Ball State Cardinals

Keldric Luster has shown flashes of dual-threat ability, but consistency has been elusive. In his first career start at Ohio State, he completed 18 of 33 passes for just 89 yards. He bounced back at home against Stony Brook with 27 of 32 for 256 yards and three first-half touchdowns, adding 125 rushing yards and a score in the overtime win at Bowling Green. However, on the road against Liberty, Kent State, and Northwestern, the offense sputtered, scoring 15, 13, and 14 points respectively. Luster's home-road split is stark, and if Ball State is to climb in the MAC, he must find a way to produce away from Muncie. Tyler Mizzell, a transfer from Concord, has also seen time, starting against Kent State and throwing for 164 yards with a touchdown and a safety taken. The quarterback position remains a work in progress, but Luster's mobility and arm strength offer hope.

The offensive line, anchored by potential All-MAC right tackle Tristan Cook, was billed as the team's strongest unit. It lived up to that against Stony Brook, paving the way for 226 rushing yards, including 125 from TJ Horton. Horton also broke a 66-yard touchdown run against Toledo and finished with 90 yards in that game. However, against Ohio State, Liberty, Kent State, and Northwestern, the run game was largely non-existent, forcing the Cardinals into predictable passing situations. The line has struggled to open holes against Power Five and upper-tier MAC fronts. If Ball State can establish the run more consistently, it will take pressure off Luster and open up play-action opportunities for a receiving corps that includes Donovan Hamilton, Jabari Smith Jr., and others.

The Cardinals' defense, which finished 10th in the MAC last year, has been torched by every competent offense it has faced. Ohio State's Julian Sayin threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns in the opener. Liberty racked up 51 points. Toledo's CJ Miller and Connor Walendzak combined for 299 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including runs of 50 and 68 yards. Northwestern's Aidan Chiles threw for three touchdowns and ran for another. The secondary, led by three-year starter Willizhuan Yates and safety Deondre Shepherd, was expected to be a strength but has been repeatedly beaten. The defensive front, relying on rotational players like Ameir Glenn, Ben Marsh, and Spencer Vaka, has been unable to generate pressure or stop the run. Until the defense can get off the field, the Cardinals will struggle to keep pace with high-powered offenses.

Placekicker Carson Holmer won the job last spring but struggled early last season, making just 3 of 7 field goals with a long of 23 yards before losing the job. He has since regained it, but the kicking game remains a question mark. The Cardinals have attempted only one field goal this season, a 54-yard make by Brody Boehm against Ohio State. In close games, the ability to convert field goals could be the difference. Punter Cole Stumbaugh has been solid, but the coverage units have had their moments. Special teams may not decide many games, but in a tight MAC race, every point matters.

Ball State snapped a 14-game road losing streak with a dramatic 32-31 overtime win at Bowling Green, where Luster found Alex Scherle for the game-winning two-point conversion. That victory improved the Cardinals to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in MAC play, and it showed resilience. However, the road has been unkind overall: lopsided losses at Ohio State, Liberty, Kent State, and Northwestern. The remaining schedule includes home games against Sacramento State and others, providing opportunities to build momentum. The Cardinals have covered the spread in four of seven games and the over has hit in six of seven, suggesting they are competitive even in defeat. If the defense can improve and the offense finds consistency, a late-season surge is possible.