Top 25 Preview Capsules

Facts & Figures

Ringer needs 12 rushing yards to reach 1,000. He would be the first MSU running back to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons since T.J. Duckett in 2001 and 2002. The home team in the series hasn't won since 2002. Northwestern is averaging 45 points in its last three contests with the Spartans.

---

No. 25 Ball State (6-0) at Western Kentucky (2-4)

Line: Ball State by 15 1/2.

Series Record: Tied 1-1.

Last Meeting: 2007, Ball State 35-12.

What's at Stake

Ball State is hoping to extend its first visit to the Top 25 while the Hilltoppers are hosting a ranked team for the first time in school history.

Key Matchup

Ball State quarterback Nate Davis against the Western Kentucky defense. Though the Hilltoppers have struggled on offense, the defense has continued to improve.

Players to watch

Ball State: QB Nate Davis has completed 69 percent of his passes this season and has thrown just three interceptions. WR Briggs Orsbon has become Davis' go-to target following Dante Love's career-ending spinal injury suffered against Indiana on Sept. 20. Orsbon has 16 receptions for 188 yards in the last two games.

Western Kentucky: RB Dexter Taylor had 96 yards rushing in a loss to Virginia Tech last week, often lining up as the quarterback and running with the ball. CB Marcus Minor is among the top cornerbacks in the region and will likely be assigned to stopping Orsbon.

Facts & Figures

Ball State is off to its first 6-0 start since 1965, when the Cardinals won their first nine. ... Ball State RB MiQuale Lewis has rushed for 100 yards in five straight games. ... Western Kentucky granted quarterback K.J. Black a release from his scholarship this week, less than two months after Black earned the starting job. ... Ball State is the third ranked opponent the Hilltoppers have played this year. They previously lost to No. 2 Alabama and No. 20 Virginia Tech.