Ball State springs into action
Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com
Ball State, which will play the University of New Hampshire in the second game of the 2009 season for each team, has published its 2009 preseason prospectus, which includes a brief Q & A with head coach Stan Parrish. UNH will play at Ball State's Scheumann Stadium (FieldTurf/22,500 capacity) on Sept. 12.
The Cardinals, who began spring practice on March 19, were ranked as high as 12th in the BCS standings last season, when they won their first 12 games before losing to Buffalo in the MAC championship game and to Tulsa in the GMAC Bowl. Ball State returns 11 starters from its 2008 team, including seven defensive starters.
Ball State must replace four starters on its offensive line. The Cardinals will also be looking for a new starting quarterback, as Nate Davis surrendered his final year of eligibility to enter April's NFL Draft.
UNH is 4-0 in its last four games against FBS opponents. UNH defeated Army in 2008 (28-10), Marshall in 2007 (48-35), Northwestern in 2006 (34-17) and Rutgers in 2004 (35-24).
Ball State defeated Northeastern 48-14 last season.
