South Florida @ Ball State preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 10, 2011 ) Ball State 7, South Florida 37

South Florida appeared to be heading toward a national ranking before being derailed last week and the Bulls must recover quick as they visit dangerous Ball State on Saturday. The Bulls struggled against the Rutgers rushing attack in a 23-13 defeat and it won’t get easier against the Cardinals, who average 262 yards on the ground and 35 points. South Florida’s defense has had to face 38 more plays through three games and the Cardinals can continue that trend. Ball State running backs Jahwan Edwards and Horactio Banks both average at least six yards per carry. If the Bulls are to move forward, they must improve their running game to take pressure off inconsistent quarterback B.J. Daniels. The Cardinals will have to contain receiver Andre Davis, who has 20 receptions the last two games. USF beat Ball State 37-7 in Tampa last year.

TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, Big East Network, ESPN3. LINE: South Florida -10

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA (2-1, 0-1 Big East): Daniels suffered three interceptions last week, two deep inside of Rutgers territory. Although two were on deflections, two more of his passes went through defenders’ hands for big gains. More from running backs Demetris Murray, Lindsey Lamar and perhaps Marcus Shaw could help. The Bulls are rushing for 4.1 yards per carry, but their offense has been on the field an average of 11:02 less than their opponent. Rutgers had the ball 38:34 to the Bulls 21:26. That takes a toll on a defense, which has allowed 374.7 yards per contest. Linebacker DeDe Lattimore leads the Bulls defense in almost every category.

ABOUT BALL STATE (2-1. 1-0 MAC): The Cardinals edged state rival Indiana 41-39 last week on Steven Schott’s 42-yard field goal as time expired. It was only the third victory for Ball State against a team from a BCS conference in 52 tries – all against the Hoosiers. The Cardinals can add another if they improve against the pass. Opponents are averaging 327 yards through the air against them. Edwards has rushed for 332 yards and Banks 212, while quarterback Keith Wenning has been pretty efficient, completing almost 60 percent of his passes. Jamil Smith, Connor Ryan and Willie Snead have combined for 50 of 69 receptions.

EXTRA POINTS

1. South Florida and Ball State are two of 11 FBS teams without an interception.

2. Ball State has outscored opponents 45-0 in the third quarter.

3. Daniels has been a part of 1,395 offensive plays in his career, eight behind Donovan McNabb for third on the Big East’s all-time list.

PREDICTION: South Florida 27, Ball State 24.