SPRING OBJECTIVES
Ball State wants to become much better in short-yardage running situations after failing several times in those circumstances last year. On defense, the Cardinals have to replace a handful of starters in the front seven. They like their depth up front, but starters must be identified.

BUILDING BLOCKS
QB Nate Davis might be the best individual talent at that position in the Mid-American Conference. He's the key to an offense that was the most dangerous in the league a year ago. His top targets are WR Dante Love and TE Darius Hill, both first-team All-MAC performers in 2007.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
If you want a darkhorse for the next Boise State or Hawaii among the mid-major programs, don't fall asleep on Ball State. After tying for the MAC West title a year ago, the Cardinals have every starter back on an offense that was potent in 2007. For once, Ball State's nonconference schedule isn't loaded with power programs. The Cardinals play Northeastern, Navy, Indiana and Western Kentucky in non-MAC games.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"We have to re-tool our defensive line. Looking at sacks and creating negative plays with the guys we have there, we're very excited about

them. We have a lot of guys there." -- Ball State coach Brady Hoke.

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