Illinois

Run, baby, run

Ball State hasn’t fared well against the run this year, including letting up 521 yards against Navy. The Cardinals have allowed an average of 214.9 yards a game this season on the ground. That being said, the Illini should be able to run wild over the Ball State defense with Rashard Mendenhall and the quarterback duo of Juice Williams and Eddie McGee.

Keep the air game grounded

Ball State’s offensive strength lies in its ability to move the ball through the air. The Cardinals are averaging 288.8 passing yards a game. The Cardinals’ line has only allowed 10 sacks this season, but hasn’t faced a line that has anywhere near the ability that the Illini do. If Illinois can pressure Nate Davis, it should greatly diminish his passing ability.

Ball State

Copy Missouri

The Cardinals’ passing offense is similar to the Tigers’ offense and both feature athletically gifted quarterbacks that can move in the pocket. Missouri had success moving Chase Daniel around in its offense and having him make throws on the run. Coach Zook said that Davis may be more athletic than Daniel, so don’t be surprised to see him making the same plays that led Missouri in its victory.

Be unoriginal

When teams have been able to stick with Illinois this year, they have passed well, played special teams well and stopped the run. While it is a laundry list of things to do against a stout Illini team, Ball State needs to follow other teams’ cues to stand a chance.

History

Saturday’s Homecoming game between the Illini and Cardinals is the first matchup between the two universities. The Illini celebrated their inaugural homecoming on Oct. 10, 1910. Team captain G.D. Butzer led the Illini in a 3-0 shutout against the Chicago Maroons as part of Illinois’ perfect 7-0 record for that season.