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[Thomas Henry, TJ Sweeney | WOUB]

Ohio prepares to take on Ball State with MAC title game in its sights 

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB)– The Ohio University Football Team (8-3, 6-1 MAC) is preparing to take on the Ball State Cardinals (3-8, 2-5 MAC) at Peden Stadium this Friday afternoon for their final regular season game.  

The Ohio Bobcats are coming into this matchup having won their last four games in a row, most recently a 24-7 victory over the Toledo Rockets in which running back Anthony Tyus III had one of his best games of the season, rushing for 125 yards with a touchdown. The running game has been key to Ohio’s game plan all season and will be key if the Bobcats hope to defeat the Cardinals. Quarterback Parker Navarro has also turned into a rushing threat of his own, rushing for six touchdowns over the last two games, 35-10 and 24-7 victories over Eastern Michigan and Toledo, respectively.  

Tank Pearson (#7) holding Ohio's turnover belt after recording an interception vs Eastern Michigan.
Tank Pearson (#7) holding Ohio’s turnover belt after recording an interception vs Eastern Michigan. [Conor Mallonn | WOUB Public Media]
The Ball State Cardinals have struggled this season and head into this matchup on a three-game losing streak. However, the Cardinals are not a team the Bobcats should take lightly ahead of their matchup. Despite their 2-5 MAC record, the Cardinals have lost four games to MAC opponents by seven points or less, including three games where they lost by only three points to Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Buffalo. The Cardinals have had trouble establishing their run game early on in contests, with Ohio having nearly double the number of rushing yards as the Cardinals. Ball State has also been prone to turnovers, while the Bobcats have been successful in turning turnovers into points this season. For Ball State, keeping possession of the ball will be key to a victory. 

The Bobcats lead the MAC in defense, allowing only 18.5 points per game, while their offense ranks first in total yards (394.2 yards per game) and rushing (204.5 yards per game) and will no doubt lean into their run game as they try to finish the regular season with a win and secure a birth in the MAC Championship game on December 7 in Detroit. Bobcat fans will be keeping a close eye on the Bowling Green vs. Miami Ohio game which will be happening at the same time on Friday afternoon. The winner of that game will decide Ohio’s opponent in the championship game should they make it past Ball State. 

The Bobcats are in a strong position to finish their regular season with a victory. The stakes are high for Ohio, as a win not only secures their momentum but also ensures their place in the MAC Championship on Dec. 7 in Detroit. Fans will be equally tuned in to both games in what should be an entertaining afternoon of MAC football.