It is not the kind of schedule that helps a team build confidence but it is one that faces Ball State as Brady Hoke begins his third season as head coach. The Cardinals open at Iowa on Saturday and the first month of the season will also include visits to Auburn and Boston College. Hoke says he coached at Michigan eight years and didn’t like going to Iowa City then. He says it’s a real challenge and opportunity to play Iowa on the road.Ball State has nine starters back on defense from last year’s team that finished 2-9 and Hoke says they will have their hands full against an Iowa offense led by quarterback Drew Tate. He says Tate did a great job in light of the injury problems with the runningbacks. Hoke says Tate’s ability to make plays with his scrambling ability makes the preparation even more difficult. He says it’s a mental attitude you have to have up front to play through he whistle and do a good job of chasing. He says you have to take the proper angle of pursuit.
