to stay unbeaten when it hosts Western Michigan on Tuesday. Odds makers are calling the Cardinals double digit favorites in their final regular season game. College football betting lines have Ball State at -10.5 with the total set at 53.

Last week Cardinals quarterback Nate Davis threw for 175 yards and four touchdowns, including the go-ahead score midway through the fourth quarter. Running back MiQuale Lewis had a season-high 177 rushing yards as Ball State improved to 7-0 in the Mid-American Conference.

"It was a big win," said Lewis. "For us to win the MAC championship, we knew we had to come through here, through Central. Great team. Well coached. We knew we'd get their 'A' game."

Ball State can win the MAC Conference West outright with a victory over Western Michigan this week, and play Buffalo in the MAC title
game in Detroit on Dec. 5.

"Our goal has been to win the championship since we came here in 2003, so when we meet at the beginning of the year, we talk about our expectations," said Ball State coach Brady Hoke. "Believe me, it's been a conversation. But I like our team because of how they care about each other and how they play for each other, and that's what we're going to do on Tuesday."

At 9-2 overall and 6-1 in the MAC, the Central Michigan Broncos still have an outside chance to win the West, but need Central Michigan to lose at Eastern Michigan in addition to beating Ball State. Western Michigan was idle last week after beating Toledo 27-17 on Nov. 15 behind three scoring passes from quarterback Tim Hiller.

"I think our kids are feeling pretty good about it," said Western Michigan coach Bill Cubit. "I mean, Ball State's undefeated. So I think the challenge there is pretty good."

Ball State should handle Western Michigan at home. Take the Cardinals and give the 10.5 points.