Quarterback Ball State Kelly Page played like a freshman against North Texas, throwing for 140 yards and an interception. He showed he can make plays with his legs as well.
New Hampshire Junior R.J. Toman threw for 3,110 yards and 28 touchdowns last year. Last week against St. Francis, Toman was intercepted three times and had only 98 yards through the air.
Advantage Cardinals Page didn't play well Thursday but managed the game well. Toman was intercepted three times by a team that was winless last year. If Page plays a little better, Ball State should be fine.
Running back Ball State MiQuale Lewis rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown, the highlight of Ball State's offense. Eric Williams had a key fumble in his debut and 15 total yards.
New Hampshire Senior Chad Kackert rushed for 677 yards on 99 attempts last season. Kackert was out of the lineup with a injured hamstring last week. Junior Sean Jellison had a 70-yard touchdown run in the Wildcats 21-14 victory.
Advantage Cardinals Lewis seemed largely unaffected by his young offensive line. He'll probably be the best player on the field Saturday.
Wide receiver Ball State Five receivers caught passes from Page. Last year's leading receiver Briggs Orsbon had two catches, but he made them count. Coach Stan Parrish said he will get more targets this week.
New Hampshire A young group, with two new starters. The top-three receivers on the Wildcats depth chart combined for four catches for 27 yards and a touchdown last week.
Advantage Cardinals If Parrish can figure out how to put the ball in Orsbon's hands more often, Page will look much better.
Defensive backs Ball State The Cardinals' safeties led the team in tackles and Sean Baker had an interception. But the cornerbacks gave plenty of cushion to North Texas' wide receivers. Parrish said the secondary missed too many tackles.
New Hampshire The Wildcats play a 4-2-5, but often bring two safeties up, which should work well against Ball State's running heavy attack.
Advantage Cardinals Ball State is anchored by Baker and fellow safety Alex Knipp. If the corners can keep a tighter hold on New Hampshire's receivers, they should be fine.
Linebackers Ball State The transition to a 4-3 defense was a rough one for the linebacking corps Thursday night. Spain Cosby seemed to disappear on the field. Sam Woodworth forced a fumble.
New Hampshire Sean Ware and Hugo Souza led the team in tackles with eight and seven. Souza, technically a safety, often plays more like a linebacker.
Advantage Wildcats New Hampshire's linebackers are very active in the defense. The Cardinals need to see improved play from their group.
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