Ball State @ Indiana preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 20, 2008 ) Ball State 42, Indiana 20

THE STORY: Indiana, a perennial doormat in the Big Ten Conference, attempted to inject some life into its football program last November by hiring former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson as its head coach. Speaking of rebuilding efforts, Ball State has brought in successful FCS coach Pete Lembo to resurrect a program that has fallen on hard times since Brady Hoke left after the 2008 season. Both first-year coaches will get the opportunity to roll out their styles on a neutral field when Indiana and Ball State battle at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3.com. LINE: Indiana -6.

ABOUT INDIANA (5-7 in 2010): Wilson inherits a program that has not made a bowl game since 1993. The Hoosiers allowed an average of 34 points per game in 2010 - 102nd in the nation - and are rebuilding the defense around an experienced line. The offense ranked 14th nationally in passing but 112th in rushing in 2010, and will be under a new quarterback after the graduation of Ben Chappell. The running back unit features four different players - each of whom suffered knee injuries last season.

ABOUT BALL STATE (4-8 in 2010): Lembo built Elon into an FCS power with an up-tempo passing attack, something he intends to install for the Cardinals. Sophomore Keith Wenning returns at quarterback after beating out junior Kelly Page in the spring. Wenning threw 14 touchdowns to go along with 14 interceptions in 2010 and will have to get used to a no-huddle offense. The defensive line will start three seniors and junior linebacker Travis Freeman is an All-Mid-American Conference candidate.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Indiana began the 2010 campaign 3-0 but went 2-7 the rest of the way, including an 83-20 loss at Wisconsin.

2. The Hoosiers have won four of the last five meetings between the schools but were crushed 42-20 in the most recent matchup Sept. 20, 2008.

3. Ball State lost to Big Ten foes Purdue and Iowa in 2010.

PREDICTION: Indiana 28, Ball State 21 - It is still a Big Ten school, meaning a win over a rebuilding MAC program is expected.