Early Scouting Report: Ball State
Fall camp is off and running at the Carol Soffer Football Training Facility as head coach Mario Cristobal begins his 3rd fall camp at Miami. The 2024 college football season is right around the corner. We are getting ready for the season by previewing each opponent on Miami’s schedule at CT.
For the first time, I will be providing weekly scouting reports on and off for Miami’s upcoming opponent that will include an in-depth look at personnel, advanced stats, scheme background, betting information, series history, program profile, and keys to victory. That is just around the corner.
But it’s never too early to start getting some homework done. We are now pumping out some early scouting reports as we research and take a closer look at the foes on Miami’s schedule.
Ball State offense
Let’s take a look at the numbers Ball State’s offense posted in 2023. This unit was a weakness in Muncie, and things must get turned around in 2024.
- Scoring: 18.25 (No. 119 overall in FBS)
- Yards Per Play: 4.8
- Yards Per Rush: 4.4
- Yards Per Pass: 5.9
- Red Zone TD Percentage: 51%
Overall this is just bad, does not seem like they have the type of offense that they can keep up with Miami’s defensive line.
The guy that will be taking over at the quarterback position will be sophomore quarterback Kiael Kelly who is a 6-foot-2, 210-pound quarterback out of Tampa, (Fla.). Kelly threw for 577 yards and ran for 724 yards and seven touchdowns which he can be dangerous.
In the upcoming games, the backfield snaps will be handled by either Charlie Spegal or TJ Horton along with Braedon Sloan, all of them is relatively untested backs who are looking to make their mark on the field.
The receiving corps is expected to do more than before. Qian Magwood, the leading receiver, caught 41 passes, mostly quick plays to get him on the move. The emphasis is on quick plays to utilize Magwood’s mobility. The team is looking for increased contributions from the receiving corps.
The line is full of veterans and should be okay.
Ball State’s defense
The Ball State’s defense is not really anything special.
- Scoring: 24.4
- Yards Per Play: 5.2
- Yards Per Rush: 5.2
- Yards Per Pass: 6.8
- Team Sacks: 25
- Takeaways: 23
Their defense was really picked apart last season by smaller teams as in Georgia Southern and bigger teams such as Georgia and Kentucky.
Thailand Baldwin, a skilled corner, has returned to his position on the team. The team is working on filling the gaps left by the departure of safety Jordan Riley to Kansas State.
In the upcoming season, the University of Indianapolis transfer Justin Thomas is expected to make a significant impact on the edge, while Hillsdale College’s Riley Tolsma is poised to take on a key role on one end. These two players are set to bring their talents to the field, adding depth and strength to their respective teams.
Meet the key players of the team’s defense this season. Keionte Newson’s impressive 81 tackles have solidified his position as a defensive standout, while Joey Stemler is expected to make a significant impact with an expanded role. Get ready to witness their defensive prowess on the field.
Outlook
Miami’s upcoming game against Ball State seems to be a sure win, given the talent difference between the two teams. With such a wide margin, it’s expected that the Canes will dominate the field and run up the score. In terms of game difficulty, this match ranks as one of the easiest for Miami.
Trinton is the owner of CanesToday. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, he is a freshman in high school and wants to graduate from the University of Miami
