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2007 Ball State Football Preview

Ball State Cardinals

2007 BSU Overview

Ball State returns seven starters from an offense that averaged 27 points per game in 2006. This year’s offense will be much more lethal behind sophomore phenom QB Nate Davis. Davis is the next great MAC QB and after throwing for nearly 2,000 yards last year as a true freshman, he should easily surpass the 3,000 mark this fall. MiQuale Lewis and highly touted true freshman Frank Edmonds should improve a running game that averaged 92-yards per game on the ground last season. There are many playmaking options for Davis to throw too, including the multi-talented and diminutive Dante Love along with TE Darius Hill, who is an NFL prospect already as a junior. The offense line was once was a hindrance not long ago, has become a cornerstone with four solid starters and several lettermen returning. Andre Ramsey and Robert Brewster have all-conference potential. If Ball State is going to contend for their first MAC title since 1996 then the defense will need to greatly improve from their 115 th national rank last season, giving up nearly 435-yards of total offense per contest. Five starters return but there is more experience and speed on this side of the ball than any other season during Hoke’s tenure. With their second straight year utilizing a 3-4 defensive scheme, expect significant improvements against the run but more QB pressure will be necessary so BSU can do better than last years dismal 258-yards per game through the air. Hard hitting safety Alex Knipp is a budding star. Ball State has a long history of quality kickers and you can add Chris Miller to that list. Miller led the MAC in punting last season with an amazing 46-yard average. Expect Ball State to contend for the MAC west title this year but they may be one year away from winning the division, especially considering how good Western Michigan is expected to be. Earning a bowl bid for the first time in eleven years is a real possibility.

Mark it Down!
The Cardinals will finally beat Indiana this year. After losing a 24-23 heartbreaker at home in 2006, this year Nate Davis will lead the ‘Cards to their first win over a Big Ten team.

2007 Ball State Schedule Analysis
This is another very difficult non-conference schedule for the Cardinals. BSU travels to Navy, Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana while hosting Sun Belt transitional member Western Kentucky. The MAC West schedule is a dream - hosting Central, Western and Toledo while traveling to Eastern and Northern. Crossover games are favorable too with Miami and Buffalo

Most Important Game
At Eastern Michigan on September 8 – Ball State has gotten off to slow starts during the Brady Hoke era so if the Cardinals have any inclination of playing meaningful MAC games in November, they need to beat the Eagles to begin MAC West play.

2007 Ball State Prediction - 7-5 Overall, 5-2 MAC, 3-2 MAC West

published 07.11.2007