When Purdue and Ball State last met, seven years ago, theBoilermakers' 28-14 victory marked the second one in the Joe Tillerera in West Lafayette.
While the Cardinals (0-1) aim to bring home a win in this visit,the task has become tougher.
The Tiller Express has been steaming along since making trips toseven bowl games. This season has started just fine as well; theBoilermakers stomped Syracuse on Sunday, 51-0.
"It's what I expected out of a Purdue team," Ball State headcoach Brady Hoke said. "We played them six out of the eight years Iwas at Michigan, and Joe Tiller's done a great job with thatprogram."
While Tiller's teams have been better known for an offense thatspreads out opponents and still thrives on ball control, thedefense has often been overlooked.
That crew, which broke in eight new starters and was without itsone senior starter, yielded just 197 yards in pitching the shutout.Sophomore end Ray Edwards in particular made regular appearances inthe Syracuse backfield.
Hoke, for one, has always admired coordinator Brock Spack'sdefenses.
"They're very athletic," he said. "They're young to some degree,but they have guys who've been in the program who are gettingthey're first starts."
In going up against that defense, Ball State is looking to helpsophomore Joey Lynch more by balancing in a rushing attack.
Facing a formidable Boston College defense in his first start,Lynch threw for 147 yards without an interception. Tailbacks LarryBostic and Adell Givens added 71 yards rushing, but the Cardsmanaged just 64 overall.
The ones who catch Lynch's passes are what worries Tiller themost.
"They have accomplished receivers," he said. "Dante Ridgeway(eight catches, 47 yards against BC) is a force to be reckonedwith. He'll pose a different type of a threat to our defense thanwhat we saw last week."
For the BSU defense, quarterback Kyle Orton and theBoilermaker's offense is more than a threat; it could be the mostpotent group the Cards face in 2004. Purdue rolled up 571 yards,including Orton's 287 passing and four touchdowns.
While Hoke raved about Orton's arm, delivery and leadership, therunning game is of greater importance.
"They'll possess the ball and take their shots when they thinkyou're vulnerable. If they can run the ball on you, you're in for along day. They've got you exactly where they want you."
Likewise, Orton has respect for a young Ball State defense thatkept the team within striking distance in last Thursday's 19-11loss.
The Cards yielded 340 yards, 205 of them on the ground. Strongsafety Justin Beriault led the way with 14 tackles. LinebackersJason Sieman and Donta Smith recorded 12 apiece.
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