Rockets head to Ball State

The Rockets hope to win their fourth-straight game Tuesday when they travel to play Ball State University (5-5, 2-1 MAC). A win would keep UT alive in the race for either the Mid-American Conference Championship or one of three MAC bowl game bids.

In order for UT to win the MAC West Division, Central Michigan, Ball State, Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan all need to finish 3-2 in the West, and Akron needs to defeat Central Michigan. The Rockets (5-5, 2-2 MAC) would also need to win their final two games.

"You have to keep that in the back of your mind," said sophomore quarterback Aaron Opelt. "We have Ball State this week and Bowling Green after that, obviously another big game. We just have to try to finish off the year strong and see where we're at after that."

Opelt had a stellar performance in the Rockets' 52-28 victory over Eastern Michigan University on Saturday, going 17-29 for 279 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

"We've had great play calling," Opelt said. "We've set up teams with the run-and-play action. We have a good offensive line up front and Jalen running the ball."

Senior running back Jalen Parmele led the rushing attack with 168 of the teams 324 yards on 22 carries and three touchdowns on his way to being named the MAC West offensive player of the week. Parmele has rushed for more than 100 yards in six consecutive games.

"It's a good feeling," Parmele said. "We just have to come out with these next two games we play with the same intensity and emotion we did this last game. "

Sophomore DaJuane Collins added 79 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries.

Wide receivers senior Nick Moore and sophomore Stephen Williams each reached the century mark in receiving yards and teamed up for all but one of the Rockets' receptions. Moore had 10 catches for 119 yards while Williams caught six passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

"It all starts with the running game," Williams said. "Jalen and DaJuane pounding the ball in brings everybody into the box. It gives us one-on-one with the corners and safeties, and we're just taking advantage of it. "

During the three-game winning streak, UT's offense has averaged 55 points and 628.3 yards per game.

"We've had a quarterback who's been the same guy - he's been there three weeks in a row," said Head Coach Tom Amstutz. "Aaron is playing very well. Our offensive line has been together, and they're clicking. Anytime you can run the ball that sets up the passing game, and we've been able to do both."

The defense has improved greatly over the past two weeks, allowing just 49 points over the past two games.

Sophomore safety Barry Church was named the MAC West defensive player of the week after recording two tackles, an interception and an onside-kick recovery.

Senior wide receiver Andrew Hawkins was named the MAC West special teams player of the week with seven solo tackles and an assist.

Senior linebacker Greg Hay led the Rockets with six solo tackles and three assists, including two tackles for loss.

"We just go out there and compete in practice and keep believing in each other," Hay said. "Everybody is getting the job done."

BSU is coming off a tough 38-20 loss to Indiana University.

Quarterback Nate Davis went 26-48 for 332 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the loss. Wide receiver Dante Love led the Cardinals with 14 catches for 177 yards.

"Ball State is led by their quarterback Nate Davis," Amstutz said. "He has a great arm, he can throw the ball down the field and they have a real solid football team. So it's going to be a big challenge."

Two of the nation's top punters will be on display Tuesday. Senior Brett Kern is sixth in the nation with a 46.0 yard average and the Cardinal's Chris Miller is fifth with a 46.2 yard average. Both punters were named one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award, which is given to the nation's top punter.

The Rockets are also going to score airtime; the game will be aired live on national television on ESPN2.

"It's always good to play on TV and let everybody see you back at home," Hay said.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 13.

"It's going to be fun," Amstutz said. "Our players love to get on television. They grew up in high school watching college football games on TV, and this is their opportunity to play in the big game."