It's at times like these that finishing on a positive note, especially in front of home fans, remains a special incentive.
Miami, meanwhile, hopes to . . .
Friday's matchup will pit outstanding offense against formidable defense. The Cardinals are second among MAC teams in scoring offense for all games (34.3), while MU is third in scoring defense (27.7 ppg). Of course, the latter includes a blowout loss at Ohio State. When looking at conference only stats, the RedHawks are actually No. 1 in scoring defense, allowing just 19.9 ppg.
ABOUT MIAMI
>> The RedHawks won last year's meeting, 42-21. After BSU jumped out to a 21-7 second quarter lead, Miami scored the next 35 points.
>> The RedHawks only conference loss this season was at Western Michigan. Miami swept through East opponents and knocked off Northern Illinois from the West Division. Among their wins, last week's 20-17 win over winless Akron was tied for the closest victory margin. Miami also beat rival Ohio by three (24-21).
>> Offensively, MU likes to run the ball effectively and pass off of that success.
>> Jaylon Bester leads Miami ballcarriers with 117 rushes for 564 yards and 10 touchdown. Freshman Tyre Shelton has 87 carries for 474 yards and two scores.
>> Although injuries have limited his availability, Jack Sorenson leads the team in receptions (22). He juggling catch in the endzone at Ohio was one of the game's key plays.
Jalen Walker and James Maye are deep threats, averaging over 21 yards per catch. Dominique Robinson has 14 receptions totaling 296 yards.
>> Sterling Weatherford (79), Ryan McWood (77) and Myles Reid (70) lead the RedHawk tacklers.
>> Mike Brown and Travion Banks have combined four four interceptions.
>> The RedHawks set a school record with 12 sacks against Akron last week. Six of them came from freshman Ivan Pace, who played just 18 snapes in the contest.
>> Miami's special teams unit has been a key contributor in several Miami victories. Kicker Sam Sloman ranks fifth among all MAC players in scoring. He has made three of four kicks from at least 50 yards this season. Kyle Kramer tops the loop in punting (43.5 yard avg). Maurice Thomas leads the MAC in punt return average.
ABOUT BALL STATE
>> Both Ball State and Miami have a plus turnover margin (BSU +7, Miami +3)
>> Although BSU has lost four straight, the last three were by a total of eight points. Last week's 41-38 loss at Kent State was finally decided on a Flashes field goal with 19 seconds remaining.
>> Quarterback Drew Plitt completed 16-of-24 passes for 208 yards (1 TD) against Kent State.
>> Ball State is fourth among MAC teams in pass offense (236.9 ypg) and third in pass efficiency.
>> Justin Hall is third among MAC receivers with 55 catches and fourth in receiving yards per game (58.3). He has also scored five touchdowns.
Senior Riley Miller owns 39 catches for 560 total yards and six TDs.
>> Junior RB Caleb Huntley is averaging 103.7 ypg (5th MAC).
>> Senior Jacob White has registered 113 tackles(59 solo). That is fourth among MAC defenders. Amechi Uzodinma, meanwhile, has 10 passes defended and three interceptions.