The
tradition continues at NationalChamps.net
with the No. 25 selection in our Early Bird
Preview being a long shot…a Dark Horse…a
reach…one that most don’t see
coming, except us. In the past we have gone
out on a limb with teams such as Temple,
TCU and (most recently) South Florida at
this vaunted position. Some panned out (USF),
some didn’t (Temple). Granted, this
slot is where we chose a complete surprise
team you normally won't find in another
top 25 poll. The choice this season was
a tough one, but we have come up with Ball
State. Several MAC teams were in hot contention
for this spot, including Bowling Green,
Miami (OH), and 2007 league champion Central
Michigan, with sensational QB Dan LeFevour.
With all of their starters back on offense,
the Cardinals high-powered offense - guided
by promising QB Nate Davis - gets the honors.
His 27 touchdown season (and only 6 INTS)
grades out as the tops in passing efficiency
in a conference known for its NFL-worthy
QBs. They have an experienced group of receivers
led by Dante Love, who proves to be un-coverable
for more than one play in a row. Another
successful part of the BSU offensive equation
involves two-time All-American candidate
TE Darius Hill. The rushing attack is sure
to improve with an OL comprised of mostly
returning seniors and a stable of talented
young RBs, each of whom has already seen
a significant amount of carries. Defense,
though, will be the key against many of
these high scoring MAC squads. There is
a large core of returning veterans that
earned ‘07 post-season All-MAC honors.
And talk about carryover experience(s)…this
team was gritty enough to go on the road
and play Nebraska (lost 41-40), Indiana
and Illinois, and put up respectable efforts
against each…a few they could have
won with a few breaks. They will get a chance
to prove themselves once again on January
5 as they head to Canada to tackle Ray Rice
and a powerful Rutgers rushing attack in
the International Bowl. So, with only one
BCS-aligned opponent then in 2008 (Indiana),
a quality squad like this could go far.
They will likely have to outscore a few
opponents...a task this team is well equipped
to accomplish and the reason we put these
Cardinals on such a lofty perch.
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