Coming off a disappointing 2014, and with three straight road games to follow, Ball State needs a win in a big way over VMI to kickoff the season. This has to be nothing more than a preseason game for the Cardinals.

VMI at Ball State

7:00, ESPN3

Why You Need To Care

At the very least, VMI should be fun. The offense threw the ball and threw it some more, but it had to thanks to a defense that got ripped to shreds week-in-and-week-out. It’s a new era for the Keydets coming off a 2-10 season, with Job One for Scott Wachenheim to get the defense to start coming up with a few stops.

Ball State has ten starters returning from an offense that just couldn’t quite get anything going on a consistent basis. This is the opportunity to come out hot with a trip to Texas A&M to follow.

Why VMI Will Win

The passing game can bring it. Al Cobb is a solid veteran quarterback who threw for almost 3,000 yards last season with 20 touchdowns, and he can move a little bit, too. With most of his key targets back, VMI won’t be afraid to bomb away, even if Wachenheim wants to try to control the clock early on.

Why Ball State Will Win

The Keydets need a defense. Seven starters are back including three starters in the secondary, but the D is coming off a long, long season and is going to be a work in progress. The run defense was a big issue, too, and now the line in the base 3-4 needs some reworking.

Player Who Matters

Okay, Jack Milas, you need to be terrific. Ozzie Mann spent last season as one of the key parts to the offense, but he transferred out this spring leaving the 6-0, 215-pound Milas to have Ball State quarterback job all to himself. It’s up to him to jumpstart the sluggish offense, and he shouldn’t have too many problems with eight of the top nine pass catchers returning.

What’s Going To Happen?

VMI hasn’t had a winning season since 1981, and now it’s trying to start over. Ball State will take advantage on the way to a layup win.

Prediction: Ball State 44, VMI 20, Line: No Line, o/u: No Line

Must See Rating: 5: True Detective, Season 1 – 1: True Detective, Season 2 … 1.5