Pregame: Ball State

Army quarterback Christian Anderson is out for today’s game at Ball State, per Army radio.

Anderson left the Black Knights’ 23-10 win over Miami (Ohio) with an apparent shoulder injury.

Tyhier Tyler, Army’s opening-day quarterback, will make his sixth career start.

“Tyheir is in great shape,” Army coach Jeff Monken told Rich DeMarco on the radio pregame show. “He’s looked like himself this week in practice.”

Army’s offensive line, secondary and fullbacks could receive a boost.

Senior tackle Mason Kolinchak is expected to make his season debut and start for the Black Knights. Kolinchak has been sidelined with a preseason knee injury.

Senior starting cornerback Julian McDuffie is also expected to return to the field after missing the last two games due to injury. McDuffie was injured in the fourth quarter of Army’s win over Western Kentucky in Week Two. He dressed for last week’s victory over Miami (Ohio).

Monken said earlier this week that he anticipated fullback Tyson Riley playing today. Riley, Army’s opening-game starter, has missed the last three games with an apparent ankle injury.

Army’s secondary will look to contain Ball State all-time leading receiver Justin Hall. Hall is the Division I-A active receptions leader with 281. He’s caught a pass in 47 games, the longest streak in the country.

Ball State’s defense has a few players that were on Army’s recruiting radar including Sacred Heart transfer and defensive lineman Chris Agyemang.