Closer Look: How Ball State matches up with Texas A&M

After posting 19 victories over the previous two seasons, Ball State sagged to a 5-7 finish in 2014.

However, the Cardinals may be trending back upward with 17 starters returning for the ’15 season.

That includes quarterback Jack Milas, a part-time starter last season who earned the starting role in a spring competition with former starter Ozzie Mann. That prompted Mann to transfer.

The Cardinals are counting on a good, experienced offensive line and a pair of big-play receivers to soften the loss of star running back Jahwad Edwards. They’re also counting on seven returning defensive starters to upgrade a unit that was ranked 86th in the nation last season.