Know Your Opponent: This is NOT Last Year's 2-10 Ball State Squad
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Image: Getty Images
Written By Nathan Comp
About the Cardinals
Head Coach: Mike Neu
Overall: 7-19 3rd Year
Bowl Appearances at BSU: 0
2017 Record: 2-10 (0-8) MAC
Bowl Appearances Since 2000: 4 (0-4)
Mascot: Charlie Cardinal
Colors: Cardinal and White
Outfitter: Nike
National Titles: 0
Conference Titles: 10
Heisman Winners: 0
Last Week’s Result: Lost at Notre Dame 16-24
2018 Record: 1-1
Statistical Leaders
Passing Riley Neal 46-80 (57.5%) 439 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INT
Rushing James Gilbert 33 att. 172 yards 1 TD
Receiving Riley Miller 10 rec. 116 yards 0 TD
Tackles Jacob White 13 tackles (6 solo), 3.5 TFL, 1 Sack
Talking Points
1. Not the Same BSU Team as Last Year
The 2017 Ball State team finished the season on a 9-game losing streak and found themselves as statistically one of the worst teams in the FBS. This will not be the same team that arrives in Bloomington on Saturday. Ball State was decimated by injuries on both sides of the ball; starters and backups were dropping like flies. Now, BSU has its playmakers back and will not be a pushover for Indiana.
2. The BSU Offense Goes Where Riley Neal Goes
The engine behind the BSU offense is 6’6” 225-pound pocket-passing quarterback Riley Neal. When healthy, Neal makes the BSU offense click. When he has been sidelined with injuries, they have struggled mightily. He prefers to stay in the pocket and quickly deliver the ball out to his playmakers at receiver but is not afraid to lower his shoulder and beat you with his legs. Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly had this to say about Neal: “He’s an outstanding quarterback. He’s a quarterback that could lead a Power Five team. He is an NFL prospect.”
3. The Cardinal Defense is Evolving
Historically, the struggle of the best Ball State teams has been an awful defense. This year, the defense has attempted to fix this issue by switching to the less commonly used 3-4 defensive scheme. Giving teams a different look than normal proved beneficial against perennial power Notre Dame, as Ball State frustrated senior QB Brandon Wimbush into 3 interceptions and -7 rushing yards. Linebacker Jacob White will lead the Cardinal defensive unit.
4. Defensive Pressure Will be Key
On the offensive side of the ball, Indiana should be able to hold their own. The focus for Indiana in 2018 will again shift to the defensive side of the ball. The Hoosiers cannot afford another FIU-like performance. They must be able to stop the rushing attack from BSU running back James Gilbert and force quarterback Riley Neal to make difficult passes under pressure.