For most, it’s a chance to . . .
The Cardinals will be trying to break an eight-game losing streak, having last won back on Sept. 16 when they defeated Texas Tech. A week earlier, they knocked off UAB.
Miami is coming off a disappointing home loss to Eastern Michigan. It knocked MU out of any chance for a bowl bid one year after appearing to turn the corner with a MAC East co-championship and bowl appearance.
Here’s more on the two teams, who kick off at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be on ESPN3.
MIAMI REDHAWKS (4-7, 3-1 MAC)
► The RedHawks surrendered two passing touchdowns and one rushing score against Eastern Michigan.
► After missing a couple games, quarterback Gus Ragland has been back at the RedHawks helm the last two weeks. He completed 22 of 32 for 251 yards with one TD and one interception last week. However, he was sacked four times. He has completed 56 percent of his passes on the season, registering 16 TDs against seven interceptions and has been sacked 18 times.
► Kenny Young leads Miami in rushing with 145 carries for 781 yards (5.4 ypg).
► The RedHawks top receiving target is junior James Gardner. His 45 receptions for 899 yards include 10 touchdowns. His best day was 10 catches for 166 yards and three scores against Ohio. However, he made one catch for 13 yards last week.
► Miami ranks ninth in scoring offense (24.1 ppg) and fifth in scoring defense (25.6 ppg).
► MU is fairly balanced on offense, ranking sixth in rushing offense and fifth in pass offense, as well as pass offense efficiency.
► The RedHawks are ninth in turnover margin (-4).
BALL STATE CARDINALS (2-9, 0-7 MAC)
► Senior quarterback Jack Milas completed 13 of 26 passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns against Buffalo last week. He has completed 53.7 percent of his passes on the season.
Milas has thrown two TDs (both last week) and seven interceptions. He has been sacked 17 times.
► Freshman Justin Hall is part of a young lineup. He leads Ball State receivers with 73 catches for 755 yards and has three TDs to his credit.
► Caleb Huntley tops BSU rushers with 185 carries for 844 yards with three TDs. Malike Dunner leads all Cardinals with seven touchdowns.