Ball State @ Indiana preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 3, 2011 ) Ball State 27, Indiana 20

Despite missing a bowl game in each of the past four seasons, Indiana is on the verge of starting 3-0 for the third time in that span. To do it, the Hoosiers will need to knock off in-state opponent Ball State in Bloomington on Saturday night. The Cardinals were mauled by Clemson last week after defeating Eastern Michigan in Mid-American Conference game to start the season. Indiana, meanwhile, has strung together wins over Indiana State and Massachusetts. Ball State has won the last two meetings after the Hoosiers won the first four. Indiana is coming off an offensive explosion against Massachusetts, in which the Hoosiers produced the most total offense (606 yards) they’ve accumulated in a game since 2001 en route to a 45-6 victory.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Indiana -3

ABOUT BALL STATE (1-1): Cardinals quarterback Keith Wenning's season hasn’t started the way he hoped. He is 42-of-70 with two interceptions and no touchdowns. Luckily for him, Ball State's dual threat out of the backfield has picked up the slack. Running backs Jahwan Edwards and Horactio Banks are both averaging more than eight yards per carry and each have three touchdown runs. But factor in a much-improved Indiana run defense, and the Cardinals will need a better performance out of Wenning.

ABOUT INDIANA (2-0): The Hoosiers’ offense has functioned like a well-oiled machine in the early going, albeit against low-caliber opponents. Ball State will be Indiana’s biggest test yet, and without starting quarterback Tre Roberson, who was injured in the Massachusetts game, the efficiency might not be there. Backup Cameron Coffman looked capable in his stead, though, completing 16 of 22 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown against Massachusetts. Coffman, a junior college transfer, will make his first start as a Hoosier. Indiana has only one turnover this season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Indiana is 36-7-1 all-time against MAC opponents.

2. The Cardinals allow an average of 39 points.

3. The Cardinals lead the nation in punt-return yardage defense.

PREDICTION: Indiana 31, Ball State 30