Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Such are the circumstances Saturday when Ball State and Indiana open their 2019 campaigns at Lucas Oil Stadium. The two teams also faced off at that site back in 2011, and BSU claimed a 27-20 win on that occasion. That was, in fact, part of a three-game Ball State winning streak against IU.
Since then, the Hoosiers have claimed two victories in the series. Most recently, IU took a 38-10 decision last year.
ABOUT INDIANA
➤➤ As they had in 2017, the Hoosiers finished 5-7 last year. Playing in the rugged Big Ten East, IU has had trouble getting to bowl eligibility. Consequently, taking care of non-conference opportunities is essential.
➤➤ Indiana returns 20 players with starting experience.
➤➤ Junior quarterback Peyton Ramsey completed 295 of 477 passes and was third among Big Ten quarterbacks in passing percentage and passing yards per game (239.6). He was also second on the team in rushing yards.
➤➤ Receiving leader Luke Timian is gone, but Nick Westbrook (42 catches, 590 yards, 4 TDs, 14.0 avg) leads a group that should be able to do some damage.
➤➤ Stevie Scott III had an outstanding freshman season in 2018, carrying 228 times for 1,137 yards and 10 TDs.
➤➤ Three O-line starters from 2018 must be replaced, so filling those spots could say a lot about IU reaching bowl eligibility this time around.
➤➤ Indiana finished 2018 with 26 takeaways (T-11th nationally). The haul included 13 fumble recoveries and 13 interceptions.
➤➤ During the 2016-17 time span, Indiana was the most improved team nationally in total defense.
➤➤ IU returns nine starters and 26 letterwinners on defense.
➤➤ Defensive back Marcelino Ball registered 59 tackles in 2018.
ABOUT BALL STATE
➤➤ Injuries decimated the Cardinals in each of the last two years. Ball State, however, may have taken its biggest hits before reaching fall camp. Quarterback Riley Neal and running back James Gilbert both transferred out. Just how well those spots are filled will help determine much of Ball State’s fortunes
➤➤ Drew Plitt, now a redshirt junior, showed flashes of talent last year when he completed 64.9 percent of his 131 pass attempts. However, he tossed eight interceptions against six touchdowns. Fixing the turnover problem has to be a priority.
➤➤ Despite the loss of Gilbert, the Cardinals can turn to Caleb Huntley as their first option at running back.
➤➤ Malik Dunner has been moved from the backfield to a wideout spot. Meanwhile, receiving leader Riley Miller returns after catching 61 balls for 878 yards and seven touchdowns.
➤➤ Ball State struggled against the run last year and matching Big Ten level size will be an area to watch as Indiana is more than willing to run the ball. Experience gained last year may help.
➤➤ Safety Ray Willborn and linebacker Christian Albright combined for 150 tackles and 8.0 sacks last year.
For the complete preseason Ball State preview, click HERE.