Cam Ward and Miami should have another explosive day versus Ball State
After Ball State held Missouri State to 108 total yards through the first three quarters and 110 yards passing, the Cardinals gave up 212 total yards and 158 passing in the fourth quarter. Miami should wear down Ball State much earlier in the game. Expect Cam Ward to create multiple big plays versus Ball State.
The porous pass defense in the fourth quarter makes Ball State 108th nationally, allowing 258.0 passing yards per game. Ball State allowed four completions of over 20 yards versus Missouri State, which ranks 108th nationally per game. Missouri State had eight completions of 10 or more yards, four 20 plus and two 30 plus.
Miami enters the game versus Ball State seventh nationally averaging 354.5 passing yards per game. The Hurricanes are seventh nationally with 26 pass plays of 10 or more yards, second with 14 completions of 14 or more yards and 14th with five plays through the air of 30 or more yards.
Xavier Restrepo has been one of the best big-play receivers in 2024. Restrepo has eight receptions of 10 or more yards, four of 20 plus, three of 30 or more, two of 40 or more and one of 50 plus. Although Restrepo leads the Miami receivers, Ward has completed passes to 15 different Miami players through the first two games,
Ward has made TE an option again for Miami. Miami TEs had 18 receptions for 154 yards and one touchdown in 2023. In 2024 Miami TEs have 11 receptions for 173 yards and two TDs. Elijah Arroyo has been a big part of the explosive Miami offense with five receptions for first downs, four catches for 15-plus yards and two for more than 25.
Ball State allowed Missouri State 8.1 yards per pass attempt. Missouri State averaged 11.38 yards per pass attempt in the fourth quarter. Ward should have an exceptional amount of time to throw with a Miami offensive line that has a huge advantage, figuratively and literally.
dark. Next. Cam Ward has turned Miami into big play offense. Cam Ward has turned Miami into big play offense
Ward has significantly improved Miami's offense. His skill at buying time has led to more explosive passing plays. Ball State's secondary may struggle to cover Ward's ability to distribute the ball to different receivers. Expect another big day through the air for Ward and Miami offensively.