Preview: NIU @ Ball State

Northern Illinois (5-3, 4-1) at Ball State (8-0, 4-0)

When: 7 p.m. at Scheumann Stadium

TV: ESPN2 Radio: WSCR 670-AM

Series: Ball State leads 19-14-2

Coaches: Jerry Kill (5-3 at NIU; 109-60 in 15th year overall); Brady Hoke (30-37, sixth year at Ball State)

Players to watch: Ball State junior QB Nate Davis has been a star virtually from the time he enrolled. He ranks 12th nationally in pass efficiency and 19th in total offense this year, and he owns 7,700 passing yards and 63 TDs (versus just 19 INTs) for his career. RB MiQuale Lewis, meanwhile, ranks seventh in the country in rushing with 989 yards and 14 scores.

Northern Illinois' defense has surrendered just 3 touchdowns over the last six games with a balanced crew, though senior DE Larry English boasts 28 career sacks and 47 tackles for loss. Redshirt freshman QB Chandler Harnish gets his fifth start today. He's 40 of 70 for 650 yards and 5 TDs through the air, but he also posted his first 100-yard rushing game 11 days ago against Bowling Green.

The skinny: There are two ways to view Ball State. The pessimistic view notes that NIU is just the Cardinals' second opponent this year with an current winning record. The optimistic view notes there are good reasons for Ball State being one of six undefeated teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

The Cardinals lead the MAC in scoring offense (37.5 ppg) and total offense (449.6 ypg) - not to mention pass efficiency defense, tackles for loss, net punting and sacks allowed. Of course, Northern Illinois boasts the MAC'S top scoring defense (13.6 ppg) and total defense (267.3 ypg).

The Huskies have allowed no more than 13 points in any of their last six games, which has made things easier on their young offense. How will Harnish and Co., respond if Ball State puts points on the board early?