1. Nate the great
Few sophomores face the expectation level or have had the accolades thrust upon them that Cardinals quarterback Nate Davis has experienced coming into this season. He's a Mid-American Conference player of the year candidate, on two watch lists for national quarterback awards, and on some level viewed as a savior for a program that has achieved only mild success on occasion in the past 10 seasons. That's a lot to heap on the shoulders of any player, especially one with just seven career starts at such a demanding position, but Davis seems to embrace the anticipation of what he's capable of doing. His skill set is above the norm, and it should be fun to watch his progress in his first full season as the starter.
2. Defense gets a test
Ball State's defense has been maligned the past couple of years, causing that area to be highly scrutinized during offseason meetings and in fall camp. Though the Cardinals gave up a ton of yards throughout 2006, they can take some solace in that they kept teams somewhat controlled in the final month of the year. Kent State managed only six points against Ball State in last year's season finale, and the Cardinals yielded an average of just 13.3 points in their last three MAC games. Today's game will be a good opportunity for the Cardinals to show that they have some mettle on defense.
3. Uncertainty at PK
Tonight's game pits two teams that should be closely matched in a lot of areas. Last year's game wasn't decided until the final minute, when Ball State scored the game-winning touchdown and then used an interception by Trey Buice at the Cardinals' 12-yard line to seal a 20-17 win. One area of uncertainty for the Cardinals is at placekicker. Jake Hogue and Ian McGarvey battled throughout fall camp for the starting job to replace dependable four-year kicker Brian Jackson, and Hogue is listed No. 1 on the depth chart. Neither of the new kickers has ever played in a game for the Cardinals. With no track record of results, the Cardinals will have their fingers crossed that Hogue can make a big kick with the game on the line if needed.
4. Is there a running game?
A key component for Ball State to have success on offense this season will be to run the ball with consistency. That's been a factor missing in the offense for several seasons. Reports out of Miami's camp this fall are that the RedHawks have defended well against the run. Quale Lewis is expected to start at tailback tonight for the Cardinals, with touted freshman Frank Edmonds and Corey McGee providing backup. How effectively that group moves the ball on the ground will likely be a key factor in Ball State's success tonight and throughout the season.
5. The skinny
Ball State and Miami both have designs on winning division championships this season. This should be a great season-opening game between two quality teams. Throw in an atmosphere in newly renovated Scheumann Stadium that likely will be festive, and everything points to an exciting night and a good showing by two worthy teams.
Few sophomores face the expectation level or have had the accolades thrust upon them that Cardinals quarterback Nate Davis has experienced coming into this season. He's a Mid-American Conference player of the year candidate, on two watch lists for national quarterback awards, and on some level viewed as a savior for a program that has achieved only mild success on occasion in the past 10 seasons. That's a lot to heap on the shoulders of any player, especially one with just seven career starts at such a demanding position, but Davis seems to embrace the anticipation of what he's capable of doing. His skill set is above the norm, and it should be fun to watch his progress in his first full season as the starter.
2. Defense gets a test
Ball State's defense has been maligned the past couple of years, causing that area to be highly scrutinized during offseason meetings and in fall camp. Though the Cardinals gave up a ton of yards throughout 2006, they can take some solace in that they kept teams somewhat controlled in the final month of the year. Kent State managed only six points against Ball State in last year's season finale, and the Cardinals yielded an average of just 13.3 points in their last three MAC games. Today's game will be a good opportunity for the Cardinals to show that they have some mettle on defense.
3. Uncertainty at PK
Tonight's game pits two teams that should be closely matched in a lot of areas. Last year's game wasn't decided until the final minute, when Ball State scored the game-winning touchdown and then used an interception by Trey Buice at the Cardinals' 12-yard line to seal a 20-17 win. One area of uncertainty for the Cardinals is at placekicker. Jake Hogue and Ian McGarvey battled throughout fall camp for the starting job to replace dependable four-year kicker Brian Jackson, and Hogue is listed No. 1 on the depth chart. Neither of the new kickers has ever played in a game for the Cardinals. With no track record of results, the Cardinals will have their fingers crossed that Hogue can make a big kick with the game on the line if needed.
4. Is there a running game?
A key component for Ball State to have success on offense this season will be to run the ball with consistency. That's been a factor missing in the offense for several seasons. Reports out of Miami's camp this fall are that the RedHawks have defended well against the run. Quale Lewis is expected to start at tailback tonight for the Cardinals, with touted freshman Frank Edmonds and Corey McGee providing backup. How effectively that group moves the ball on the ground will likely be a key factor in Ball State's success tonight and throughout the season.
5. The skinny
Ball State and Miami both have designs on winning division championships this season. This should be a great season-opening game between two quality teams. Throw in an atmosphere in newly renovated Scheumann Stadium that likely will be festive, and everything points to an exciting night and a good showing by two worthy teams.
