Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Ball State Football: After MAC title, what will Cardinals do for encore?

By Jackson Caudell

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Drew Plitt #9 of the Ball State Cardinals looks on during the second half of the Rocket Mortgage MAC Football Championship against the Buffalo Bulls at Ford Field on December 18, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The Ball State Cardinals won the game 38-28. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Drew Plitt #9 of the Ball State Cardinals looks on during the second half of the Rocket Mortgage MAC Football Championship against the Buffalo Bulls at Ford Field on December 18, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The Ball State Cardinals won the game 38-28. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Drew Plitt, Ball State Football. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Drew Plitt, Ball State Football. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Cardinals’ offense be as prolific as it was last season?

Ball State averaged 34 points per game last season and there is a chance that the Cardinals are going to top that in 2021 with so much talent returning to this side of the ball.

At quarterback, Drew Plitt is back after throwing for over 2,100 yards and 17 touchdowns, with just six interceptions. He was one of the best quarterbacks in the MAC last season and he is out to have another outstanding season. The passing game finished ranked 31st in the country and a repeat of that mark is in play with Plitt back under center for the Cardinals.

The running game is going to be led by one of the top running back tandems in the MAC. Tye Evans and Will Jones are back after combing for 636 yards rushing last season. Replacing last year’s starter Caleb Huntley won’t be an easy task, but Evans and Jones are two really talented backs and I am anticipating big seasons from both of them.

At receiver, Ball State is going to have one of the top receiving duos in the conference on the outside. Justin Hall has big potential and his running mate on the other side, Yo’Heinz Tyler is in for a big season as well. The duo combined for 91 catches and 1,272 yards in just eight games last year and those numbers will be bigger in potentially 14 games this season. Another guy to look out for is sophomore Jalen McGaughy.

The offensive line is projected to be one of the best in the MAC with all five of their starters returning. This offense should pick up right where it left off in 2020.

Home/MAC