Though neither team will claim first place in the Mid-American Conference West Division on Wednesday night, there's plenty to play for when Central Michigan meets Ball State.

A Chippewa win keeps the team in the title race, though Northern Illinois would have to lose its final two games to punch a ticket to the MAC championship at Ford Field. Regardless, a team that has played CMU tough year after year stands in its way.

The Cardinals entered Kelly/Shorts Stadium and rolled the Chippewas in 2020. CMU, without starting quarterback Daniel Richardson, lost 45-20.

"We're playing a team that, quite honestly, kicked our tails every which way known to mankind a year ago, and they've got everybody back," McElwain said.

Meet the opponent

Ball State was eliminated from the MAC title race with its last-second loss to NIU Nov. 10. Yet, the reigning conference champs bring in a roster loaded with talent. At the heart of it is quarterback Drew Plitt, who exercised his extra year of eligibility for a chance to return and win another title.

"They've got an unbelievable quarterback," McElwain said. "That's a great player."

Plitt is one of several returners who made life difficult for the Chippewas last season, along with receivers Justin Hall, Jalen McGauhy and Yo'Heinz Taylor among others. This season, the duo of receivers hasn't been dynamic from a statistic perspective. However, the group is dangerous and cause havoc on secondaries.

Last season, McGauhy caught two touchdown passes against the Chippewas. Plitt accounted for five touchdowns himself, including four through the air.

"Just going back and reliving that nightmare a year ago, they beat the heck out of us," McElwain said. "We've got to go to their place, a long trip, and our guys have gotta be ready to go."

In the run game, the Cardinals feature true freshman Carson Steele as the lead back. Steele has gained 691 yards and five touchdowns in 2021. As a whole, Ball State has struggled offensively, ranking ninth in the MAC in points per game and 11th in yards per contest.

Defensively, the unit is third in points allowed and fifth in yards allowed per game. It's second in the MAC with nine interceptions. Tavion Woodard ranks seventh in the MAC in tackles for loss with five.

Big question: Can Chippewas sustain momentum

CMU has strung together back-to-back games that showcased every single strength the team has at its disposal. Offensively, Richardson has orchestrated an attack that has scored 42 and 54 points against Western Michigan and Kent State, respectively.

Can the Chippewas make it three in a row? The team has put together impressive performances after slow starts in each game. A third straight 14-point deficit is not ideal, but this team has proven they can play from behind.

The key becomes starting fast. McElwain has struggled coaching on the road during his time at CMU, but this new momentum could help to change the narrative.

Key to victory: Fly through the air

Ball State ranks 10th in the MAC in passing defense. CMU counters with the top passing offense. Since he replaced Jacob Sirmon against Florida International, the Miami native has thrown 19 touchdowns to two interceptions.

In order for the Chippewas to be victorious, Richardson will have to be on point. He has plenty of options in the passing game, and all will need to get their share. There's a clear weakness on the sideline opposite CMU's, and it's one the Chippewas are more than capable of exploiting.

Central Michigan (6-4, 4-2) at Ball State (5-5, 3-3)

All-time series: Tied, 26-26-1

Last matchup: Ball State 45, CMU 20 (Dec. 5, 2020)

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Stadium: Scheumann Stadium

Location: Muncie, Indiana

Odds: Ball State -2 (SI Sportsbook)

Over/Under: 61 (SI Sportsbook)

TV: ESPNU (Mike Couzens, Dustin Fox)

Radio: 98.5 WUPS, Varsity Network (Adam Jaksa, Brock Gutierrez, Chris Jared)