Ball State @ Toledo preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 25, 2011 ) Toledo 45, Ball State 28

Toledo has made it back into the Top 25 for the first time since the end of the 2001 season. The 25th-ranked Rockets aim to stay right there when they host dangerous Ball State on Tuesday in a key Mid-American Conference matchup. Toledo has won eight straight games since a 24-17 overtime loss at Arizona on opening night to match its best start in history and stands one-half game behind next week’s opponent - Northern Illinois - in the MAC West. The Rockets average 34.3 points per contest and it will likely take that much in this game, with both teams outside the top 105 in the nation in total defense. Ball State, which has won three straight, is ranked 22nd in the nation (Toledo is 32nd) in total offense and averages 33.7 points. The Rockets have won the last three games against Ball State, including 45-28 last year.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN2. LINE: Toledo -6.5

ABOUT BALL STATE (6-3, 3-2 MAC): The Cardinals, one of two eligible teams left out of a bowl last year after finishing 1-3, have tough games left against the Rockets, Ohio and Miami of Ohio to try to improve their resume. Ball State has rushed for 200 yards or more in five of nine games, led by Jahwan Edwards who averages 105.4 yards. Quarterback Keith Wenning has 50 career touchdown passes and top target Willie Snead is averaging 100 yards receiving in 2012. The Cardinals have won three times on their final possession and Steven Schott leads the nation with 2.2 field goals per game.

ABOUT TOLEDO (8-1, 5-0): David Fluellen has emerged with five straight 100-yard rushing efforts, capped by a career-high 228 in the last game against Buffalo. Quarterback Terrance Owens will likely have to raise his game down the stretch if the Rockets are to reach their goals. The junior has thrown five interceptions in the last four games after none the first five and has completed just slightly more than 50 percent of his passes combined in the last two after six straight games of better than 60 percent. Owens has two big targets in Bernard Reedy (803 yards) and Alonzo Russell (733). Toledo has intercepted 12 passes.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Toledo LB Dan Molls leads the nation with 12.9 tackles per game and Ball State LB Travis Freeman has 432 career tackles, most among active NCAA players.

2. Snead has registered 46 plays from scrimmage of more than 10 yards.

3. The Rockets have won 19 of their last 21 MAC games.

PREDICTION: Toledo 34, Ball State 27