FOOTBALL: The Edge

Offense

BALL STATE

NORTHEASTERN - The Huskies' offense was one of their numerous team disappointments last year. Northeastern ranked in the Colonial Athletic

ADVANTAGE - CARDINALS

Defense

BALL STATE-¡ - There's no doubt the Cardinals defense was the weaker of its two units in 2007. It wasn't close to being as productive as an offense that was one of the top in the MAC, but coach Brady Hoke is expecting a better group in 2008. The two things Hoke said his defense has improved most in is team speed and a depth, a by-product of returning a large group of young talent. The Cardinals' defense has improved considerably each year for the past couple seasons, and it will be interesting to see whether it can take a another step toward solidifying itself in 2008.

NORTHEASTERN - Northeastern's defense was just as bad as its offense last season. Resembling a slice of swiss cheese, the Huskies ranked ninth in total defense and scoring defense last season. Looking at the challenges Northeastern's and Ball State's defense will have tonight, it would qualify as the understatement of the year to say the Huskies have the more daunting task.

ADVANTAGE - CARDINALS

Special Teams

BALL STATE

NORTHEASTERN - You'd think the one area Northeastern would have to hold the edge would be with its field goal kicking, but you'd be wrong. The Huskies finished last in the CAA last season with a 37.5 percent clip. It made three field goals all season - by far the least in the conference - and it wasn't because the offense was too busy scoring touchdowns. Similar to Ball State, Northeastern's punting game was significantly better than its field goal kicking. Starting punter Ron Conway ranked first in the conference with a 39.4 yard-per-punt average, but he is severely out matched against Miller.

ADVANTAGE - CARDINALS

Coaching

BALL STATE

NORTHEASTERN - After inheriting the program in 2004, coach Rocky Hager hasn't been able to maintain the success his predecessor, Don Brown, began at the end of his term. In his fourth season at Northeastern, Hager is responsible for a 15-29 record. The highest win total came in his first year when he led the program to a 5-6 record. Last year, the team finished a disappointing 3-8, including 2-6 in the CAA. However, Hager's program has the opportunity to begin its season with a monumental upset tonight against Ball State.

ADVANTAGE - CARDINALS

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