Scouting Ball State

2011 Record: 1-1

2010 Record: 4-8 (3-5 Mid-American Conference)

Last Meeting:

November 12, 2010

Ball State 20, Buffalo 3

All-Time Series:

Ball State leads Buffalo, 7-1

Three Cardinals to watch:

CB Jason Pinkston- The Bulls know full well about the threat Pinkston poses. The junior cornerback broke up two passes and grabbed one interception in their last meeting. Pinkston will send Buffalo's offensive unit to the sidelines early if it's passing game isn't airtight.

S Sean Baker- Baker has been decorated with countless accolades throughout his career. Last year he was named to the All-MAC Second Team and won the Ball State MVP Award. Baker leads the team in tackles and set the school's interception record against none other than Buffalo.

QB Keith Wenning- He has already shown a large amount of potential. He won Ball State's Most Valuable Freshman award in 2010 and completed 23-of-29 passes for two touchdowns and ran for another in the season opener against Indiana. It is extremely possible that Wenning will be just as efficient against the Bulls.

Prediction: Buffalo was second in the MAC in pass defense last year, and the Bulls looked better than ever in the past two games. Ball State simply does not have the personnel to overcome the Bulls tenacious defense. Buffalo will have more downs to work with as a result. Expect sophomore running back Branden Oliver to take advantage of the extra carries and control the game.

Bulls – 24

Ball State – 13

BRIAN JOSEPHS

Sports Editor

Prediction: Everything went almost perfectly last week for the Bulls, but they're about to take a step up in competition. Branden Oliver has been unstoppable so far this season, but this week will be the true test. He struggled, albeit behind an inferior offensive line, last season against MAC opponents, but he looks like a completely different player this season. The Bulls will need a strong outing from senior quarterback Chazz Anderson. The Bulls' secondary hasn't been truly tested yet this season, and it will also have to perform well. I do expect, however, Buffalo to play well enough to get the win on the road.

Bulls – 27

Ball State - 18