FACTS & STATS: Site: Memorial Stadium (52,354) -- Bloomington, Indiana. Television: Big Ten Network. Home Record: Ball State 2-2, Indiana 3-2. Away Record: Ball State 3-2, Indiana 2-2. Neutral Record: Ball State 0-0, Indiana 0-0. Conference Record: Ball State 3-2, Indiana 2-4. Series Record: Indiana leads, 3-0.

GAME NOTES: The Indiana Hoosiers will step out of conference action to take on the Ball State Cardinals in an in-state matchup at Memorial Stadium this Saturday afternoon. This will be the second consecutive Big Ten matchup for Ball State, as the Cardinals were defeated by Illinois this past weekend, 28-17. It was the fourth loss of the year for BSU, which had a small two-game winning streak snapped. Next up for the Cardinals will be a home game against Toledo. As for the Hoosiers, they have fallen into a bad slump, losing three straight matchups. The most recent loss came this past weekend, as the team was hammered by Wisconsin, 33-3, on the road. The Hoosiers have dominated the all-time series against BSU, winning all three meetings with the Cardinals, including a 24-23 win this past season.

The Cardinals have put forth a very balanced offensive attack this season, as the team is churning out 163.9 ypg on the ground, while also throwing for 275.2 ypg. In the recent 11-point loss to Illinois, quarterback Nate Davis was the main source of offense for BSU, throwing for 167 yards and one score, but the signal-caller also tossed one interception and was sacked four times. Darius Hill grabbed four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown in the contest, while Dante Love also hauled in four balls for 45 yards. Love and Hill have been the top two targets for Davis and have combined for 103 receptions, 1,444 yards and 14 touchdowns. The top threat out of the backfield has been Frank Edmonds, as the running back has rushed for 451 yards and six scores since taking over for an injured MiQuale Lewis. Unfortunately Edmonds struggled against Illinois, as the RB tallied just 63 yards on 18 carries.

The main issue for BSU this year has been its defensive effort, especially against the run, as teams are abusing the Cardinals for a whopping 227 ypg. Overall this unit has been dismantled for 431.7 total ypg and that has led to 26.3 ppg. This past weekend against Illinois, the defense was embarrassed again, yielding 469 total yards, including a whopping 354 yards on 52 totes.The defense was able to force three turnovers in the contest, but finished the game with just one sack. The squad has done a commendable job in both areas, forcing 20 miscues, while grabbing 15 sacks. Bryant Haines has been a machine on this side of the football, racking up a team-best 90 tackle.

Much like their counterpart, the Hoosiers possess a very balanced offensive attack. Indiana has the ability to beat opponents with its pass or with its ground game. On the year the Hoosiers are averaging 160.7 ypg on the ground, while throwing for 231.0 ypg through the air. This past weekend against Wisconsin the Hoosiers had a tough time with their offense, as the team finished with just 258 total yards. The majority of the production came from the backfield as the team rushed for 145 yards on 31 totes. Marcus Thigpen led the way with 70 yards on 11 carries, while quarterback Kellen Lewis added 59 yards on 14 attempts. Shockingly, Lewis has been the top performer for the ground game as the QB has rushed for 535 yards and five touchdowns. Lewis has done an even better job in the pocket as the signal-caller has thrown for 2,064 yards and 19 scores against eight INTs. Unfortunately Lewis had a rough outing against Wisconsin, as the QB finished with just 113 yards and two interceptions.

The biggest issue for Indiana this season has been the team's inability to stop the run, as opponents are currently averaging 172.8 ypg on the ground. Overall the Hoosiers are being dismantled for 389.3 total ypg, and that has led to 27.3 ppg. This past weekend against Wisconsin the Hoosiers struggled once again against the run, allowing the Badgers to rumble for a whopping 279 yards on 5.1 yards per carry. Overall the defense was destroyed for 423 yards and also surrendered 23 first downs. The squad was able to force two turnovers in the contest, but only tallied two sacks. The team has done a solid job in both areas this year, as the team has forced 22 turnovers, while collecting an impressive 36 sacks. The Hoosiers have struggled inside their own 20-yard line, as the team is allowing the opposition to convert on 86 percent of their red zone chances.

The Cardinals have a solid offense, but the team should have a very tough time against a strong Indiana squad. Look for Lewis to lead the Hoosiers to a victory and more importantly a chance at a bowl contest.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Indiana 37, Ball state 28