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MAC Preview: Ball State Cardinals
By Nick Gerogosian | July 22, 2008
Coach: Brady Hoke, 6th year (22-37)
2007 Record (MAC): 7-6 (5-2) Lost 52-30 to Rutgers in the International Bowl
Ball State ranked in the top 35 nationally in 2007 in five different categories; turnover margin (4th), passing offense (22nd), passing efficiency (24th), net punting (29th) and total offense (31st). The Ball State trigger-man of that potent offense is Nate Davis (left, Icon SMI) who had an amazing sophomore season in 2007 tossing 30 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions in his 478 pass attempts. His 3,367 yards was tops in the MAC. Nate Davis may be the top statistical quarterback in the nation this fall.
MiQuale Lewis returns as the starter after averaging nearly 5-yards per carry during an injury-riddled 2007 season. When healthy, he is capable of consistently leading the ground attack for the Cardinals. Frank Edmonds is a good backup and the teams leading returning rusher, but had only 552 yards a season ago. As good as the offensive line has been, they will need to be much more consistent in run-blocking, especially late in the game to run time off of the clock in close games.
The entire receiving corps returns. This is a group that propelled BSU to be the #1 passing offense in the MAC last year and their numbers should only be better in 2008. Dante Love is one of the most special and diverse players in the MAC. Love produced nearly 1,400 receiving yards while adding 203 more rushing with eleven touchdowns in 2007. Love led the MAC last year in three categories; receptions per game (7.7), receiving yards per game (107.5) and all-purpose yards (207). Other solid wideouts include Dan Ifft; Louis Johnson and Myles Trempe. Each will contribute this fall. The Cardinals return the premier tight-end in the MAC in Darius Hill. Hill averaged 71-yards per game and scored 11 TDs last season. This TE corps is loaded too for fantasy owners - look at Madaris Grant and Kevin Steinhaus as top backups.
Chris Miller was third in the country last year averaging 45.4 yards per punt last season. He is a legitimate All-American Candidate. Keep an eye on who wins the PK battle between Ian McGarvey and Jake Hogue. Whomever wins this battle will get a lot of opportunities to score given this potent offense.
The defense did make strides last season but still has a long way to go if the ‘Cards are to win the MAC or beat a school from a BCS conference, which is something they have never done. After ranking 106th in the nation in rush defense, much improvement is needed along the defensive front line. This may be difficult since the two-deep defensive line averages less than 260 pounds per man.
Notes:
Ball State took a major step forward in 2007 transcending their football program from an afterthought in the MAC to becoming a championship contender. The Cardinals went to a bowl game for the first time since 1996 and returns ten starters on offense that averaged 31-points per game. For the first time in several seasons, Ball State plays a manageable non-conference schedule. Gone are the likes of Missouri, Clemson, Pitt, Boston College, Purdue, Iowa, Auburn, Nebraska and Illinois. The 2008 non-conference slate of Northeastern, Navy, Indiana and Western Kentucky makes it conceivable for Ball State to approach double-digits in the win column and actually have a realistic shot at a Top 25 ranking by seasons end, along with the MAC Championship.
Topics: College Football, MAC, Nick Gerogosian, Preview |
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