Ball State @ Oklahoma preview

THE STORY: No.1 Oklahoma stayed put in the Coaches Poll, but dropped to No. 2 behind LSU in the AP Top 25 after a sloppy win over Missouri.

Ball State is coming off an impressive thumping of an improved Army squad and has played well for first-year coach Pete Lembo. But the Cardinals are just 1-39 on the road against BCS conference competition since 1980.

At best, Ball State catches the Sooners looking ahead to Texas. At worst, the Cardinals become 39th straight victim of the Sooners in Norman, Okla. That’s the longest home winning streak in the nation.

TV: Pay-per-view. Line: Oklahoma -38

ABOUT OKLAHOMA (3-0, 1-0 Big 12): The Sooners were vocally frustrated about their performance in a 38-28 win over Missouri. The Tigers jumped out to a 10-0 lead and racked 532 yards of offense against an Oklahoma defense that played well in its big win at Florida State. Quarterback Landry Jones passed for 448 yards against Missouri, but has already been intercepted four times. Senior wideout Ryan Broyles has been virtually uncoverable. He’s averaging more than 11 catches per game.

ABOUT BALL STATE (3-1, 0-0 MAC): The Cardinals feature a balanced offense, led by quarterback Keith Wenning (871 passing yards, 7 TDs, 0 interceptions) and running back Jahwan Edwards (300 yards rushing, 6 TDs). Ball State has scored on all 17 of its red-zone drives. Oklahoma has allowed only four drives inside its red zone.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Oklahoma is 74-2 at Memorial Stadium under coach Bob Stoops.

2. The Sooners are 10-1 the week before Texas since 2000.

3. Oklahoma will be the first No. 1-ranked team Ball State has ever faced.

PREDICTION: Oklahoma 59, Ball State 27 – Even if the Sooners are somewhat distracted by next week’s Red River Rivalry showdown, this is a mismatch.