Ball State OffenseBefore the season began, Ball State University's offensive players and coaches alike swore the unit would improve in 2008. It seemed like a crazy assertion, if only because the Cardinals' offense was so explosive last year. But they were right. Ball State has had the premier offense in the Mid-American Conference thus far by a large margin, averaging more than 10 points per game more than any other team than the league at 41.5 per game. The Cardinals won't score 40 points, but post more than 30 against an Akron defense that gave up 28 to a horrible Syracuse team last week.
Akron OffenseAkron's offense has been excellent this year, and will give Ball State a tough challenge Saturday. Akron's offense has been excellent this year, and will challenge Ball State's on Saturday. The Zips have the third-best scoring offense in the MAC at 29.5 points per game and scored 42 at Syracuse. Along with Ball State, it's also the only offense ranking in the MAC's top five in passing and rushing.
Ball State DefenseEven though the Cardinals allowed nine more points to Navy than in their season opener, but one could make the argument that Ball State's defensive effort was better Friday night. The defense will need to improve again - particularly in its fundamental tackling - if it wants to slow down a better Akron offense. The Cardinals have bent without breaking this season, ranking second in the MAC with 18.9 points allowed per game. Ball State ranks second in the MAC in red zone defense with two stops inside its 20-yard line.
Akron DefenseAkron's 33 points allowed per game this season is misleading when considering its opponents. The Zips opened the season at No. 10 Wisconsin and allowed 38 points in 21-point loss, and gave up 24 points on the road last week. Expect the defense to be much better in the team's home opener. In fact, it would get the edge if not for Ball State's ability to keep its opposing point total low this season.
Ball State Special TeamsBall State coach Brady Hoke wasn't happy with his team's kickoff return squad against Navy. Dante Love was spectacular in kickoff returns, he said, but he demanded the blocking improve. For a special teams unit that has been fantastic in every other aspect, it seemed like nitpicking. Ball State place kicker Ian McGarvey hasn't missed an extra point or field goal all season. Punt returner B.J. Hill still has the most return yards in the MAC, despite not recording a runback against Navy. And Chris Miller is still Chris Miller.
Akron Special TeamsThe Zips' biggest matchup problem in its special teams unit will be against the squad Ball State coach Brady Hoke called out in his press conference Monday. Akron's kickoff coverage team has a net average of 34.4 yards per kick, which ranks 11th of 13 teams in the MAC. That spells bad news when it kicks to the Cardinals' explosive return man, Dante Love. If the Zips don't improve its kickoff coverage, the field position battle could play a major role in Saturday's game.
Ball State CoachingWatching the past two games, it's almost impossible to point out one flaw in coach Brady Hoke. With two double digit victories, the Cardinals are 2-0 for the first time in 13 years. What more could we ask for.
Akron CoachingSimilar to Hoke, Akron coach J.D. Brookhart has done a great job of stockpiling young talent while on the recruiting trail. Despite Syracuse's woes, beating a Big East program on the road like the Zips did last Saturday is always an impressive feat. It will be interesting to see if Brookhart can keep his teams composure down Saturday in its home and conference opener.
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