Ball State Cardinals - NCAA Football Odds, Lines & Betting

The Cardinals were 5-3 in conference play during the 2006 season, but lost all four of their non-conference games to finish 5-7 overall.  Coach Brady Hoke welcomes back 13 starters to campus this season, including seven on offense.  Nate Davis (61.2%, 1,975 yards, 18 TD, 8 INT) is the team’s No. 1 quarterback after splitting time with Joey Lynch, and the sophomore had a solid spring practice.  Davis directed the 16th-ranked passing offense in the country, and it could be a breakthrough year for him in 2007. 

Darius Hill (42 receptions, 741 yards, 10 TD) and Dante Love (52 receptions, 735 yards, 4 TD) will return to make Davis even more comfortable.  The Cardinals were pass-heavy and that offensive imbalance yielded just a 106 rating in rushing offense. Hoke will attempt to balance things this season.  There are six players back on defense for the Cardinals, but this was Ball State’s Achilles Heel.  They were 115th in both total defense and passing defense, and the graduation of leading tackler and safety Erik Keys leaves a big void.  LB Cortlan Brooker (64 tackles, four sacks) will be asked to rush the quarterback more, so the secondary does not get picked apart.  Punter Chris Miller was second in the nation at 46.2 yards per kick, giving the Cardinals an important weapon in the battle for field position.  This could be a double-edged sword for the Cardinals, as it lengthens the field for the opponent, which is never good when your secondary gives up the big play like Ball State. 

Early back-to-back games at Navy and Nebraska will set the tone for the Cardinals’ season, while a visit from Central Michigan and a trip to Western Michigan in October could make or break Ball State.  If the Cardinals can avoid giving up the big play, they could challenge for the MAC West crown.

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