With a trio of grueling non-conference opponents (and losses) in the rear-view mirror, Ball State now turns its attention to the Mid-American Conference.
The Cardinals (0-3) welcome Western Michigan (1-2) to Ball State Stadium for a 7 p.m. contest, the first Saturday night game in stadium history. "It's a whole new season," senior safety Justin Beriault said.
The idea of starting over wouldn't be a bad idea for Ball State, which is last (117th) in nation in points (six) and yards (183) per game, as well as 109th in points allowed (42).
Head coach Brady Hoke hopes that playing back in Muncie, where the Cards gave Boston College all it could handle, provides a big boost for his team, which was rattled in losses at Purdue and Missouri.
"There's nothing like playing at home," Hoke said. "I hope our students are out there and loud and giving Western some of the same problems we've faced."
Besides offense and defense, special teams has also been a sore area for the Cards, specifically kickoffs and punts. Opponents are averaging 34.8 yards per kick return and 16.8 on punts. BSU meanwhile, is gaining 14.4 and 4.0, respectively, per return.
Hoke feels his that kickoff coverage has been shored up, but return blocking still needs work.
"A few times against Purdue, we were one block from taking it all the way, and it was a different guy each time," he said. "At Missouri, we took a step back. We didn't do a good job, as coaches, in that aspect. We've got to a better job.
Hoke felt his team had enough punt protection at Missouri, but not enough coverage. In that regard, finding a second gunner opposite junior David Gater is imperative.
"David Gater's flying down the field and doing a great job," Hoke said. "We've got to complement him. We just want them to take a shot (at the return man)."
Western had its own non-conference troubles, getting trounced 63-0 at Virginia Tech before nearly knocking off Illinois (30-27).
Western coach Gary Darnell named Ryan Cubit the starting quarterback for Saturday after he threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns at Illinois, starting in place of injured Blayne Beggett. Beggett, the original starter who has since recovered, was miffed and earlier this week took an unexpected from the team. He has since returned.
Trovon Riley is the Broncos' leading rusher with 173 yards, but freshman Mark Bonds out of Indianapolis Warren Central should also get some carries. Junior Greg Jennings (19 catches, 181 yards) is among the league's elite receivers. Their offensive scheme, Hoke said, is the same regardless of who plays quarterback."
"They're the same type of quarterback," he said. "Jennings is an outstanding receiver. Bonds did a nice job and is getting more time."
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