Head to head: Navy vs. Ball State

Next up for Navy is Ball State. Today GoMids.com compares different critical team areas of Navy and Ball State and indicates which team has the edge.

Navy	AREA	Ball State	COMMENTS
X	Navy rushing offense vs. Ball State rushing defense		Ball State has a decent rushing defense, giving up about 142.5 yards a game but they will face a whole different animal when they collide with Navy on Saturday. Navy, led by Shun White, currently averages 307 yards a game rushing good for No. 6 in division I-A.
	Navy passing offense vs. Ball State passing defense	X	Navy was terrible passing the ball last week against Rutgers. It's just not something they do well. Ball State's B.J. Hill has two interceptions so far this season.
E	Ball State rushing offense vs. Navy rushing defense	E	Even. Ball State halfback MiQuale Lewis has 46 rushes for 175 yards and a touchdown in two games. Ball State averages about 146 yards a game rushing. Navy gives up a 142 yards a game.
	Ball State passing offense vs. Navy passing defense	X	Ball State is a good passing team led by quarterback Nate Davis who is averaging 252 yards a game passing. He has tossed for 5 touchdowns and no interceptions in 74 attempts of which he completed 38. Ironically, Navy is allowing their opponents 252 passing yards a game.
X	Special Teams		Navy gets the edge here although Ball State has an outstanding punter. Chris Miller averages 47 yards a punt for State. Navy's Greg Veteto has a 31 yards per punt average but Navy rarely punts. Navy gets their advantage in the field goal department. Matt Harmon has made 4 of 4 including a long one of 43 yards. Jake Hogue has made just 3 of 6 field goals for Ball State. Ball State has given up a 90 yard kickoff return this season.
X	Coaching		Navy's Paul Johnson is 100-36 in 11 years of college coaching. Brady Hoke is 16-32 and in his 5th year coaching at Ball State.

Prediction:

Navy 31
Ball State 21