Ball State

[DocCat2]

I know they play in a lesser division. What can we expect from them? I don't take any team for granted- I've seen too many Cats teams play "down" to the level of competition over the years...

IF we can get a big lead at some point, I'd sure as hell take the opportunity to work on the passing game...

 

[Deeringfish]

I know they play in a lesser division. What can we expect from them? I don't take any team for granted- I've seen too many Cats teams play "down" to the level of competition over the years...

IF we can get a big lead at some point, I'd sure as hell take the opportunity to work on the passing game...

If I remember correctly, before NIU's dominance of the MAC, Ball State was the team to beat. So, within the limits of their conference they are a solid program.

 

[Catreporter]

I know they play in a lesser division. What can we expect from them? I don't take any team for granted- I've seen too many Cats teams play "down" to the level of competition over the years...

IF we can get a big lead at some point, I'd sure as hell take the opportunity to work on the passing game...

They have defensive issues but they can score some points. Freshman QB s supposed to very elusive. Put up 28 straight pts at Eastern Michigan after falling behind 17-0 early. So we can't just sit on a lead. Hope we see a full offensive gameplan for Clayton to work with.

 

[Sheffielder]

I'm not going to jinx us by saying, "I'm not worried," but I am very confident we won't pull an Auburn or an Arkansas here...those things have already happened in the college football landscape and with our ranking on the line, I think Fitz will have the team very poised and ready to go on Saturday. Not saying it will be easy, but I don't think we'll take the game lightly.

 

[phatcat]

I'm not going to jinx us by saying, "I'm not worried," but I am very confident we won't pull an Auburn or an Arkansas here...those things have already happened in the college football landscape and with our ranking on the line, I think Fitz will have the team very poised and ready to go on Saturday. Not saying it will be easy, but I don't think we'll take the game lightly.

Toledo beat Arkansas and ISU in successive weeks. NIU gave dOSU all they wanted. (I won't mention BGSUcks because I can't stand them)

These games are season-makers for MAC teams. Better 'strap it on'.

 

[Hungry Jack]

My impression of the MAC is that they get good enough athletes on offense where some of their offenses can be very potent. Where they struggle to measure up to Power schools in on defense, where athleticism and depth are often an issue.

But an OOC schedule that includes a MAC team is legitimate, IMO. Plenty of good players, and many good coaches who often get plucked away by big schools.

 

[FeliSilvestris]

I know they play in a lesser division.

They play in the same DIVISION and subdivision as ours (NOT an FCS team). You probably meant a lesser league.

Anyway, the most relevant of their games was played at A&M (ranked only slightly higher than NU). They got obliterated, giving up SEVEN TD's in the first half alone. They did manage to score 23 pts but most in the 2H when presumably many A&M starters were resting. OTOH, A&M probably isn't having the kind of QB issues that have been plaguing NU, so far.

Their other games were victories against FCS VMI (which has won only a few games per season recently) and MAC bottom-dweller EMU (which has only won 3 MAC games over the past 3 seasons). Still they won by relatively narrow margins, and gave up lost of pts, including 36 to VMI. Obviously, D is not a strength for them, although they can score pts (including against A&M, but likely their reserves).

In all, it would be a major upset if BS were to defeat the cats. Vegas seems to agree, since NU is an almost 20 pts favorite.

 

[Deeringfish]

They have defensive issues but they can score some points. Freshman QB s supposed to very elusive. Put up 28 straight pts at Eastern Michigan after falling behind 17-0 early. So we can't just sit on a lead. Hope we see a full offensive gameplan for Clayton to work with.

They were overwhelmed early by an excellent Texas A&M team in Texas. Switched QB's and looked more productive but it may have been garbage time by then for A&M.

 

[Styre]

If I remember correctly, before NIU's dominance of the MAC, Ball State was the team to beat. So, within the limits of their conference they are a solid program.

Not really -- they haven't won the MAC since 1996. Prior to NIU the "dynastic" teams were Central Michigan (3 titles in 4 years) and Marshall (5 titles in 6 years).

 

[Deeringfish]

Not really -- they haven't won the MAC since 1996. Prior to NIU the "dynastic" teams were Central Michigan (3 titles in 4 years) and Marshall (5 titles in 6 years).

My Memory is not what it used to be, I guess.

 

[Evanstonian]

My Memory is not what it used to be, I guess.

Ball State was good in 2012, finishing 9-4, and in 2013, with a record of 10-3. Last year they were 5-7.

 

[7levery7]

Year in, year out, Ball State is funnier than NU...and funny can be dangerous.

 

[CoralSpringsCat]

Colbert is funnier than Letterman.

 

[Cat In The Cradle]

IF we can get a big lead at some point, I'd sure as hell take the opportunity to work on the passing game...

Agreed. Thought we missed a good opportunity during the Eastern game to get Thorson some meaningful reps.

 

[SchizoCat1]

I was lurking on one of their boards and some of them expect to win because we haven't played anybody and our offense is awful.

At least droski wasn't there.

 

[GlideCat]

Ball State is 2-1. the VMI victory means very little but winning against Eastern Michigan with 28 unanswered points speaks of a team with self-confidence and good leadership.

The blow-out loss to A&M also means little as A&M is about as different from NU as it is possible to be in terms of the team's strengths and weaknesses.

If Ball State can shut down our running attack in the first half and keep the game close into the 4th, then anything can happen. We need early points and then lean on them and wear them down through the second half.

 

[GECat2]

I believe that Ball State had success when Brady Hoke was their coach.

 

[RevCat]

Rose Bowl Season. Miami University. Fitz remembers.

 

[Just Gary]

Obviously, we can't have a let down. Our defense has to play stout and our offense must produce. We should be able to get good run production and enough passing to keep drives going and produce points. I expect our defense will limit their first downs and keep them out of field goal range but they will be passing a lot more than the last three teams we faced. I'm expecting a good game by our D-line controlling the LOS and getting to the QB. This may be low scoring in the first half with us putting some distance in the third and relaxing a bit by the forth quarter. A second shut-out? Whatever it is , we will still be unsure going into the Minny game.

 

[Styre]

I believe that Ball State had success when Brady Hoke was their coach.

Some success, yes. They had a losing record each of his first four years there, then improved to 7-6 (5-2) in his fifth year with a loss in the International Bowl. His sixth year was his best: they ran the table in the regular season, going 12-0 with non-conference wins over Navy and Indiana and rising to #12 in the polls. But they were unexpectedly blown out by a Turner Gill-coached Buffalo team in the MAC title game, after which Hoke left for SDSU. (They got waxed by Tulsa in the GMAC Bowl that year after Hoke had departed.)

 

[TheC]

I don't have anything to add, but just feel like a post about this week's opponent should be up near the top of the board.

 

[phatcat]

I don't have anything to add, but just feel like a post about this week's opponent should be up near the top of the board.

Well done.

This game gives us a chance to beat the Cardinals (sic) twice. I like to call Stanford the Cardinals to be annoying. It is a well-honed skill of mine, as you know.

I can't see these Cardinals scoring much but until we are less one-dimensional on offense, I could see the two teams groveling around between the 30's and few points. I'd like to see some balance and, frankly, I think it comes down to Jones and Vitale getting open and catching the ball. Any other production from the WR's is a pleasant surprise.

 

[iskaboo]

phatcat: when have you ever been annoying.

Seriously, I hope that McCall scripts some easy to complete passes for Thorson in the first series. I think that building his confidence slowly and surely early on against what is likely a mediocre defense is preferable to throwing long right away.

 

[FeliSilvestris]

Ball State is 2-1. the VMI victory means very little but winning against Eastern Michigan with 28 unanswered points speaks of a team with self-confidence and good leadership.

The VMI result means that they barely beat a very weak team from a lower subdivision, giving up lots of points in the process.

Giving them credit for "coming back" against EMU after falling 17 pts behind is at best questionable. EMU is one of the weakest MAC programs, having won exactly ONE MAC game per season over the past 3 seasons. They did a bit better in relative terms under former NU assistant Genyk (winning 13 MAC games in his 5-year tenure ending in 2008), but -- except for a 0.500 season in English' 3rd season -- have been much worse since.

 

[phatcat]

The VMI result means that they barely beat a very weak team from a lower subdivision, giving up lots of points in the process.

Giving them credit for "coming back" against EMU after falling 17 pts behind is at best questionable. EMU is one of the weakest MAC programs, having won exactly ONE MAC game per season over the past 3 seasons. They did a bit better in relative terms under former NU assistant Genyk (winning 13 MAC games in his 5-year tenure ending in 2008), but -- except for a 0.500 season in English' 3rd season -- have been much worse since.

Jeez Feli, we are not saying that BSU is ready to compete with EIU yet, we are just concerned about a letdown.

 

[NJCat83588]

Jeez Feli, we are not saying that BSU is ready to compete with EIU yet, we are just concerned about a letdown.

I doubt Ball State will suffer a letdown after their big win against Eastern, even if NU is another directional school.....

 

[pawildcat]

After the Ohio State game last weekend, any B1G team would be foolish to let its guard down against a MAC team. That doesn't mean it can't happen.

 

[hdhntr1]

Colbert is funnier than Letterman.

Especially now.

 

[hdhntr1]

The VMI result means that they barely beat a very weak team from a lower subdivision, giving up lots of points in the process.

Giving them credit for "coming back" against EMU after falling 17 pts behind is at best questionable. EMU is one of the weakest MAC programs, having won exactly ONE MAC game per season over the past 3 seasons. They did a bit better in relative terms under former NU assistant Genyk (winning 13 MAC games in his 5-year tenure ending in 2008), but -- except for a 0.500 season in English' 3rd season -- have been much worse since.

Have you not learned that NU has the ability to beat almost any team or lose to any team? We have seen letdowns before and the MAC is not a bad conference. Ball State probably does not have the depth but that doesn't mean that we cannot have a letdown, make some costly mistakes or the like. Our offense has it issues but our D is stout. Does not help if the O makes costly turnovers.

 

[DaCat]

MAC teams shouldn't be taken lightly. We lost to the last MAC team we played. But the good thing about being a fan is that we can sit on our duffs and either worry (for all you Debbie Downers) or pound our chests (and take credit for the Cats' success) without putting in the work. The best way for us fans to help the team directly is to just show up and make noise. I have no doubt that Fitz has the team focused and guarding against a letdown against Balls State. NU now has a big target on its back, being ranked 17th. I'm expecting that we stay ranked the rest of this season, which means we'd better get used to being the big dog and opponents circling our game on their schedule. Look out, Big 10 West, there's a new sheriff in town.

 

[shakes3858]

MAC teams shouldn't be taken lightly. We lost to the last MAC team we played. But the good thing about being a fan is that we can sit on our duffs and either worry (for all you Debbie Downers) or pound our chests (and take credit for the Cats' success) without putting in the work. The best way for us fans to help the team directly is to just show up and make noise. I have no doubt that Fitz has the team focused and guarding against a letdown against Balls State. NU now has a big target on its back, being ranked 17th. I'm expecting that we stay ranked the rest of this season, which means we'd better get used to being the big dog and opponents circling our game on their schedule. Look out, Big 10 West, there's a new sheriff in town.

I'm not a Debbie Downer, but I'm scared sh--less. Always am.

 

[DaCat]

shakes, I know you ain't a debbie downer. Relax and enjoy it, man. Fitz has it under control.

 

[FeliSilvestris]

Have you not learned that NU has the ability to beat almost any team or lose to any team? We have seen letdowns before and the MAC is not a bad conference.

Not denying that. But the facts are what they are. They have played terrible so far, having barely beaten 2 VERY weak opponents, and getting obliterated to the tune of 7 TD's in the first half by their only strong opponent.
If NU plays down to their level it will pay for it. Bu that doesn't change the already known facts.
If our O has trouble with their D we will have lots of trouble to win B1G games. It's that simple.

 

[GlideCat]

Not denying that. But the facts are what they are. They have played terrible so far, having barely beaten 2 VERY weak opponents, and getting obliterated to the tune of 7 TD's in the first half by their only strong opponent.
If NU plays down to their level it will pay for it. But that doesn't change the already known facts.
If our O has trouble with their D we will have lots of trouble to win B1G games. It's that simple.

By that logic, we have nothing to worry about with Minny based on their game with Kent State. I don't buy it. A good team can have a bad game. We cannot overlook Ball State (which you are not arguing against) and need to take Minny very seriously regardless of how their O looked against Kent State.

 

[shakes3858]

Not denying that. But the facts are what they are. They have played terrible so far, having barely beaten 2 VERY weak opponents, and getting obliterated to the tune of 7 TD's in the first half by their only strong opponent.
If NU plays down to their level it will pay for it. Bu that doesn't change the already known facts.
If our O has trouble with their D we will have lots of trouble to win B1G games. It's that simple.

Whether a team is good or bad isn't a fact.

 

[Deeringfish]

I would be really happy if we shut them out. I hope the Offense can score some TDs but I would really like to see a shut out.

What do you think are the odds of a shut out?

 

[NJCat83588]

I would be really happy if we shut them out. I hope the Offense can score some TDs but I would really like to see a shut out.

What do you think are the odds of a shut out?

Low but not zero. Better odds of a shut-out than a shoot out.

 

[Deeringfish]

Low but not zero. Better odds of a shut-out than a shoot out.

A shoot out would throw everyone into a tizzy.

 

[DaCat]

I like the idea of a shutout. I would settle for no TD's allowed by our defense and 1 or 2 field goals. Modest expectations .

On offense, I would like to see more balance in the play calling between running and passing. We need Thorson to get in sync with his receivers. He has overthrown open receivers several times on long routes, which bodes well for a strong arm but highlights his need to improve his touch. Then he underthrows to a wide-open Shuler (I think), hitting the cornerback in the back. Ouch. He will get better.

 

[phatcat]

what we know about our 2nd game this year against a Cardinals (sic) squad

They score a lot and give up a lot of points
They can run the ball and passing is improving.
They spread it around - 4 guys with more catches/yards than C.Jones, for instance
Kicker made a 43 yard/missed one more than 50
Like everyone else (except us) in September, it's hard to tell due to level of competition (is Eastern as putrid as historically?)
Regardless of their good stats, I don't imagine they will have any better luck running the ball than SU/DU.
Likewise, the new QB is probably no better than Hogan's hero or Sirk de Soleil

Home game with students in the stands and (probably) not very many opposing fans.

If we don't give the ball away, this should be a W. Maybe we won't go 5/6 deep at tailback this week, but at minimum we should be able to run the ball.