Ford Field is set to host its 17th MAC Championship Game on Friday night— and the first without a crowd on hand— when the Ball State Cardinals (5-1) do battle with the AP poll’s #23 Buffalo Bulls (5-0.)
The scene for the 24th conference title game will be a unique one, as the two division champions will duke it out in an empty stadium which normally hosts the Detroit Lions, due to the latest batch of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recent COVID-19 restrictions.
A lack of a crowd won’t dampen the on-field action, however, as one of the nation’s best runners in Buffalo RB Jaret Patterson takes the field in an effort to add on to his already ridiculous season numbers in rushing yards (1,025) and touchdowns (18.)
The Ball State defense, one of the better units in the conference, will have its hands full, but does carry co-defensive player of the year in linebacker Brandon Martin (72 total tackles) and hard-hitting safety Bryce Cosby to counter the efficent Buffalo run game.
This game is also set to be a rematch of the infamous 2008 MAC title game, which saw Buffalo manage an upset of the undefeated Nate Davis/Brady Hoke Ball State squad to secure its first-ever MAC championship as an FBS member.
There are plenty of storylines for both Buffalo and Ball State ahead of the game to catch up on as well in the lead-up to tonight’s game.
Here’s our full game preview for a more in-depth analysis, and the info you’ll need to watch the game below:
Game Info:
- Where: Ford Field, in Detroit, Michigan
- When: Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. EST
- Weather: Ford Field, as an indoor facility affected by the State of Michigan’s COVID-19 restrictions, will not be affected by weather.
- Odds: Buffalo is a 13.5-point favorite to win the MAC title game over Ball State, with an over/under of 67.5 as of publication, per OddsShark. The line opened at Buffalo -11, with an over/under of 66 on Dec. 13.
How to watch/stream/listen:
- TV options: The game will be televised exclusively on ESPN2. A valid cable or satellite subscription is required for viewing.
- Streaming options: The game will be available for streaming via the ESPN App. A valid cable subscription is required for viewing. Other streaming carriers include Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, AT&T Now, YouTubeTV and Fubo. All streaming carriers offer various free trials which can be redeemed on their websites.
- Radio options: Paul Peck (play-by-play) and Scott Wilson (color) will provide the Buffalo call for ESPN Radio 1520 AM, while Joel Goddett (play-by-play) and Mark O’Connell (color) will provide the Ball State call for WLBC-FM 104.1.