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Huskies need to stop MiQuale Lewis and the rest of Ball State's ground game to achieve victory
Last updated on 11/11/2009 at 9:36 p.m.
Ball State hasn’t done well in too many aspects of the game this season. A 1-8 (1-4 MAC) record is a good indication of that.
But, running back MiQuale Lewis has been the exception. The senior has a 5.1 run per carry average coming into today.
NIU running back Chad Spann had 174 rushing yards last week against Eastern Michigan. Lewis had 301 yards against the Eagles. So it’s no wonder why the NIU coaching staff has paid very close attention to Lewis.
“MiQuale Lewis is a great running back,” NIU head coach Jerry Kill said. “In my opinion, what I’ve seen since I’ve been here is that he’s as good as anybody in the league.”
Ball State head coach Stan Parrish will try to use Lewis’ ability to open up the entire offense Thursday.
“Stan does a good job running the deep play-action route off the run,” Kill said. “You get the run going, then you get the play action going. That’s a tough offense to stop; we can’t let it get started.”
Lewis has rushed for four touchdowns this season, but has also shown a knack for being a receiver out of the backfield. He is second on the team in receptions with 24 and has totaled 111 receiving yards on the year.
The Cardinals have missed former quarterback Nate Davis, who was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round in the NFL Draft. That has meant a drop in productivity from the quarterback position and an increase in work from Lewis.
“We’ve got to make sure everyone’s in the right place, and also tackle well,” said NIU linebacker John Tranchitella. “Stopping the run is going to be huge for us to get the victory,”
