Will Western Kentucky break into the win column in the mean streets of Muncie on Saturday?

We make our bold predictions...

Ryan Dearbone, Staff: Ball State 27 - WKU 21

WKU is headed for a 0-4 start, mark my words. The Tops have not learned how to finish a game, giving up big leads in its last two games to Louisville and Maine. The Tops will face a 3-4 defense from former WKU head coach and current Ball State defensive coordinator, David Elson. One area that plays in the Tops favor is the fact that Ball State’s offensive line is just as young and undersized as the Tops are. So it will be a battle of attrition.

If Davis Shanley continues to shine at quarterback and the Tops can run the ball like they did last week, despite the absence of De’Andre Ferby and the departure of Marquez Trigg, then they have a chance. But I think special teams and a growing lack of confidence will do the Toppers in yet again.

Hannah Page, Staff: WKU 27 - Ball State 24

Although Ball State’s record says “1-2,” they have played nothing like a 1-2 team. They crushed Central Connecticut and played a close game against #8 Notre Dame. Meanwhile, WKU is off to a 0-3 start: the worst since 2011. Despite the record, the Tops were NOT the same team against Maine as they were against Louisville. Regardless of last week's loss, redshirt-freshman Davis Shanley was impressively tenacious and the ground attack did a 180.

Ball State has a fairly reliable quarterback in Riley Neal, and a duo of running backs - James Gilbert and Caleb Huntley - who have posted 1,000 yard seasons in 2016 and 2017, respectively. While WKU’s offense has yet to be reliable and stable, the Tops’ defense is strong, healthy, and has kept WKU in each game. Is this the game that it all finally clicks for the Hilltoppers? It might be a close one, folks...

Sean Williams, Publisher: WKU 24 - Ball State 21

After a tough loss at Louisville last week, the Hilltoppers are looking to break into the win column in their final non-conference showdown at Ball State. After an easy win to open their season, the Cardinals have been on an in-state power five road tour the last two weeks, dropping a close game, 24-16, at Notre Dame and falling to Indiana last week 38-10. Ball State has a very solid quarterback in Riley Neal, but struggled through the air offensively against the Hoosiers. Once again, I think this is a game where WKU's defense will keep them in the ball game and the offense behind Davis Shanley and perhaps a rususcitated running game might do enough to break into the win column.