Nick Gerogosian of VandelaySports.com is the MAC Daddy – for years he has covered the Mid-American Conference with all a fanatic’s passion and a beat reporter’s attention to detail. He again joins Fantasy College Blitz to prepare you for your draft like no one else can.

Overview

Ball State RB MiQuale Lewis big game in the 2008 MACC capped a great season.(Icon SMI)

Ball State has experienced some serious highs and lows recently.  After going 12-0 with QB Nate Davis and WR Dante Love during the 2008 regular season and nearly qualifying for an at-large BCS birth, the Cards lost their final two games (MACC & GMAC Bowl) by a combined score 87-37 and also lost their coach Brady Hoke to San Diego State.  BSU began the 2009 season 0-7 before going 2-3 down the stretch.  Four of 2009′s six MAC losses were by a touchdown or less.

The Team

This program is loaded with young QB talent in Kelly Page, Aaron Mershman and Keith Wenning.  Each has the ability to be “the guy” and some outstanding wideouts in Briggs Orsbon, Dan Ifft, Connor Ryan and Torieal Gibson. RB MiQuale Lewis returns after an injury filled ’09 season; Lewis rushed for over 1,700 yards and 22 TDs in 2008.  Cory Sykes and Erik Williams provide a lot of quality RB depth.  Last year’s Achilles heel was an inexperienced line, this offensive line should now be a strength with all five starters returning. BSU ranked 51st in the country in rushing last year and will be better this season.

Davyd Jones and Travis Freeman lead a solid LB corps but the best defensive player is safety Sean Baker.  The Cardinals always have a strong kicking game and will continue this fall with K Ian McGarvey and punter Scott Kovanda.

The Verdict

The Cardinals possess a talented team, much more so than their 2-10 record would indicate.  With a soft early season to gain confidence, BSU could shock Purdue and new QB Robert Marve on September 18.  Their MAC cross-over games are very manageable so a winning season and possible bowl bid is certainly possible.  More likely, this will be a season that hovers the .500 mark.  With depth chart questions at QB, RB Lewis should be your main fantasy focus given the softer schedule and veteran O-line.

2010 Schedule & Prediction

Sept 2  SE Missouri St.  W
Sept 11  Liberty   W
Sept 18  at Purdue  L
Sept 25  at Iowa   L
Oct 2  at Central Michigan L
Oct 9  Western Michigan  W
Oct 16  Eastern Michigan W
Oct 23  at Toledo  L
Oct 30  at Kent State  L
Nov 6  Akron   W
Nov 12  at Buffalo  L
Nov 20  NIU   L

5-7 Overall; 3-5 MAC

Related posts:

1. MAC Preview: Ball State Cardinals
2. 2010 Bowling Green Falcons Preview
3. Eastern Michigan Eagles 2010 Preview
4. 2010 Buffalo Bulls Preview
5. GMAC BOWL PREVIEW…Tulsa vs. Ball State

Tags: Ball State Cardinals, MAC, MiQuale Lewis