Ball State
Cardinals

Ball State was held without a touchdown for the first time this season, managed only 231 yards of total offense and converted 2-of-11 third downs. On defense, they gave up 344 yards through the air and four touchdown passes by Chippewas quarterback Dan LeFevour, who completed 25-of-28 passes.

The Cardinals clearly were not competitive for the first time in a MAC game this season. Part of the reason was the skill of Central Michigan, and part was a worn-down appearance by the Cardinals.

They didn't have any pop to their game, perhaps suggesting a season that so far has produced a 1-10 record simply has zapped their enthusiasm.

"I think we ran out of juice," Cardinals coach Stan Parrish said.

--The Cardinals gave up the all-time passing yardage record in the Mid-American Conference when they played Central Michigan. Chippewas quarterback Dan LeFevour passed for 344 yards to break the mark. LeFevour ran his total to 12,000, bettering the standard of 11,903 by Byron Leftwich of Marshall.

--Interest in the Cardinals by their fans clearly has been lost in a season that has produced 10 losses. The announced crowd for the home game against Central Michigan was 5,736, but there appeared to be no more than 1,500 people in the 22,500-seat stadium.

GAME BALL GOES TO: OLB Davyd Jones -- The junior played perhaps the finest game of his career Nov. 18 against Central Michigan. He made a career-best 15 tackles and forced a fumble on the goal line during a fourth-down play.

KEEP AN EYE ON: TB Cory Sykes -- The sophomore has made nice progress in the second half of the season. He rushed for a team-best 85 yards on just 10 carries against Central Michigan.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think we ran out of juice. We didn't move the ball, and I think the team sensed that. We mishandled plays in our Wildcat offense." -- BSU coach Stan Parrish on his team playing against Central Michigan on Nov. 18 like it has been worn down by a long season.

ROSTER REPORT

--Starting TE Zane Fakes left the game against Central Michigan after spraining an ankle in the third quarter. The injury doesn't appear serious, and he should be available Nov. 24 for the season finale at Western Michigan.

--Ball State has had a revolving door of starters at the strong side OLB spot this year. True freshman Theon Dixon is back as the starter, and responded well against Central Michigan by making 10 tackles.

--CB Koreen Burch has been burned numerous times in pass coverage this season, and has been replaced at times by true freshman Jason Pinkston. But Pinkston hasn't been able to handle full-time duty. That forces the Cardinals to go with Burch, and teams regularly attack him. He gave up Central Michigan's first touchdown pass on Nov. 18.