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It's time to turn the lights on for a new season as the Ball State Cardinals host the VMI Keydets in a season-opening game.
You would think a game like this one would be an easy ‘W' for the Cards. You shouldn't be wrong, as VMI went 2-10 last year. But we all remember last year's game with Indiana State, which the Cardinals lost 27-20. The year before last, the Sycamores were 1-11, so Pete Lembo will likely try to get his team into full gear to make sure this one doesn't take the same route as last year's disaster. VMI, on the other hand, will be looking to see what they can do under a brand new head coach, as the Keydets switch to Scott Wachenheim, who keeps VMI in the same offensive and defensive formats. VMI played MAC-foe Bowling Green last season, and were unable to gain any traction, losing 48-7. The other FBS team they played was Navy, resulting in a 51-14 loss. You can check out the full VMI preview here.
Ball State doesn't have too many changes from 2014, besides the loss of star running back Jahwan Edwards. Now, with a stellar offensive line, an experienced receiving corps, and a quarterback who is building experience in Jack Milas, the Cards could be dangerous offensively. Lembo will likely use this game as a test in the running back battle and also try to get the passing game going in a game that seems vital to bowl eligibility. For more on the 2015 Cards click here.
Quick Game Info
Game time, date: Thursday, September 3, 2015 at 7 p.m. EST
Location: Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana
TV: The game will be live on ESPN3.
Streaming: The game can be seen on the WatchESPN app, available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for iOS and Android powered devices. Click here to watch live.
Radio: If in or near Muncie the game can be heard live on WLBC 104.1 FM and online if outside of the area on WLBC.com. Click here to listen live.
Odds: There are currently no odds on this game. You can check out a fall list of NCAAF odds here.
Players to Watch
Jack Milas (QB, Ball State)- Milas replaced Ozzie Mann after seven games a season ago, and he looks set to be the starter once again in 2015. Ball State is 4-3 with Milas taking the snaps.
Darian Green (RB, Ball State)- Either Green or Teddy Williamson will be the Cards' starting in running back in week one. Last season Green finished with 48 yards on 12 carries.
Jordan Williams (WR, Ball State)- Williams led BSU's receiving corps in yards last season with over 750. He played in nine games last year and looks to be one of the Cardinals with the best shot of turning pro.
Al Cobb (QB, VMI)- Cobb's numbers were impressive in 2014, throwing the ball 438 times for nearly 3000 total passing yards, as well as finishing with a 2-to-1 TD-INT ratio.
Aaron Sanders (WR, VMI)- Sanders was VMI's leading receiver in 2014, catching 58 passes for 901 yards. The junior wide-out also finished with over 75 receiving yards per game in 2014.