FACTS & STATS: Site: Rynearson Stadium (30,200) -- Ypsilanti, Michigan. Television: Local. Home Record: Ball State 0-1, EMU 0-0. Away Record: Ball State 0-0, EMU 0-1. Neutral Record: Ball State 0-0, EMU 0-0. Conference Record: Ball State 0-1, EMU 0-0. Series Record: Ball State leads, 26-20-2.

GAME NOTES: The Eastern Michigan Eagles will open their Mid-American Conference schedule this Saturday afternoon when they host the Ball State Cardinals from Rynearson Stadium. The Cardinals fly into Ypsilanti coming off a tough 14-13 setback to Miami-Ohio on their home field in Muncie. Last season the Cardinals were an impressive 5-3 inside conference action, so this upcoming matchup against EMU is crucial. As for those Eagles, they are coming off a rough 27-3 setback at the hands of the Pittsburgh Panthers. It was the sixth consecutive setback for EMU dating back to last season. Including Saturday's loss, the Eagles are now just 5-19 since the beginning of 2005. After this matchup, the Eagles will be on the road for four of their next five games. In regard to the all-time series between the two schools, the Cardinals hold a 26-20-2 edge over EMU. BSU has won five of the last seven contest, including two straight. Last season Ball State dominated the Eagles, 38-20.

The Cardinals were not bad on the offensive side of the ball in their opening loss to Miami-Ohio. The Cardinals posted 338 total yards in the contest, including an impressive 140 rushing yards on 34 carries. The ground attack was led by MiQuale Lewis, who rushed for 91 yards on 25 carries. Ball State had minor success through the air, as quarterback Nate Davis threw for 198 yards and one score. The signal-caller did not throw any interceptions, but he was inconsistent at times, completing just 19-of-36 passes. His main target was Dante Love, who finished the game with eight receptions, for 80 yards and one score. Tight end Darius Hill also played well, hauling in four passes for 79 yards.

One of the main problems with Ball State's defense last season was its inability to stop the run, as the squad was abused for over 175 ypg. Unfortunately, nothing changed in the season-opener, as the RedHawks rumbled for 178 yards. However, Miami only recorded 298 total yards in the game and Ball State was able to record two interceptions and three sacks. The Cardinals allowed just 16 first downs in the loss and held Miami-Ohio to just 1-of-3 inside the red zone. Bryant Haines was terrific for Ball State, as the linebacker recorded nine tackles. B.J. Hill also did well, as the corner amassed eight stops and one interception in the loss.

Although it was just one contest, the Eagles looked horrible offensively and if things do not change quickly it could be another long year in Ypsilanti. The Eagles managed just three points in the loss to Pittsburgh and finished with a total of 145 yards. The passing attack recorded only 106 yards, while the ground attack was worse, at a mere 39 rushing yards. Overall the unit averaged just 1.7 ypc and was led by Pierre Walker, who rushed for an anemic 30 yards on 11 carries. The lack of production on the ground left the team with a terrible 3-of-13 showing on third down attempts. Out of the team's eight first downs, only one came via the run. The aerial assault was equally inept, as Andy Schmitt threw for only 106 yards on 16-of-27 passing. Schmitt also tossed an interception and was sacked twice.

If there was a bright spot in this contest it came on the defensive side of the ball. EMU surrendered 27 points in the contest, but the unit allowed only 325 total yards, which is an improvement from last year's 388.3 ypg allowed. Last season the Eagles allowed over 200 ypg rushing, but against the Panthers, EMU allowed just 130 yards on 3.1 ypc. Unfortunately the Eagles were unable to force any turnovers, and they also struggled inside the red zone, allowing Pitt to convert on all five of its chances. Daniel Holtzclaw picked up where he left off last season and led the team with 10 tackles in the loss. Chris May also had a strong performance, as the safety registered nine tackles for EMU.

The Eagles put together a decent performance against the Panthers and it was a step in the right direction for a beleaguered squad. That being said, the Cardinals are the better team and should be able to pull off a tough win on the road here.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Ball State 27, Eastern Michigan 21