[Raji]

Head to Head

NIU is 7-2 against Ball St. since 1999. The teams have averaged 63 points per game in their last seven matchups.

The Stakes

Ball St. puts its perfect 8-0 record and the No. 17 national ranking on the line this week against NIU.

NIU comes in 5-3 after sweeping a three game home stand. The Huskies need a win to stay alive in the race for the MAC West division title.

Against the Number

Both teams have been profitable for bettors this year. Ball St. comes in 6-1 ATS while NIU is 5-2 ATS and 3-0 as the underdog.

Big O at Ball St.

The Cardinal offense has been prolific, scoring 41 or more in four of eight games and being held under 30 just once.

Quarterback Nate Davis is a legit NFL prospect. He's thrown for 2,058 yards with a 68.5 completion percentage and a 15-5 TD-to-INT ratio.

Stellar D at NIU

Something’s gotta give on Wednesday, as Davis and company will be up against a NIU defense ranked ninth in the nation in scoring defense. The Huskies have held their last six opponents to 13 points or less and are allowing 221.5 total yards and 86.7 on the ground in that span.

The unit is led by DE Larry English, the reigning MAC MVP and a major NFL prospect himself.

Balance the Key for Husky Offense

While NIU can hardly be described as explosive on offense, its does possess excellent balance. Five different runners have led the team in rushing this season and five different receivers have led in receiving. The team has also featured three different starters at QB.

This week the unit will be led by redshirt freshman QB Chandler Harnish. Harnish comes in with a 57.1 completion percentage and a 5-2 TD-to-INT ratio.

Look for the team to emphasize a running game that averages 184 yards per game in an attempt to shorten the match and keep the Cardinals offense off the field.

Run D Key for Ball St.

Ball St. will confront the NIU running game with a rush defense that held Eastern Michigan to 67 yards on 29 attempts last time out.

First Half Woes

Ball St. has started slow each of the last three games. The Cardinals led 10-0 at the half against Eastern Michigan before winning 38-16. Over the three-game span they have scored only 20 points in the first half as opposed to 73 in the second.

Line Moves

The line opened at -9 and has since moved up to -9.5.

The total started at 47 and now sits at 47.5.

Raji