Quarterback
Ball State – Keith Wenning has become the Cardinals' unquestioned starter. He completed 12-of-18 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns at Central Michigan last week and was a perfect six-for-six in the first quarter. Ball State isn't asking Wenning to win games yet, just to do well enough to make defenses honest.
Western Michigan – The Broncos were one of the many teams in the MAC West to lose an experienced quarterback when Tim Hiller graduated last year. Now their offense is in the hands of sophomore Alex Carder. A threat to run as well as pass, Carder has seen early success, averaging 256.2 passing yards per game.
Advantage – Broncos – Carder is playing with a little more experience than Wenning and it shows. While he can be interception prone at times — Toledo picked him off four times — he is also airing it out a lot more.
Running backs
Ball State – The Cardinals' three-pronged attack has evolved through the season but is still their best offensive weapon. Freshman David Brown has taken most of senior MiQuale Lewis' carries, joining Eric Williams and Cory Sykes. Ball State rushed for 306 yards last week and will be expecting another big day from its running backs.
Western Michigan – While the Cardinals rushed for 306 yards last week, the Broncos have rushed for just 307 yards all season. Junior Aaron Winchester leads the team with 134 yards and Carder is second with 75. It's a young position for Western Michigan, one that doesn't get many opportunities.
Advantage – Cardinals – Ball State's rushing attack received a big boost last week when Sykes came back from injury. Another 300-yard game is a lot to ask for, but it's not out of the question either.
Defensive backs
Ball State – Losing safety Kyle Hoke to a broken ankle at Central Michigan is a key loss for Ball State. Being able to plug Josh Howard, Derrick Henry and Aaron Morris into the hole makes it easier to handle. The Cardinals have seven interceptions this season, a big reason for their plus-four turnover margin. Cornerback Jason Pinkston snagged a pair last week.
Western Michigan – The Broncos secondary is in a state of disarray following an on-field fight between safety Doug Wiggins and cornerback Damond Smith. Coach Bill Cubit has indefinitely suspended Western Michigan's leading tackler and its most experienced cornerback. They will be replaced by a pair of true freshmen at Ball State.
Advantage – Cardinals – Ball State's secondary seems to have turned the corner and put last season's difficulties behind it. Also, safety Sean Baker hasn't intercepted a pass in two games, so he might be due Saturday.
Read More
Ball State softball defeats Western Michigan in first game of MAC Championship
By Zach Carter / 1 hours agoJunior Maddie Weaver led the Cardinals with three RBIs and two hits.
ALTOBELLA: The NCAA men’s volleyball tournament must expand for the sport’s sake
By Adam Altobella / 7 hours agoFourteen of the 20 teams ranked in the final National Collegiate men’s volleyball poll did not earn a spot in the NCAA tournament field, including Ball State.
Baseball defeats Butler at home
By Staff Reports / YesterdayComing off a Mid-American Conference (MAC) series win, Ball State Baseball continued to shine in its mid-week matchup against Butler.
