When students are selling their tickets for face value and overjoyed with the sale, you know there's probably a Mid-American Conference team coming to the Big House.

Tomorrow's no different. Ball State rolls into Ann Arbor, hoping to play the spoiler in the Wolverines' quest for an undefeated season.

So far, Michigan has overcome all obstacles. It defeated Notre Dame in South Bend for the first time since 1994 and overcame potential let-down games against Wisconsin and Iowa. Now, the Wolverines appear headed full steam for an end-of-the-season showdown with No. 1 Ohio State.

But as of now, they say they're focused solely on the Cardinals - if you can believe it.

Michigan rushing offense vs. Ball State rushing defense

Every week, there are at least 110,000 people that know Michigan's first play of the game - on the ground. Running back Mike Hart carries it either to the left or the right and sets the offensive tone for the Wolverines. Even though Michigan's ground attack sputtered when Hart sat out in the second half against Northwestern, the Wolverines scored on the drive he returned to the field. Hart has complied an impressive stat line, rushing for 1,127 yards and nine touchdowns in nine contests. In the past few games, Michigan has struggled early to find an offensive rhythm because opposing defenses have started stacking the box. But the Wolverines should be able to roll from the beginning against a Ball State defense that gives up 160.7 yards per game on the ground.

Edge: Michigan

Michigan passing offense vs. Ball State passing defense

During his weekly press conference on Monday, Michigan coach Lloyd Carr hinted at the possibility of the return of Mario Manningham to the Wolverine starting lineup. He started running last week, and his return would be a big boost to an anemic Michigan aerial attack. Against Northwestern, quarterback Chad Henne completed just 10 passes for 116 yards. Granted, the weather didn't cooperate for an explosive passing attack, but the Wolverines haven't clicked recently in that category. But with Ball State's defense allowing 13 yards per catch, tomorrow might just be the warm-up the Wolverines need for future games.

Edge: Michigan

Michigan rushing defense vs. Ball State rushing offense

This one's no question. The Wolverines boast one of the nation's best front sevens with at least two potential first-round draft picks (defensive end LaMarr Woodley and defensive tackle Alan Branch). Already this season, Michigan has held two opponents (Penn State and Northwestern) to negative rushing yards. The Wolverines are approaching the record for fewest rushing yards allowed in a season. Don't look for many coming from the Cardinals. Ball State averages just 86.1 yards per game, and the Cardinals's leading rusher, MiQuale Lewis, leads the team with a whopping 280 yards. Michigan's defense is too good and too focused to let Ball State find any daylight on the ground.

Edge: Michigan

Michigan passing defense vs. Ball State passing offense

With Ball State's inability to run the ball effectively, the Cardinals should turn to the air just as they have to this point in the season. Already, the Michigan secondary has had to sustain a constant aerial attack from its opponents with the domination of the Wolverine front seven in the trenches. Senior cornerback Leon Hall has remained under the radar with opposing quarterbacks shying away from his side of the field - until last week. Northwestern's C.J. Bacher continually tested Hall and got burned when the Vista, Calif. native intercepted one of his passes in the second half. Ball State presents a unique challenge. Cardinal coach Brady Hoke employs a two-quarterback system and switches between Nate Davis and Joey Lynch. Both have enjoyed relative success this season, combining for 2,382 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. Still, the Wolverines should be able to pressure either quarterback, allowing the secondary to continue playing aggressive football.

Edge: Michigan

Special teams

Carr raved about the Ball State special teams unit in his press conference on Monday. He specifically pointed out punter Chris Miller and his ability to boom the ball down the field. Miller is averaging 45.6 yards per punt and has a long of 78. Meanwhile, kicker Brian Jackson has put up just as impressive numbers. He's converted 11-of-12 field goal attempts, including two from 52 yards out. His performance earned him Mid-American Conference player of the week award this past week. For Michigan, kicker Garrett Rivas is enjoying his most consistent campaign as a Wolverine. Even though he had one attempt blocked against Northwestern, he's still made 13-of-16 attempts and is on pace to become Michigan's all-time leading scorer.