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OFFENSIVE KEYS: Ball State's offense, which returns just four starters, has numerous issues heading into the 2003 season. The biggest concern for Hoke is finding a replacement for Marcus Merriweather and his school-record 4,002 career rushing yards. "We've got to find a guy that we can count on to replace Marcus," Hoke said. "That position is vital to our success and what we want to do offensively." Scott Blair and Charles Wynn are the main candidates, but they accounted for only 256 rushing yards last season. Andy Roesch started the final seven games at quarterback and threw 15 touchdowns. The fifth-year senior took over for Talmadge Hill, who had started the previous 23 games. Roesch has to be considered the favorite, but Hoke says the quarterback race is wide open. The quarterback, whether it's Roesch or Hill, will be throwing to a talented group of wide receivers. Dante Ridgeway didn't start a single game last year but led the Cardinals with 44 receptions and 556 receiving yards. The offensive line finally came together late in the season, but only two starters return -- tackle Travis Barclay and guard Jeff Ramsey. DEFENSIVE KEYS: Ball State returns six starters from a unit that struggled through much of the 2002 season. The Cardinals were 11th in the league in total defense (405.3 ypg) and allowed 30 or more points six times. Hoke will play a 4-3 defense, but will be flexible to adjust to the MAC's high-powered offensive teams.The defensive line is solid with the return of tackles Greg Pagnard and Conrad Slaughter and end Blair Kramer. The linebackers should be deep and will be counted on to produce in the new scheme. Weak-side backer Lorenzo Scott has led the Cardinals in tackles for three straight seasons. The secondary is capable of improving with a host of talented players. That's a must for a group that intercepted just 10 passes last fall. Cornerback Jesse Avant and safety Justin Beriault, who played "Hawk" in the Cardinals' former alignment, are the top returnees. SPECIAL TEAMS: The Cardinals are in good shape in the kicking game. Punter Reggie Hodges averaged 40.3 yards per kick last season. Placekicker Mike Langford hit 9-of-13 field goals, including 5-of-7 from 40-49 yards, but he will have to battle fellow senior Phil Cunningham for the job.FINAL ANALYSIS: The cupboard isn't bare for Hoke, a former captain and four-time letterman for the Cardinals. Ball State returns 10 starters from a 6-6 squad that won four of its last six games. The schedule, however, might make things a bit difficult with non-conference dates with Missouri, Pittsburgh and Boston College."My goal is every game to put a team on the field that will play with toughness and great effort," Hoke said. "If you want to win championships, you have to play great defense. That's where we need to make drastic improvement." • Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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