In an effort to rally the troops of the blogosphere who share their affinity for the Ball State University Cardinals, OTP is proud to present the first installment of the Cardinal Roundtable. Each week, a different BSU blog will pose questions to the group about the upcoming game and the season in general. This week's is OTP's turn in the barrel, and the links to our Blog Buddy counterparts can be found at the bottom. Go Cards!1.) Ball State? Really? Why blog about a MAC team like BSU?
Well, every morning when I walk in my office, I see two giant diplomas on the wall from Ball State. It's truly amazing what you can do in Microsoft Publisher. In all seriousness, though, Ball State enjoys a passionate fan following both inside the Hoosier State and out. At a pregame basketball outing here in DC, there were close to 200 alums and friends that showed up. To me, that says there's a market for readership out there.
To that end, and really, and more specifically, this particular feature, will hopefully unite the random BSU blogs out there that cover Cardinal athletics. Like the MAC and Ball State, there's plenty of talent that flies under the radar. This is our chance to show the blogoshpere that Ball State, and their bloggers, are a force to be reckoned with. Other than that we started this blog for the hot ass that internet bloggers are swimming in daily. Incidentally, if you're said elusive unicorn-like hot chick who follows college football with a passion, drop us a line.
2.) What are the realistic expectations for BSU for the 2008 season?
Part of me wants to channel Jason Whitlock and say the Cards are BCS busters, but I just cannot see that happening. There isn't a game against a national power to increase their profile and computer numbers, and they didn't start the season as everyone's darling in the Top 25 (BYU). Realistically, they'll probably drop 2 games this year. But they are very capable of going undefeated if things break correctly for them. Tonight's game against Navy will be a huge hurdle to clear before conference play gets serious in a few weeks. Another Bowl game and a 2-loss season would make me happy, but a bit let down.
3.) What did you take away from the victory over Northeastern? What does this tell us about the year ahead?
To be truthful, nothing. The Cards did exactly what they should have done. The offense dominated as everyone thought, and the defense was clearly the lesser of the two units. There were concerns about special teams and their silly penalties but its easy to make the case for first-game jitters and not a greater far-reaching issue.
As for what it tells us about the rest of the season... I'm not really sure it tells us anything. It was a warm up act, and one they passed with flying colors. As was to be expected.
4.) Where does Nate Davis rank in your mind on the list of best players to play for BSU?
I have to say he's up there in the top if not at the top. Ball State is mostly known for its defensive players and punters who have made the league, but quite frankly, what Davis brings to the team and school in terms of interest and excitement are immeasurable. QB is the sexy position on the field, and Davis makes people like ESPN and such take notice.
5.) What are your three keys to victory against Navy?
1.) Defense. Defense. Defense: As we mentioned, we don't need a stalwart type of performance. The D just needs to not play poorly enough to lose. They'll be tired and winded, as Navy's grind it out option game will wear you down. How the 4th quarter goes so goes the game.
2.) Nate the Great: Davis should have a field day with this particular defense, but he may have to look to his second or third options as Dante Love should be seeing double coverage most of the night. The more receivers and ends he can get active in the passing game, the better they will be.
3.) MiQuale Lewis: The running back recorded his first career 100+ yard game against Navy in the 2007 season. A big night from him, establishing the run, and balancing the offense will prevent Navy from simply dropping linebackers into coverage and shutting down passing lanes. If the run has to be respected, the passing game opens up, and the Cardinals roll to victory.
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