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Topic: Official Game 6 Thread: Ball St.
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Ted Thompson
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Posted: 9/28/2025 8:32 PM
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Use this thread to talk about anything game-related. For away games, we'll have a separate travel thread.

Date: October 4th, 2025 12:00 PM

Opponent: Ball State  (1-3, 0-0 MAC)

Site: Scheumann Stadium

TV/Webcast: CBS Sports Network

Radio: The Varsity Network App (free) 

Ohio Game Notes

Ball St. Game Notes

Ball St. statistics, roster and media guide

Ball St. message board:  OverThePylon

M.D.W.S.T
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Posted: 9/29/2025 11:00 AM
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Early Line: OHIO -14.5
O/U: 51.5

Unfortunately, they like to run. 66/34 run pass ratio. Their RB also leads the team with 10 receptions.

BALLS is leading the MAC in sacks given up. Kelly has eaten dirt 15 times already this season. (Parker 8)

Their leading tackler is 50th in the MAC with 21 tackles. Which seems inexplicable considering how often their defense must be on the field.

Statistically, their D is about as bad as ours. We're 9/10 in both MAC pass defense and run defense.

They have ZERO INT this season.

Give up 33 PPG.

They do have 10 sacks this season, and have played a fairly tough OOC schedule.



This shouldn't be much of a game, but with our Jekyl and Hyde defense - who knows?
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 9/29/2025 11:14 AM
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Phil Steele lists BSU two position above bottom dwelling Kent State.  His bottom ten are:

127 MTSU
128 UTEP
129 Akron
130 Delaware
131 Kennesaw State
132 Tulsa
133 UMass
134 Ball State
135 Missouri State
136 Kent State

These four bottom feeders are why the MAC ranks so low as a conference.  Steele ranks Toledo as 68 and Ohio as 86.  But, as a conference we are next last with only the hapless C-USA ranked lower.  

shabamon
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Posted: 9/29/2025 11:35 AM
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If we can get Odjugo back, that should help run D a lot. By eyeballs, he looks like the heftiest and strongest defensive lineman we got. I can see sitting him one more week if he's not 100% and then go into the bye week for added rest.
greencat
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Posted: 9/29/2025 11:59 AM
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OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
Phil Steele lists BSU two position above bottom dwelling Kent State. His bottom ten are:
127 MTSU
128 UTEP
129 Akron
130 Delaware
131 Kennesaw State
132 Tulsa
133 UMass
134 Ball State
135 Missouri State
136 Kent State
These four bottom feeders are why the MAC ranks so low as a conference. Steele ranks Toledo as 68 and Ohio as 86. But, as a conference we are next last with only the hapless C-USA ranked lower.
Wait a minute. Kennesaw just beat ("too good for the MAC") MTSU.

How can middle be ranked higher?

Well, MTSU does play Missouri State this season for a spot in the toilet bowl.
M.D.W.S.T
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Posted: 9/29/2025 12:00 PM
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shabamon wrote:expand_more
If we can get Odjugo back, that should help run D a lot. By eyeballs, he looks like the heftiest and strongest defensive lineman we got. I can see sitting him one more week if he's not 100% and then go into the bye week for added rest.
Do we have any updates - or proof of life - of Walt Bob? Do we have a fat kid in the stands we can put at NT?

Crable is playing VERY well, but he isn't keyed up on the run - he's going balls out towards the QB and that often opens up holes as well, and we're in a 4-2, so one of the LB has gotta be right behind him... and often he is not. Or he is 5 yards up field and gets picked up by a TE or a loose lineman. Any given down we're practically in a 3-2. It's no wonder every RB is picking up yards like a senior on JV.
STVCastle
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Posted: 9/29/2025 12:19 PM
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M.D.W.S.T wrote:expand_more
If we can get Odjugo back, that should help run D a lot. By eyeballs, he looks like the heftiest and strongest defensive lineman we got. I can see sitting him one more week if he's not 100% and then go into the bye week for added rest.
Do we have any updates - or proof of life - of Walt Bob? Do we have a fat kid in the stands we can put at NT?

Crable is playing VERY well, but he isn't keyed up on the run - he's going balls out towards the QB and that often opens up holes as well, and we're in a 4-2, so one of the LB has gotta be right behind him... and often he is not. Or he is 5 yards up field and gets picked up by a TE or a loose lineman. Any given down we're practically in a 3-2. It's no wonder every RB is picking up yards like a senior on JV.
I know this sounds like a crazy idea (and I've had plenty), but can we give Andres Dewerk something to do, instead of being a 3rd string O-Lineman?

You think he'd go for it if asked to become a part-time Nose Tackle?

I mean, the dude is 6'7" and 328 lbs. We've been talking about the D-Line needing size.
Last Edited: 9/29/2025 12:21:16 PM by STVCastle
Kinggeorge4
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Posted: 9/29/2025 12:28 PM
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M.D.W.S.T wrote:expand_more
If we can get Odjugo back, that should help run D a lot. By eyeballs, he looks like the heftiest and strongest defensive lineman we got. I can see sitting him one more week if he's not 100% and then go into the bye week for added rest.
Do we have any updates - or proof of life - of Walt Bob? Do we have a fat kid in the stands we can put at NT?

Crable is playing VERY well, but he isn't keyed up on the run - he's going balls out towards the QB and that often opens up holes as well, and we're in a 4-2, so one of the LB has gotta be right behind him... and often he is not. Or he is 5 yards up field and gets picked up by a TE or a loose lineman. Any given down we're practically in a 3-2. It's no wonder every RB is picking up yards like a senior on JV.
He sat in front of me at the game and said he will be back on the field soon, weeks. Was talking to the DL when they came off the field. Hopefully he will be back to add to the rotation.
bobcatsquared
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Posted: 9/29/2025 12:28 PM
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STVCastle wrote:expand_more
I know this sounds like a crazy idea (and I've had plenty), but can we give Andres Dewerk something to do, instead of being a 3rd string O-Lineman?
A complete mystery, seeing this former 4-star USC recruit standing on the Ohio sideline as a 6-7, 330 lb. spectator. Not unlike Eamonn Dennis, ranked the 24th best athlete coming out of high school before playing at Michigan for 4 years.
STVCastle
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Posted: 9/29/2025 12:34 PM
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bobcatsquared wrote:expand_more
I know this sounds like a crazy idea (and I've had plenty), but can we give Andres Dewerk something to do, instead of being a 3rd string O-Lineman?
A complete mystery, seeing this former 4-star USC recruit standing on the Ohio sideline as a 6-7, 330 lb. spectator. Not unlike Eamonn Dennis, ranked the 24th best athlete coming out of high school before playing at Michigan for 4 years.
Yeah. Nobody has anything to lose here. Instead of him standing on the sidelines (because he's not seeing the O-Line anytime soon imo), try to utilize Dewerk's 6'7" 328 size on the D-Line even for a couple plays.
RSBobcat
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Posted: 9/29/2025 9:14 PM
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CBSSN - what a load of crap. Peacock, CBSSN, Barstool, etc. This is getting ridiculous.....
STVCastle
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Posted: 9/30/2025 8:38 AM
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RSBobcat wrote:expand_more
CBSSN - what a load of crap. Peacock, CBSSN, Barstool, etc. This is getting ridiculous.....
Are they any worse than ESPN+, which is the MAC's current media deal?
shabamon
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Posted: 9/30/2025 9:05 AM
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Pardon my ignorance, but what live TV providers don't carry CBSSN? Isn't that on the same level as ESPNU, FS1, etc?
M.D.W.S.T
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Posted: 9/30/2025 9:11 AM
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STVCastle wrote:expand_more
I know this sounds like a crazy idea (and I've had plenty), but can we give Andres Dewerk something to do, instead of being a 3rd string O-Lineman?
A complete mystery, seeing this former 4-star USC recruit standing on the Ohio sideline as a 6-7, 330 lb. spectator. Not unlike Eamonn Dennis, ranked the 24th best athlete coming out of high school before playing at Michigan for 4 years.
Yeah. Nobody has anything to lose here. Instead of him standing on the sidelines (because he's not seeing the O-Line anytime soon imo), try to utilize Dewerk's 6'7" 328 size on the D-Line even for a couple plays.
If I had to guess, he's probably a little slow going against quick DE's. Which makes even more sense to put him at DT and see if he can push around some centers and guards, where he would presumably have quite a size advantage. With Crabel quick off the outside, we literally just need a big strong body to clog a hole, and/or shove the lineman back into the backfield. Any sort of line disruption.

And I can't remember if I wrote it or just thought it, but why isn't Dennis returning punts? I don't want to see Chase anywhere near the field on special teams. Can't we get him mixed in on an end around or something? Marinaro has more receptions this season than Dennis.
colobobcat66
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Posted: 9/30/2025 9:58 AM
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M.D.W.S.T wrote:expand_more
I know this sounds like a crazy idea (and I've had plenty), but can we give Andres Dewerk something to do, instead of being a 3rd string O-Lineman?
A complete mystery, seeing this former 4-star USC recruit standing on the Ohio sideline as a 6-7, 330 lb. spectator. Not unlike Eamonn Dennis, ranked the 24th best athlete coming out of high school before playing at Michigan for 4 years.
Yeah. Nobody has anything to lose here. Instead of him standing on the sidelines (because he's not seeing the O-Line anytime soon imo), try to utilize Dewerk's 6'7" 328 size on the D-Line even for a couple plays.
If I had to guess, he's probably a little slow going against quick DE's. Which makes even more sense to put him at DT and see if he can push around some centers and guards, where he would presumably have quite a size advantage. With Crabel quick off the outside, we literally just need a big strong body to clog a hole, and/or shove the lineman back into the backfield. Any sort of line disruption.

And I can't remember if I wrote it or just thought it, but why isn't Dennis returning punts? I don't want to see Chase anywhere near the field on special teams. Can't we get him mixed in on an end around or something? Marinaro has more receptions this season than Dennis.
Dennis mishandled 2 kickoffs last Saturday, I’m not sure I’d like him returning punts when someone is in your face.
Last Edited: 9/30/2025 11:05:56 AM by colobobcat66
Tymaster
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Posted: 9/30/2025 10:12 AM
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STVCastle wrote:expand_more
CBSSN - what a load of crap. Peacock, CBSSN, Barstool, etc. This is getting ridiculous.....
Are they any worse than ESPN+, which is the MAC's current media deal?
No, but ESPN+ historically was a cheap add on to Disney+ that required no cable and was widely available to about 236 million homes - I believe about 25 million had the ESPN tile. Was it worse? No, I actually have found the CBS Sports guys do a better job than the lower tier ESPN guys on the casts. JMO.
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Posted: 9/30/2025 10:15 AM
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shabamon wrote:expand_more
Pardon my ignorance, but what live TV providers don't carry CBSSN? Isn't that on the same level as ESPNU, FS1, etc?
If you have a cable tier that has ESPNU, you probably have CBSSN, yes. ESPNU peaked at about 75 million subscribers but is down to about 36 million. FS1 still hovers around 65 million. CBSSN is, supposedly, around 55 million but I wonder if that's accurate as more and more people ditch cable. I think the crux of the argument is that you have to have BOTH multiple streamers and a high end cable deal to see all OU games.
STVCastle
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Posted: 9/30/2025 10:18 AM
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As crazy on the surface it sounds, I'm warming up to the idea of the Andres Dewerk position switch to DT. Hopefully that idea gets tossed around to the coaching staff. ;-)
STVCastle
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Posted: 9/30/2025 10:21 AM
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Tymaster wrote:expand_more
CBSSN - what a load of crap. Peacock, CBSSN, Barstool, etc. This is getting ridiculous.....
Are they any worse than ESPN+, which is the MAC's current media deal?
No, but ESPN+ historically was a cheap add on to Disney+ that required no cable and was widely available to about 236 million homes - I believe about 25 million had the ESPN tile. Was it worse? No, I actually have found the CBS Sports guys do a better job than the lower tier ESPN guys on the casts. JMO.
Yeah, I agree.

By the way, I do business/run errands in Chillicothe. Good to know there are some Bobcats in my hometown area (and not just Buckeyes).
Tymaster
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Posted: 9/30/2025 10:47 AM
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STVCastle wrote:expand_more
CBSSN - what a load of crap. Peacock, CBSSN, Barstool, etc. This is getting ridiculous.....
Are they any worse than ESPN+, which is the MAC's current media deal?
No, but ESPN+ historically was a cheap add on to Disney+ that required no cable and was widely available to about 236 million homes - I believe about 25 million had the ESPN tile. Was it worse? No, I actually have found the CBS Sports guys do a better job than the lower tier ESPN guys on the casts. JMO.
Yeah, I agree.

By the way, I do business/run errands in Chillicothe. Good to know there are some Bobcats in my hometown area (and not just Buckeyes).

There's a good chunk of us here! My better half is second in command at OUC.
Pataskala
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Posted: 9/30/2025 2:33 PM
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Tymaster wrote:expand_more
CBSSN - what a load of crap. Peacock, CBSSN, Barstool, etc. This is getting ridiculous.....
Are they any worse than ESPN+, which is the MAC's current media deal?
No, but ESPN+ historically was a cheap add on to Disney+ that required no cable and was widely available to about 236 million homes - I believe about 25 million had the ESPN tile. Was it worse? No, I actually have found the CBS Sports guys do a better job than the lower tier ESPN guys on the casts. JMO.
I have YouTubeTV, which has CBSSN as part of its basic service. I'm not sure that subscribing to CBSSN's streaming service gets you anything more than what's on YTTV or other streaming services that include CBSSN. Yeah, it sucked having to subscribe to Peacock to watch the O$U game, but I cancelled right after that so I paid for only one month. There's legislation in the Ohio General Assembly that would prohibit college games from being only on streaming, but I doubt it'll go very far or be upheld in court. As for the coverage they provide, at least CBSSN's on-air team shows a real interest in the teams they're covering. ESPN uses the November Midweek MACtion games just to promote their Saturday game of the week.
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 9/30/2025 3:45 PM
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Pataskala wrote:expand_more
. . . As for the coverage they provide, at least CBSSN's on-air team shows a real interest in the teams they're covering. ESPN uses the November Midweek MACtion games just to promote their Saturday game of the week.
Very accurate observation. I vastly prefer CBSSN's telecasts of OHIO football and basketball games to any ESPN flavor. For the record, since I cut the cord, I have been using a Hulu account that gets me all flavors of ESPN (regular, U, and +) as well as CBSSN for less than $100 per month. The final straw for me with Spectrum Cable was when they moved CBSSN from the general sports package I had to another package with 30 other channels I didn't care about and wanted about $30 extra per month to continue getting CBSSN.
Ted Thompson
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Posted: 9/30/2025 3:54 PM
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Tymaster
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Posted: 9/30/2025 5:59 PM
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Pataskala wrote:expand_more
CBSSN - what a load of crap. Peacock, CBSSN, Barstool, etc. This is getting ridiculous.....
Are they any worse than ESPN+, which is the MAC's current media deal?
No, but ESPN+ historically was a cheap add on to Disney+ that required no cable and was widely available to about 236 million homes - I believe about 25 million had the ESPN tile. Was it worse? No, I actually have found the CBS Sports guys do a better job than the lower tier ESPN guys on the casts. JMO.
I have YouTubeTV, which has CBSSN as part of its basic service. I'm not sure that subscribing to CBSSN's streaming service gets you anything more than what's on YTTV or other streaming services that include CBSSN. Yeah, it sucked having to subscribe to Peacock to watch the O$U game, but I cancelled right after that so I paid for only one month. There's legislation in the Ohio General Assembly that would prohibit college games from being only on streaming, but I doubt it'll go very far or be upheld in court. As for the coverage they provide, at least CBSSN's on-air team shows a real interest in the teams they're covering. ESPN uses the November Midweek MACtion games just to promote their Saturday game of the week.

That “legislation” is just Bill DeMora playing it up to his Buck Nut base. I know Bill. I like Bill. But that was a PR stunt pure and simple.
cbarber357
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Posted: 9/30/2025 6:38 PM
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Tymaster wrote:expand_more
CBSSN - what a load of crap. Peacock, CBSSN, Barstool, etc. This is getting ridiculous.....
Are they any worse than ESPN+, which is the MAC's current media deal?
No, but ESPN+ historically was a cheap add on to Disney+ that required no cable and was widely available to about 236 million homes - I believe about 25 million had the ESPN tile. Was it worse? No, I actually have found the CBS Sports guys do a better job than the lower tier ESPN guys on the casts. JMO.
I have YouTubeTV, which has CBSSN as part of its basic service. I'm not sure that subscribing to CBSSN's streaming service gets you anything more than what's on YTTV or other streaming services that include CBSSN. Yeah, it sucked having to subscribe to Peacock to watch the O$U game, but I cancelled right after that so I paid for only one month. There's legislation in the Ohio General Assembly that would prohibit college games from being only on streaming, but I doubt it'll go very far or be upheld in court. As for the coverage they provide, at least CBSSN's on-air team shows a real interest in the teams they're covering. ESPN uses the November Midweek MACtion games just to promote their Saturday game of the week.

That “legislation” is just Bill DeMora playing it up to his Buck Nut base. I know Bill. I like Bill. But that was a PR stunt pure and simple.
In my dream scenario I would much prefer CBSSN to cover the majority of MAC sports with all games streaming on Paramount Plus and then select games appearing on ESPN networks like select ones appear on CBSSN now. CBS Sports always has way better production value and focus more on the game than the ESPN crews at MAC games.
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