Some things to watch for.
1) keep the ball out of their quarterbacks hands. I think between Jordan, Stingley, and new group of running backs we can run the ball effectively and have long scoring drives.
2) defense must create turnovers in this game. Jimmy ward or Jamal bass or Santa need to make a game changing moment. I'm bringing to believe with the extra couple days we have we can put together a solid game plan. Also must get pressure on the quarterback.
3) I know this has been a problem in the past but no stupid penalties. We don't need to five ball state any automatic first downs.
4) contain the running game. I believe they have a pretty good back and hope we can contain that our else we are in for a long day. I've seen to many games where the backs expose the defense.
5) personal opinion but I don't think we lose this game. Jordan won't let it happen. He might have a huge game. First thing is control the clock.

(11-04-2013 07:24 AM)huskie2379 Wrote:  Some things to watch for.
1) keep the ball out of their quarterbacks hands. I think between Jordan, Stingley, and new group of running backs we can run the ball effectively and have long scoring drives.

Unfortunately, we don't do long time consuming drives. I think more importantly, the pressure is on the offense this game to put up points on nearly every drive. We all know our D will give up their fair share of points.

(11-04-2013 08:16 AM)Field Turf Wrote:  

(11-04-2013 07:24 AM)huskie2379 Wrote:  Some things to watch for.
1) keep the ball out of their quarterbacks hands. I think between Jordan, Stingley, and new group of running backs we can run the ball effectively and have long scoring drives.

Unfortunately, we don't do long time consuming drives. I think more importantly, the pressure is on the offense this game to put up points on nearly every drive. We all know our D will give up their fair share of points.

And then some.

Yeah we're totally going to play ball control offense after throwing TOP out the window the last three years.

Jordan Lynch is getting healthier every week after being a little dinged. He has a week and a half to prepare for BSU. Our first team offense has been clicking(although against weak teams). Offense is not the problem. The defense has to have a few 3 and out series. I am too old for another 64 - 61 game!

I doubt it'll be that crazy, but I fully expect a 45-42 type game.

Unless the defense miraculously learns how to stop a good passing attack, the game plan is to score on every drive and have the ball last.

Score lots of points, hope Wenning throws a couple picks.

Ready, break.

(11-04-2013 09:32 AM)7 Wrote:  Score lots of points, hope Wenning throws a couple picks.

Ready, break.

I think there is a phrase, "Hope is not a gameplan"

Both teams are saying the same thing: stop the run or else.

(11-04-2013 09:34 AM)Field Turf Wrote:  

(11-04-2013 09:32 AM)7 Wrote:  Score lots of points, hope Wenning throws a couple picks.

Ready, break.

I think there is a phrase, "Hope is not a gameplan"

It's ok on a message board.

(11-04-2013 09:32 AM)7 Wrote:  Score lots of points, hope Wenning throws a couple picks.
Ready, break.

That's the key. Otherwise, it will be as Tim mentioned: Score on every drive and make sure we have the ball last.

The game will be very high scoring on both sides.

A few sacks never hurt, either.

I think its real important to be physical with the Ball St. WRs and getting pressure on Wenning rushing four. If the defense shows up ready to play, we can win this game.

(11-04-2013 09:48 AM)HuskieFanatic Wrote:  I think its real important to be physical with the Ball St. WRs and getting pressure on Wenning rushing four. If the defense shows up ready to play, we can win this game.

Yep. As I said before, our D needs to beat their D, because the Os are both capable of putting up insane numbers.

How about no red black chant when we have the ball...

(11-04-2013 09:43 AM)NIU1981 Wrote:  Both teams are saying the same thing: stop the run or else.

Well considering NIU is a top 5 rushing team and Ball State, can't stop the run, I feel good about that.

Ball State runs just enough to keep you honest.

But no they are not saying the same thing. Ball State is probably going to emphasize tackling, I think Lynch has a monster day. NIU is going to emphasize pressure on Wenning and being in good position against the pass.

NIU should win. Better offense by a small margin, better special teams, more opportunisitic team, and the game is at home.

I expect Perez Ford to have a big game. Since BSU passes alot, he will be speed rushing alot.

Keep Wenning under 500 yards passing. No pass plays over 20 yards would be fantastic.
I want us to have the ball with the chance to win or maintain the lead at the end.
I think Cody Hazlett deserves more playing time.

It will also come down to the depth of our D. If our offense continues to score lighning fast and we can somehow slow down their scoring machine, our D will be on the field more (as usual). So, the strength of our backups will be more important in this game. This is where depth and rotation come into play. Can we do it?