Cardinal Preview: Central Michigan

vs.


Ball State @ Central Michigan
Location: Mt. Pleasant, MI
Time: 7:00 pm
Television: ESPN2

I've thought about this preview all week. Hell, really all season. I think most in the know about these Cardinals had this particular game circled in red as THE GAME for this year. It's obviously all the more critical now, given the Cardinals' successes on the field, the opportunity for some special things to happen post-season, and the fact that the Cardinals control their own destiny for a berth in the MAC title game.

To listen to pre-game chatter on the Central Michigan side is shocking and eerily similar to the Indiana pre-game. Apparently Ball State is an extremely weak, overrated, mid-tier MAC school that is the same team as last year that got blown off the field by Central Michigan. Coach Brady Hoke is apparently a scam artist getting weak off cupcake scheduling and a gimmicky offense that is run by a QB that is not all that good to begin with. I'll have a post up tomorrow debunking the myths about this year's Cardinal team, but for now I'll leave it alone.

On the Ball State side of things it's been guarded optimism. Most fans believe this Cardinal team is a special one and capable of doing things on the gridiron no other team has done before in Muncie. Central has been a demon in and of itself and most are optimistic that they can be exorcised a bit in Mt. Pleasant. There's been concern about the weather, concern about Dan LeFevour, concern about the CMU crowd and the potentially small BSU one. There's concern about the mid-week game time. There's concern about the national stage. There's concern that all this might be just too good to be true.

But we're about 27 hours from game time and it's put up or shut up time for both these squads. Whoever loses is out of the MAC West race, and for Ball State a loss is a death knell to any BCS hopes they might harbor, however small those chances might be.

The Basics:
Central Michigan University Chippewas
Location:
Record: 8-2 (6-0 MAC)
Last Week: W 33-30 @NIU (OT)

Ball State University Cardinals
Location: Muncie, IN
Record: 10-0 (6-0 MAC)
Last Week: W 31-16 @Miami

Offense: Barring a complete collapse of the weather in Mt. Pleasant, this one should be very offensively centered. When CMU has the ball, they'll look to Dan LeFevour at QB to lead the 4th ranked offensive unit in the conference. They are 2nd in the pass department in conference, 7th in the rush, and LeFevour is a mobile, experienced, good-decision maker in clutch moments. The Chips average 279 through the air and 131 on the ground all while putting up 28.7 points per game (good for 5th best in the MAC).

LeFevour has completed 68% of his pass attempts this season, as well as throwing 3 INTs to his 13 TDs. He doesn't allow for the offense to self destruct or get in challenging situations, thanks largely to the mobility he has. He is the team's leading rusher and 9th in the MAC with 56 yards per game and 5 TDs on the year. The Chips have a quality back-up in senior Brian Brunner, who filled in for LeFevour while he was banged up earlier in the year. Brunner isn't as mobile as LeFevour, but is a much bigger weapon to stretch the field. Brunner was also the field general for the victory for the Chips at Indiana. Two of the Chips' weapons at the wideout position are Bryan Anderson and Antonio Brown. Both have 5 scores on the year, though both are containable. It certainly helps that defenses usually have at least one player spy LeFevour, as it opens up the coverage down the field.

The offensive line for the Chips has been susceptible to pressure up front, sitting at 10th in the MAC in sacks allowed, even with LeFevour's mobility. Last week against NIU the Chips gave up 3 sacks in an overtime win. If the offensive line for the Chips shores up, opens holes, and protects the pocket, then LeFevour will have the time needed to step into throws or take off.

For Ball State, it's the tale of two offenses this season. There's the offense that gets hot and takes advantage of opportunities and early drives and there is the offense that struggles to get going, sometimes to the tune of a first quarter shutout. Nate Davis and company take a high octane attack capable of shredding people through the air, but different than the Ball State team of last year, this Cardinals team has a consistent and steady running game.

MiQuale Lewis and Cory Sykes demonstrate weekly the speed and elusiveness that makes them premier running backs in the MidAmerican Conference. Lewis has accumulated 1273 yards and 17 TDs this season, good for 9th in the nation in rushing yards. At the skill positions the Cardinals are deep with any one of Briggs Orsbon, Darius Hill, Myles Trempe, Louis Johnson, Dan Ifft, or Madaris Grant making big catches and stretching defenses. All have their shortcomings, none are especially scary, but together, they are an outstanding corps of wideouts and tight ends.

The offensive line for the Cardinals is one of the best you've never heard of. The o-line deserves much of the credit for the success of the Cardinals running game and for protecting Nate Davis to the tune of 8 sacks through 10 games, good for 6th best in the nation. They rendered All-MAC defensive end Larry English virtually non-existent for the NIU game, a player who recorded 5 tackles, 2.5 for loss, and 1.5 sacks against the Chips the following week.
Advantage: The Chips have one player responsible for their success as Dan LeFevour is the straw that stirs the drink. For the Cardinals, it's a team effort, with Davis, the receivers, Lewis, and most importantly... the offensive line. I'll take my chances that one player has a bad night before an entire offensive unit. For Chips fans who may think this Cardinals team is a one trick pony wearing #13, you're wrong. Dead wrong.


Defense: By the numbers alone, the CMU defense isn't all that daunting. They are 8th in the conference in points allowed per game (28.7) and 12th best for yards allowed at a staggering 406 yards per game. The Chips are solid against the run, allowing a 2nd best in conference 133 yards per game. But that may be because teams just choose to throw the ball a whole lot more against these Chips.

Pass defense hasn't been their strong suit, as CMU yields an average of 273 yards per game, good for dead last in the MAC. That has to make Nate Davis' mouth water. But it's feast or famine for the Chips in the defensive side of things. A pressure based defense gets to the QB a fair number of times, a conference leading 27 times to be exact. If a QB is composed, can make good reads, and avoid the pressure though, this defense is ripe for the picking. The secondary has only picked off 7 passes all year.

For Ball State it has been a bend but don't break sort of season for a unit much maligned early on. The Cardinals have given up less than 20 points in each of their last 5 outings and a team hasn't scored more than 24 all season. The Cardinals lead the MAC in interceptions and have a defensive secondary virtually unrivaled in the MidAmerican conference.

The key defensively for these Cardinals will be the play of the defensive front 7, and more specifically their ability to limit the opportunities of Dan LeFevour on the ground. If they can force him to beat him with his arm, and go through this secondary to do it, then it will be a successful day for Ball State. The key to this lies in the hands of Davyd Jones, Bryant Haines, and Brandon Crawford.
Advantage: Push. The Chips have a serviceable defense, but they have yet to face an attack like the Cardinals. You are just as likely to have Nate Davis drop 300 on you through the air as you are to have MiQuale Lewis throw up 150. It would be clearly be in the Cardinals favor were it not for the pressure and sacks that CMU is able to put on opposing QBs.


Coaching: Butch Jones is a quality head coach in his second year at the helm for CMU. It is a safe bet that he won't be there for long as the BCS conferences come calling after several more years like this one and the last one. Jones has a MAC title under his belt, but it is yet to be seen if it his truly his success or the success or his predecessors at CMU. In a few years he may be one of the hottest coaches in the country if he continues to win, recruits well, and does it clean.

Brady Hoke has returned to his alma mater and made the most of his first opportunity to be a head coach. In just six years he has righted the ship that was left for him by Bill Lynch and made the Cardinals a winner and himself a hot commodity in the coaching market that's starting to heat up.
Advantage: Push.

Mascot:
Central Michigan:

Since Central Michigan is too much of a pussy politically correct to have a mascot, I have taken the liberty of doing it for them. Suck on that, Indian sympathizers!! Blankets for everyone!

Ball State University:

Charlie Cardinal. Feathered. Fierce. Robin-sized.
Advantage: I have said it a thousand times, there's a way to balance being Indian themed and having a mascot. Look at the horse and spear at Florida State. Quite simply, CMU either took the bitch way out and never had one in the first place, or they're too scared now to try it. If Notre Dame can make a Fighting Irishman respectable, I'm sure you could slap some feathers on someone.


Overall: If you suggest that Ball State wins this game, Central Michigan fans will remind you quickly of last year's 58-38 win in Muncie, laugh at your obvious failure to understand the pecking order in the MAC and then continue doing whatever it is they do in Mt. Pleasant. But the fact is that this is a Ball State team vastly different from last year's edition. A run game is present. The Cardinals are at full strength. Momentum is rolling. The defense figured out how to stop teams when it counts.

The common opponents for the Cards and Chips have been Indiana, Northern Illinois, and Toledo. And while the Cardinals and Chips are both 3-0 against them, BSU's average margin of victory was 28, with their smallest margin at 22. For CMU, their average margin was 2.3 points, with one of their wins coming in overtime. The Chips have won 5 games this year by a margin of 3 points or less. Some will say that makes them tough. I will say that the truly tough don't have close games. They come out and stomp ass from pillar to post.

Many BSU fans are predicting a closely fought game, an epic showdown, and a battle that is worthy of the term "classic". CMU fans will have you believe that it won't be close. This flash in the pan Nate Davis will bomb on national television, the dream season ends, and Ball State and their pissant fans will once again remain subservient to the Chips. The bottom line is that opinion, much like those who spew it, are ridiculous. They are right in that it won't be close. They are wrong as to who that large margin will favor. The Cards win. Large. Stylish. Going away.

Prediction:
Ball State 41
Central Michigan 24

Cardinal Preview: Miami

vs.

Ball State vs. Miami (Ohio)
Location: Oxford, OH
Time: 7:00 pm
Television: ESPN2

What better way to celebrate Veteran's Day than by watching MAC football on the WorldWideLeader?! Walter watched his buddies die face down in the muck so that we could all sit back on our fat asses and watch Ball State steamroll another opponent into oblivion. This week's victim? Miami of Ohio. Prepare yourselves, peasants, as a real team rolls through your Oxford village to rape, pillage, and rape some more. (Metaphorically speaking, of course)

The Basics:
Ball State University Cardinals:
Location: Muncie, IN
Record: 9-0 (5-0 MAC)
Last week: W 45-14 Northern Illinois

Miami University Red Hawks:
Location: Oxford, OH
Record: 2-7 (1-4 MAC)
Last week: L 17-37 @ Buffalo

Offense: The only thing offensive about Miami's attack is the ineptitude with which they run it. 11th in the conference at 327 ypg, and it's no secret that this RedHawk attack just isn't very potent. They are weakest in the run, averaging just a shade over 116 yards per game, and that bodes well for this Ball State defense. Starting RedHawk QB Clay Belton will also not be playing in this game with what is qualified as a "sore chest". Which considering the stakes of this game, makes him a gigantic bitch. I'm not sure where on the continuum "Sore Chest" ranks, but I'm thinking it's right below "Hang Nail" and right above "Minor Ouchie".

For Ball State, the offense decided to come out of its proverbial shell and torch Northern Illinois last Wednesday. QB Nate Davis, who threw for 300 yards and 4 TDs in the victory, played only 3 quarters or so as did the rest of the first-team. So expect a well-rested, recently clicking, hungry offense to show up looking for dinner. MiQuale Lewis also should have a rather large day at the office as well.
Advantage: Gigantic advantage offensively for the Cardinals. They're a better unit overall, and facing a significantly worse defensive unit. Expect a field day from both Davis and Lewis.

Defense: Miami's defense is surprisingly not bad against the pass, and not that great against the rush. In their last two games, they've given up 300+ on the ground to Kent, and 216 on the ground to the Buffalo Bulls. Combined with the fact that they haven't played any of the Big 3 from the MAC West (CMU, WMU, BSU) and this is an offense that will have never seen the sort of precision in the passing game that the Cardinals have. This defense is going to get torched, plain and simple.

For Ball State, it's simply a matter of continuing to do great things at crucial times. For a unit that is often overshadowed by the offense, this defense is surprisingly stout. There is good penetration, good coverage, and a flight to the football that's quick, aggressive, and hard-nosed. Good things are happening on the defensive side of the football, and there is no reason to believe that they won't continue against a hapless Miami team.
Advantage: The quality of the opponent is nowhere close to even. Miami's defense has no chance at shutting down this Cardinals offense without help from Ball State in the form of unforced errors, penalties, and turnovers.

Coaching: Brady Hoke... damn good coach. Shane Montgomery... damn. Miami used to be the cream of the MAC crop, but heavy is the head that wears the crown, I reckon. Long gone are Big Ben and most of their trendy JCrew wearing richkid fanbase. Welcome to mediocrity, suckers!!
Advantage:

Mascot:
Miami:

Swoop the AIDS Bird Redhawk. Not only unoriginal in its name, what the hell is with the costume? It looks like a junior high sewing project. White beak and feathers? How Aryan of you, Miami. Watch out!! Obama did win last week!

Ball State:

Charlie Cardinal. The most vicious Robin-sized bird in all the land. And not racist at all.

Advantage: I hate teams that change their mascot from an Indian-themed one to a non-Indian themed one. If you're the Redskins, be the Redskins. It's not like your the Miami Litter-Hating Casino-Owning Alcoholics. Quit being gigantic blubbering vaginas.

Overall: This game will come down not to whether or not Ball State wins, it will come down to by how much, and how much time can the starters rest. Normally a mid-week MAC game would worry me, but spending some time after the game with the players and Coach Hoke last week has convinced me this team is focused, hungry, and ready to rip it up. Look for BSU to pour it on early, sit the starters as much as possible in the second half, and get ready for what may be the biggest game in program history to date... Central Michigan.

Prediction:
Ball State 35
Miami 14

Cardinal Preview: Eastern Michigan

vs.


Ball State vs. Eastern Michigan
Location: Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN
Game Time: 12:00pm
Television: Available via BSU Sports All Access

This weekend's game sees the Cardinals return home to the nest to take on Eastern Michigan. A quick glance at the record, BSU at 7-0 and EMU at 2-6, says this one will be a walk. A statistical analysis shows more of the same, as BSU trumps EMU in nearly every major statistical category. The Cardinals are well-rested, coming off their first bye week of the season, and Dante Love is back on campus and was reportedly at practice on Thursday. It's also Parents Weekend in Muncie, so expect a nice sized little crowd at the Scheu.

The Basics:
Ball State University Cardinals
Location: Muncie, IN
Record: 7-0 (3-0 MAC)
Last Week: Idle

Eastern Michigan Eagles
Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Record: 2-6 (1-3 MAC)
Last Week: L Akron 42-35

Offense: For Eastern Michigan, their offense is respectable but not impressive. They currently rank 5th in the conference in total offense, averaging just a smidge over 382 yards per game. Their bread and butter has been the rush, as they average 176 per game on the ground, and have two tailbacks (Terrence Blevins and Dwayne Priest) in the top 11 in rushing yards conference-wide. The passing attack ranks 9th in the MAC, and is paced by QB Andy Schmitt who tosses for 151 per game on average. Schmitt is capable of running the ball, but is only average. And that's really all this team is... is average. Nothing exceptional, but nothing exceptionally bad. They're 9th in the conference in points scored, clocking in at just under 22 points per game.

For Ball State, it's been an offensive explosion on the season, though the slow starts in recent games have some fans concerned. BSU ranks 2nd in rushing and 3rd in passing, but leads the conference not only in total offense but also scoring. They execute well, as evidenced by the fact that they lead the MAC in fewest penalty yards. Pacing the attack is Nate Davis at QB, MiQuale Lewis at RB, and the space eaters up front on the offensive line. Ball State protects the ball, and is second in the conference with a +6 turnover margin.
Advantage: MiQuale Lewis by himself averages more yards on the ground per game than the dynamic duo of EMU tailbacks. Throw Nate Davis in the mix and it's a large margin.

Defense: What will make EMU fans happy is that they lead the conference in pass defense, at around 150 yards surrendered per game. The bad news is those stats may be a bit skew, as they have yet to play Central Michigan, Western Michigan, or obviously Ball State. This defensive unit for the Eagles has the potential to be shredded through the air. Teams just don't take advantage of it. Why? Because the Eagles are the worst team in the league at defending against the run. They give up a staggering 223 yards per game on the ground. They've given up 200+ yards to a single player in each of their last two games.

For the Cardinals, the defense took a lot of heat early on this season. When compared to such a high powered offense, it's only natural. I had serious reservations earlier this year about the ability of this defense to allow the offense to have an off game or two. Surprisingly enough, this defense is not half bad. They are 3rd in the conference in total yards allowed, and though not exceptional at any one area, they are solid across the board. They force turnovers, plug holes along the offensive line, and each game has gotten better and better. They've allowed 7 points total the last two weeks combined, and that 7 came with under a minute to go in a large win.
Advantage: MiQuale Lewis is going to go hog wild on this defense. It wouldn't shock me at all to see both Lewis and Sykes top the century mark.

Coaching: Jeff Genyk is 13-33 in 4 seasons at the helm of the failboat that is EMU football. Genyk is poised to turn the Eagles around, but "turn around" is a very relative term. He did defeat CMU and WMU last season, and his team is beginning to get talent to sign on the dotted line. But Hoke has guided the Cards to an undefeated season despite the loss of Dante Love, is being mentioned for nearly every low tier BCS vacancy, and has put together a great couple years in Muncie.
Advantage:

Mascot:
Eastern Michigan Eagles:

Swoop the Eagle. Controversy surrounded this bird, as fans of the program didn't want the change made from the Eastern Michigan Hurons. Apparently, the Indian lobby is a lot stronger than the shittily made mascot costume lobby.

Ball State Cardinals:

Charlie Cardinal. Raise your hand if you don't suck.
Advantage:

Overall: EMU is in the infancy stages of becoming a respectable football program again. They would do well to take a look at what Hoke did since his arrival at BSU. Is Ball State beatable? Sure. EMU proved they've got no problem beating the conference big boys last year. But the bottom line is the talent is too different, the stakes too high, and this BSU team too good to consider picking against them.

Prediction:
Ball State 41
Eastern Michigan 14

Cardinal Preview: Toledo

vs.

Ball State vs. Toledo
Location: Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH
Game Time: 7:00pm
Television: Ball State Sports All Access

It's Thursday, which brings with it previews galore of this weekend's action. This week's victim? The Toledo Rockets. Toledo's an interesting study, as they bring with them a great offense, but absolutely no defense. They come to the game at 1-3, but their signature game so far was a loss... an overtime thriller against Fresno State.

The Cardinals have simply marched through their season at 5-0. It's been an emotional ride for fans, students, and players, and this week will reveal a lot about the character of this team. How can they handle the media attention they are getting? Can the defense step up and make stops against a high-powered attack? How will they play after two extremely emotional games?

The Basics:
Ball State University Cardinals:
Location: Muncie, IN
Record: 5-0 (2-0 MAC)
Last Week: W vs. Kent State 41-20

Toledo Rockets:
Location: Toledo, OH
Record: 1-3 (1-0 MAC)
Last Week: L vs. Florida International 35-16

Offense: The Toledo offense is paced by Aaron Opelt. A good quarterback, but has struggled with injuries throughout his time at Toledo. This season, Opelt has Steven Williams and Nick Moore as his top targets. Both are good options at wideout. DaJuane Collins paces the Rockets' ground attack, and has been impressive this season, though did not play last week against FIU because of an ankle injury. They'll turn to freshman Morgan Williams to carry the load in case Collins can't go against BSU.

For the Cardinals, it's more of the same. High-power passing, tough running attack, stellar offensive line play. What the Cardinals must look to correct is the drops. So far it hasn't cost them games, but it has cost them points, and this must be corrected for this perfect season to continue.
Advantage: Closer than I would like, but BSU has the nod.

Defense: Defense for Toledo is a bit of a problem. They defend neither the pass nor the rush exceptionally well and have given up 131 points in three losses. This defense is in serious trouble when the Nate Show rolls into the Glass Bowl. Should the Rockets find a way to defend against the pass, they will then have to rely on their defense shutting down Ball State and MiQuale Lewis on the ground. Not an easy task for a unit that was last in 2007 in the MAC for rushing defense.

For Ball State, it just has to be more of the same. The Cardinals have utlized a bend but don't break approach and capitalizing on turnovers and mistakes of the opposing offense. The fact that Collins may not be in the starting lineup will be a huge advantage for BSU.
Advantage: Neither defense is exceptional, but Ball State has shown the ability to make stops and shut opposing offenses down when needed. Toledo hasn't demonstrated that at all.

Coaching: Two years ago and this category would have been a no-brainer for Toledo. But the simple fact is that Tom Amstutz is not quite the revered MAC head man that he used to be. Back-to-back 5-win seasons and a decreased success rate has raised questions about his quality and ability.
Advantage: Push. Hoke is on the rise, Amstutz on the decline. We'll call it even.

Intangibles: Injuries abound for both teams, and Toledo will be looking for respect and notoriety that comes with a signature win. The pressure is beginning to mount for Ball State, and it is a conference road game. Story lines abound....
Advantage: Push

Mascot:
Toledo Rockets:

From all reports I could gather Toledo doesn't have an official mascot, though there is scuttlebutt of a certain Rocky the Rocket. However, they do have an actual rocket pointed at the football stadium of Bowling Green. That's hardcore. Insane. But hardcore.

**Incorrect Alan. As a former resident of the Toledo, OH area, I am aware of 'Rocky' the Rocket and the fame that accompanies whoever should be so lucky. University of Toledo students...please follow this link for more information regarding tryouts. It might be for the 2008 season, but you're welcome for the head start on the 4-5 situational improv/dance scenarios. Good luck. ~RV
















Ball State:

Charlie Cardinal. I'm surprised he could even get his pants cinched up with his giant bird balls.
Advantage: Pointing a weapon at your rival doesn't make it good. If that were true, Miami would have the advantage every week.

Overall: This game on paper looks to be a bit of a snoozer. Another Ball State game, another win. I hope I'm right.

Prediction:
Ball State 44
Toledo 23

Cardinal Preview: Kent State

vs.

Ball State vs. Kent State
Location: Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN
Game Time: 7:00pm
Television: ESPN Gameplan

It's Thursday, which brings with it previews galore of this weekend's action. Here, we take a gander at Kent State, the opponent for the Cardinals on Homecoming Saturday. To call this game important would be an understatement. Sure, it's a conference game. Yes, it's step #5 toward perfection. But most important is that we'll all learn a significant amount about this year's team on Saturday.

How Ball State responds to this particular week will tell much about the intestinal fortitude of this team. The emotional win against in-state Indiana aside, simply dealing with the media attention and emotion of Dante Love's injury is an opportunity for distraction and ill-preparation. Not to mention the fact the Cardinals are 17 point favorites. On paper, the game isn't close, but reality and paper don't often intersect.

The Basics:
Ball State University Cardinals:
Location: Muncie, IN
Record: 4-0 (1-0 MAC)
Last Week: W vs. Indiana 42-20

Kent State Golden Flashes:
Location: Kent, OH
Record: 1-3 (0-0 MAC)
Last Week: L vs. Louisiana Lafayette 44-27

Offense: The good news for Kent State is that this year's starter, senior Julian Edelman is healthy. After a knee injury and a broken arm last year, Edelman hopes his 2008 campaign will be a successful one. So far, Edelman has not produced any sort of break out numbers. Through 4 games, he's tossed for 488 yards and 4 TDs, but also thrown 5 INTs. A true dual-threat, Edelman is also the team's leading rusher with 304 yards and three scores. These are not eye-popping numbers by any stretch.

On the ground, when not in Edleman's hand, the Golden Flashes have in the past turned to Eugene Jarvis. But recently will look mostly to sophomore Andre Flowers, who has been getting significantly more touches than Jarvis . Flowers is not excessively fast, but at 5-11 and 200 pounds, he can take a hit and deliver one as well. The receiving corps for Kent is paced by Shawn Bayes, who has racked up 201 yards on 12 catches with 2 scores.

For Ball State this is the first game in the A.L. era (after Love). Nate Davis is still tossing the ball, and that's enough to warrant a significant advantage for BSU. Myles Trempe showed flashes of brilliance in the Indiana game, and must continue to contribute solid routes, sure hands, and an ability to block downfield for the running game. Briggs Orsbon and Daniel Ifft all look for increased touches as well. On the ground the Cardinals turn to reigning MAC West Offensive Player of the Week MiQuale Lewis, who has wildly exceeded expectations this season, racking up 529 yards and 7 TDs. The offense lost a significant playmaker in Love, but now teams have no player to key on, which might be good for this Cardinals offense.
Advantage: Overwhelming.

Defense: If you're a Kent State fan, this Ball State offense should worry you. Tremendously. In the last game against Louisiana Lafayette, the Flashes gave up 667 yards of total offense. Expect the Flashes to be better against the pass than the run, but "better" is a relative term. This is the best of both of those attacks this defense has seen all season. The defensive unit had to replace 7 starters from a 07 edition that wasn't all that bad, and in fact led the MAC in stops behind the line. However, this defense is about to enter a world of pain, Donnie.

For Ball State, expect a defense that will have plenty of mistakes to capitalize on. Edelman has a tendency to throw balls virtually up for grabs, and the Cardinal secondary should have a field day. The offensive line is young and inexperienced, and should struggle to establish dominance against BSU's front 7.
Advantage: The offenses that they're facing makes the difference.

Coaching: Coach Doug Martin is a Kentucky alum. He gets props for that. He gets props for sticking to his plan and trying to make the most of an overall crappy situation. What he doesn't get is wins. He's 15-31 in 4 years at KSU, and though injuries plagued his team last season, the Flashes finished dead last in the MAC East. Martin has a long way to go to turn Kent around, and an even longer way to go before he begins to gain his team an advantage in this category.
Advantage:

Intangibles: Two words: Dante. Love. No one really knows how this Cardinals team is going to respond. And there's plenty to respond to. Media attention. The fact they're undefeated. The fact that #86 isn't suiting up for the first time. The fact they've had all week to think about all those things. It could fire this team up, it could cause a hangover. The simple truth is no one really knows what to expect.
Advantage: Push

Mascot:
Kent State University:

Naming an animal after your mascot (Flash the Eagle) doesn't make it creative or good. Just FYI.

Ball State:

Charlie Cardinal. Avian Awesomeness.
Advantage: Simply because our mascot looks like the team name. Eagles look like eagles, not golden flashes. And I shouldn't have to have a metaphor be explained to me to get the correlation. It's too much work when you've been out drinking your face off in the Muncie sun.

Overall: I'm not sure that even with all the attention that Ball State has gotten for the wrong reasons since Saturday that Kent State has even the remotest of chances. The spread is 17, and I expect Ball State to cover and then some. Expect a huge day from MiQuale against a soft defense, a standard 275-yard day at the office for Nate Davis, and another dominating performance by both the offensive and defensive lines. Quite simply put, Ball State owns the advantages all over the field and at all of the skill positions. A sluggish first half is possible, but not probable, and a loss on Homecoming would be unbelievable. Ball State.... big.

Prediction:
Ball State 40
Kent State 17

Cardinal Preview: Indiana (hatehatehatehate)

vs.

Ball State vs. Indiana
Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
Game Time: 7:00pm
Television: Big Ten Network

It's Friday of IU Hate Week, and with it comes our preview of tomorrow's showdown. Well, showdown for Ball State. Listening to most IU fans talk, this is going to be a walkthrough for them. Sort of a glorified scrimmage to get them warmed up for Big Ten play. I think it's admirable that Ball State took our little old football team down to Bloomington to let the Hoosiers warm up against us. I mean, we're no Murray State or Western Kentucky, but I'm glad that IU threw us a bone and let us step on the field with them. Sort of like the ESPN "My Wish" segments where the retarded kid gets to meet his idols. We should be honored. We should bow to their impressive standard of Hoosier State mediocrity.

As I have been informed, this isn't a rivalry game for Indiana. In fact, it's no different than playing any of the other tune up games they've played. This is simply a game to get a W, and then move along to the "real competition" of the Big 10. Apparently "real competition" means getting your ass knocked around and finishing in the bottom half of the conference. Noted.

The Basics:
Ball State University Cardinals:
Location: Muncie, IN
Record: 3-0 (1-0 MAC)
Last Week: W vs. Akron 41-24

Indiana University Hoosiers:
Location: Bloomington, IN
Record: 2-0 (0-0 Big 10)
Last Week: W vs. Murray State 45-3 (Sep. 6)

Offense: To call this game "offensively centered" would be like calling Pearl Harbor a "sort of underhanded attack". Both teams come into the game with high powered offenses, playmakers all over the field, and the ability to shift gears when needed based on the balance of each team. IU brings a mobile quarterback, very different than Ball State. Junior Kellen Lewis is a severe threat to the chances of winning this game, as he can throw the ball, run the ball, and according to some IU fans, feed the masses at Memorial Stadium with just three fish and a loaf of bread. He also rolls an amazingly tight spliff from intelligence I've gathered.

IU also brings an outside rushing threat in Marcus Thigpen. The 5-9 senior has amazing speed and when he gets to the outside and turns the corner he's dangerous as evidenced by his 100-yard game against Murray State. Gone for the Hoosiers is big play wideout James Hardy, who torched the Cardinals for 116 yards and 2 scores on 8 catches last year. The Hoosiers have gained at least 450 yards in each of their last two games.

When BSU has the ball, it's the Nate Show live on location in Bloomington. Through the air, the Cardinals are one of the best in the nation, with receiver Dante Love. Davis is accurate and has yet to have a game under 300 yards this season. Overlooked in this offensive attack is MiQuale Lewis, a tough back who has increased production every game this season with his season-high 154 yards last week against Akron.
Advantage: By a small margin, but against an equal defense, I give BSU the edge.

Defense: Indiana comes to the game with an outstanding front 7 and a good secondary. Their weakness, if they have one, is the corner spot. Additionally, safety Austin Thomas is questionable to play. His running mate in the secondary is Nick Polk, who was signed to the program as a receiver. Polk is hard-hitting, fast, and has great hands. He'll largely be counted on to cover TE Darius Hill's routes across the middle or Dante Love's deep threats.

The defensive line is paced by ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton. The key matchup will be Indiana's defensive line against BSU's O-line. If they can win the battle up front, pressure Davis into mistakes, and not let him sit back and pick apart the secondary, then Indiana will be very successful.

Ball State comes to the Indiana game with a bit of a chip on its defensive shoulder. Though three games into the season, BSU has only played a traditional D-1 offense one time against Akron. Their first game against Northeastern was 1-AA and Navy brings with it a triple option attack. Against the Zips, the Cardinals were serviceable but not outstanding. They allowed 299 through the air and 119 on the ground, but almost 5 yards per carry on rushing attempts.

The front 7 is of great concern against an IU offensive line that is Big 10 quality. The good news for the BSU defense is IU is replacing three senior starters from that offensive line. The O-line for Indiana appears to be improving, giving up 2 sacks in the season opener to WKU and none the following week against Murray State. The defense doesn't need a herculean effort here, but it does need to perform well enough to not put the offense in holes. I am impressed by the ability of the defense to perform better against a team the second time they see them. The Navy game was a great example of knowing a team better and performing better against them the following year.
Advantage: The margin is reduced by the injury to safety Austin Thomas but IU does have the edge.

Coaching: Bill Lynch. Brady Hoke. Do we really need to continue? Lynch has had talent at IU unlike Hoke had when he started at BSU thanks largely to Terry Hoeppner's ability to recruit to Indiana and Lynch's inability to recruit in Muncie. On a sheer x's and o's standpoint, it's probably a push, but the simple fact that Lynch has a head coaching job anywhere after the trainwreck of his Ball State is laughable. Their both changing directions in their programs. The difference is Hoke is turning the corner to be a better football team. Lynch will simply fiddle on while the Titanic sinks around him.
Advantage: As evidenced by the fact that some IU fans are saying Hoke should be considered when Lynch inevitably leaves.

Intangibles: It's a respect game for both programs. Ball State is looking for respect from their in-state BCS brethren. The fans of IU have overlooked the program, insulted the school, and acted like this game is completely insignificant to the IU fanbase. It's just another game to them. Thankfully, games are not played on fansites.

For Indiana it's a game to get respect from the national media who seem smitten with Ball State. They're getting votes in both Top 25 polls. ESPN is writing columns about the Cardinals. No one, aside from their fans and team, is talking about IU. The arguments against their weak schedule, perennial drubbings from Big 10 opponents, and a general lack of respect amongst the media have given IU material for motivation should they choose to use it.

Normally the crowd and a game at night is a significant advantage for the home team. But let's be realistic... this is Indiana. I've been to games at Memorial Stadium and usually the only large crowds are brought with them by Michigan, Ohio State, or Kentucky.
Advantage: Push

Mascot:
Indiana University:

Indiana doesn't have a mascot for their Hoosier team names. So we get Coach Dale. In all his player punching rage. Woody Hayes says, "Good choice."

Ball State:

Charlie Cardinal. Bird of the people.
Advantage: Cardinals aren't the fiercest birds around, but damn it we have a mascot. What sort of communist school doesn't have a mascot?! If the teams go by Hoosiers, then just pick an Indiana resident to walk around and high five people. This is fifth grade shit.

Overall: I am a firm believer that flipping a coin will have just as good a chance as predicting the winner of this game than rational thought. The turning point in this game may very well be a key turnover, a defensive touchdown, or a special teams play. For the IU fans thinking Nate Davis and co. are going to be shut down by the IU defense, dream on. For the Cardinals fans expecting Ball State to walk out with a 20-point win, dream on. It's going to be an exciting game and one that will most likely come down to the wire. IU is a team to watch, who is capable of beating anyone. They are also not good enough to overlook anyone either. I'll root for them the rest of the year, but come Saturday, it's hate. Epic, massive, gargantuan. A supersize hate burger with a side of hate fries and a Hatorade to wash it all down. Game on. Hatehatehatehate.

Prediction:
Ball State 42
Indiana 38

Cardinal Preview: Akron

vs.

Ball State vs. Akron
Location: The Rubber Bowl, Akron, OH
Game Time: 1:00pm
Television: None

So far, 2008 has been the Year of the Cardinal. Ball State is riding a tidal wave of momentum with a 2-0 record, and a win over Navy on national television. Looming in the wings, is a game at Indiana and according to ESPN's Mike Gottfried, the Cards' toughest game on the schedule, and their biggest hurdle to going a perfect 12-0 on the season and having an outside chance at a major bowl.

This is all good news for Akron and coach J.D. Brookhart. The Cardinals are confident. They are opening their MidAmerican Conference schedule on the road. There is an in-state rivalry game against a BCS opponent waiting in the wings. Despite all their successes so far and the ease of this game on paper, this should give Cardinals fans pause as they evaluate the chances of Ball State this weekend. Here to give you the skinny, another OTP Cardinal Preview. This time around, the Akron Zips.

The Basics:
Ball State University Cardinals
Location: Muncie, IN
Record: 2-0 (0-0)
Last Week: W vs. Navy 35-23

Akron University Zips
Location: Akron, OH
Record: 1-1 (0-0)
Last Week: W vs. Syracuse 42-28

Offense: For Akron, the good news is they return 8 starters from their 2007 offensive unit. The bad news is those 8 starters made up a unit that wasn't very good. The 07 Zips managed just 311 yards of offense per game, good for last in the MAC. Individually, nothing was a standout attack for them, as they finished 11th in both rushing and passing as well. That helped in their quest for finishing last in the MAC East.

The 08 Zips feature an offensive line that is experienced (4 returning starters) and large (average of 6-4 302 lbs.). At the skill positions they are deep at running back and long on potential, but short on proven ability save for Alex Allen, who went for 103 yards and 2 scores last week. The same can be said for their receiving corps, though their tight ends are paced by Merce Poindexter, who averaged 10.2 yards per catch in the anemic 2007 offense. Andre Jones, a converted safety in the offseason, looks to be a prime target, as he went for 98 yards and two scores on 7 catches at Syracuse.

There is reason for optimism offensively though, as the receiver stable is long on JUCO transfers and freshman, and they'll be receiving balls from QB Chris Jacquemain, who enters the season as the full-time starter after splitting time there last fall. Jacquemain figures to have plenty of time to throw the ball behind a strong offensive line. The success of this offense will rest solely on his shoulders and whether or not he can deliver. And so far he has, going for 227 yards and 2 scores at Wisconsin, and 260 and 3 TDs against Syracuse.

For the Cardinals, it's the same story, just a different week. Nate Davis continues to excel, completing passes at an 80%+ clip, Dante Love leads the nation in all purpose yards, Darius Hill provides an explosive threat across the middle, and MiQuale Lewis continues to exhibit tough, quick, precise rushing. Life is good for the Cardinal offense, and so far in 2008 they've only been stopped when they turn the ball over.
Advantage: Not even close. The Akron offense is getting better and looks to be drastically improved though.

Defense: Just like the offense, the story of the Akron defense is potential. After getting gashed last year to the tune of 183 yards per game on the ground, the Zips had no choice but to get better. Enter Iowa transfer nosetackle Ryan Bain. The Zips lost plenty on defense, especially in the secondary, but Brookhart believes this to be an improved unit capable of holding opponents when it counts.

So far this season, the Akron defense has been more of the same. Teams are running, running, running, and running some more. Syracuse to the tune of 218 yards, and Wisconsin to the tune of 404. When it comes to the pass, they've been moderately more successful, holding both opponents under 200 yards, but its a skew statistic, as Wisconsin only attempted 10 passes and Syracuse just isn't that good (and still scored 3 passing TDs). This defense is untested against an offense like Ball State's.

For Ball State, the approach for the Navy game seemed to be a bend but don't break mentality, and it worked well. The Cardinals gave up yardage to the Middies, but this was an option attack and unlike anything the Cardinals had seen or will see this season. Akron is a more straight forward approach, but the offensive line concerns me. The Cardinals will need to get pressure on Jacquemain to force poor decisions and potential turnovers, something Wisconsin and Syracuse were unable to do.
Advantage: Expect MiQuale Lewis to expose Akron for the weak defense that they are.

Coaching: J.D. Brookhart finds himself in a similar position in Akron that Brady Hoke found in Muncie 4 years ago with a team in search of success but lacking the tools to get there. Brookhart is getting there, slowly but surely, just as Hoke did. He's showed himself to be a disciplinarian, a hard worker, and a good recruiter. He has the potential to make a name for himself and put Akron back on the map. To get there, he should follow Brady Hoke's trail, as he's done it at Ball State.
Advantage: Both good coaches, but Hoke is just further along the journey.

Intangibles: They say special teams wins ball games and you'll see some of the nation's best in this game. Akron features two gems in this department, as Bryan Williams and Andre Jones handle the return duties for the Zips. They are electrifying and exciting, and will help Akron work with shorter fields should the Cardinals have to punt. Equally dangerous is Dante Love for the Cardinals, who leads the nation in all-purpose yardage. Of concern and intangible-ey nature is the fact that is the Cardinals first trip on the road this season and Akron's first game at home.
Advantage: By a small margin, and it being the Cards first trip on the road

Mascot:
Akron:

Zippy... the... uh... big gay kangaroo. This thing is supposed to intimidate me? I would expect it to be tapping it's big feet in the men's restroom under the stall door at me instead. And nice sweatshirt and foam finger, douchebags.

Ball State:

Charile Cardinal. Tall. Fierce. Feathered. And most importantly, shirtless, showing off his big feathered pecs. Calm down Zippy. The suit is a bitch to clean.
Advantage: Easily

Overall: Gay kangaroos aside, this game worries me for a couple of reasons, most notably the fact that Akron's biggest weakness (its run defense) is not the focal point of Ball State's offense. And it isn't like the Akron secondary are world beaters, but I hope Brady Hoke and Stan Parrish are as smart as I think they are and let MiQuale Lewis run roughshod over the Zips and their mascot. Expect a big day for Lewis, and for Davis and company to pick their spots and pick them well and slice the defense up. Akron is simply overmatched and the talent gap too large to predict an upset, but the road game and the Indiana game next week makes me think this one will be closer than it should be, but still a nice win for the Cardinals. Were I a betting man, I'd take the Cardinals to cover the 6 point spread.

Prediction:
Ball State: 35
Akron: 21