Offense
BALL STATE-¡ -NAVY - Similar to Ball State, Navy's triple-option offense is the highlight of its team. Often as dangerous as the Cardinals' propensity to spread the field and use the strong arm of Nate Davis, the Midshipmen will provide Ball State's defense its toughest challenge of the season. Fresh off a 558-yard rushing performance in its season opener against Towson University, Navy's offensive game plan isn't difficult to predict. It's stopping the Midshipmen's run that provides challenges.
ADVANTAGE - CARDINALS
Defense
BALL STATE-¡ -NAVY - The Midshipmen might have fewer questions in their defensive unit than Ball State, but that doesn't mean they're not completely outmatched against the Cardinals' spread offense. Honestly, it's difficult to give an edge to either defensive unit. This game is going to be a good old-fashioned shoot out, and the team that has the ball last very well might be the winner. Yet, Navy allowed 13 points to Towson compared to Northeastern's 14 points against Ball State. Never mind Northeastern's last touchdown was a meaningless score against the Cardinals' third-string unit; Navy gets the edge.
ADVANTAGE - NAVY
Special Teams
BALL STATE-¡ -NAVY - Navy's offense was so good against Towson, starting punter Kyle Delahooke took the field a single time, when he booted a 32 yarder. Field goal kicker Matt Harmon made two of his three attempts, with the lone miss being a 47-yard try. Blame it on its offense for stealing the spotlight, but there isn't much more information on the Midshipmen's special teams.
ADVANTAGE - CARDINALS
Coaching
BALL STATE-¡ -NAVY - Hoke surely won't win every coaching matchup this year, but not much is known about Navy's first-year coach Ken Niumatalolo. After spending the past 10 seasons at the Naval Academy, Niumatalolo was promoted in December as the Midshipmen's head coach. His team looked great in its season opener, but Ball State will provide a considerably tougher challenge to his squad.
ADVANTAGE - CARDINALS
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