MUNCIE, Ind. — After posting a 3-1 nonconference record, Ball State opens its Mid-American Conference slate at 3:30 p.m. Saturday versus Northern Illinois as 3.5-point favorites.
The Cardinals have not won a game in this rivalry series since 2008. As far as perception of the program is concerned, a win this week over the perennial MAC power Huskies to start 4-1 would be huge.
It is worth noting, however, that Northern Illinois is off to an 0-4 start and is dealing with significant injuries. Here are some thoughts from first-year head coach Mike Neu on this week's MAC showdown.