INSIDE SLANT

The Chippewas welcome their midweek showdown at Ball State. The Cardinals started the Chippewas on their late-season swoon in 2008, posting a come-from-behind 31-24 win at CMU. The Cardinals, ranked No. 14 when they last played the Chippewas, scored 14 unanswered points to defeat the Chippewas last season.

This year, the Chippewas enter the Ball State contest as decided favorites. Central Michigan, 8-2 and 6-0 in the MAC West, is seeking its fifth road win of the season. Ball State has fallen on hard times after losing several key players from last year’s stellar team, including head coach Brady Hoke. At 1-9 and 1-5, the Cardinals can absorb some of the frustrations from a down season by upsetting the Chippewas.

“They have our attention and respect,” said CMU coach Butch Jones. “All you’ve got to do is spend a couple minutes watching their film, and you know they’re a good football team.”

The Cardinals enter the contest with several close defeats. Ball State suffered a 26-20 loss at Northern Illinois last week, and lost six games by seven points or fewer this season. The Cardinals rely on a trio of tailbacks—MiQuale Lewis, Cory Sykes and Eric Williams—to move the ball and control the clock. The three running backs have accounted for 1,504 yards and 11 touchdowns.

“Ball State is playing its best football right now,” Jones said. “They’ve structured their offense around their playmakers. They have three talented running backs.”

The Chippewas are coming off one of their best offensive games of the year. Considering Central Michigan leads the conference and ranks 18th nationally in scoring at 33.1 points a game, the Cardinals could be in store for a long night. The Chippewas scored 56 points against the Rockets, including 28 points off turnovers.

The Cardinals allow 28.6 points a game and have trouble moving the ball, ranking 109th in total offense and 114th in passing offense in the country.

NOTES, QUOTES

• QB Dan LeFevour was named the MAC West Division Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season and 10th time in his career. LeFevour leads all active players in the FBS with 138 career touchdowns.

• WR Bryan Anderson needs three receptions to tie for second place all-time in the conference. Anderson needs on catch to extend his streak to 51 games with at least one reception.

• A win over Ball State would give CMU a 7-0 conference ledger for just the second time in school history.

Series History:   CMU leads 23-19-1 (last meeting, 2008, 31-24 BSU)

Scouting The Offense:   The Chippewas lead the MAC in scoring, first downs and fewest fumbles. Central Michigan is ripping apart MAC opponents, scoring 39.8 points per conference game. Facing one-win Ball State, the Chippewas can add to their impressive totals. The Cardinals allow 28.6 points and 366.5 yards per game.

Scouting The Defense:   The Chippewas have allowed 180 points through 10 games this year, the lowest 10-game total since 1992. Central Michigan recorded a season-high five turnovers, including four interceptions against Toledo. CMU might be able to improve its defensive numbers this week, with Ball State ranking 109th in total offense, 114th in passing offense and 103rd in points scored.

Quote To Note:   “Any chance you get to play on center stage on national television, the only game on, you’re selling your product. That’s why it was critical that the product be seen by everyone… Any chance you get to sell your program is critical.”—CMU coach Butch Jones on playing Ball State on ESPN2.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

This Week  ‘S GAME: Central Michigan at Ball State, Nov. 18—The Chippewas suffered a 31-24 loss to Ball State at home last year. Expect a completely different outcome this year.

Keys To The Game:   Simply put, the Chippewas have to not turn the ball over and avoid silly mistakes. The Chippewas have a vastly superior team.

Players To Watch:  

• QB Dan LeFevour should put up big numbers with the game airing on ESPN2.

• TB Bryan Schroeder is coming off the second 100-yard game of his career.

• LB Nick Bellore is four tackles shy of becoming CMU’s seventh all-time leading tackler.

Roster Report:  

• A win over Ball State would give CMU just its second-ever 7-0 conference start, and equal the program’s ninth season with nine or more victories.

• C Colin Miller is slated to start his second straight game after not starting against three straight games due to an injury.

• TE David Blackburn is listed as a starter for the Ball State game.

• CB Josh Gordy did not start last week’s game but listed in the current two-deep roster as a starter for the Ball State game.

• QB Dan LeFevour was named the MAC West Offensive Player of the Week. LeFevour has earned the honor 10 times in his career.