A View from the cage: A look at some possible opponents for seasons to come
ANDREW THORPE

     After a less than stelar non-conference schedule this season, I decide to think about some teams I think the Cardinals should try to get on their sechedule on a regular basis. These teams aren't exactly the top teams in America, but they are team that pose a possibility of coming to visit the Johnny.
     DEPAUL BLUE DEAMONS: A team that up until this season was on its way back to the top of the nations elite programs. Still a very solid team with a lot of talent, this team would be a good measuring stick for our boys.
     Recruting tool: This game would be a big help. Chi-town has long been a big influence on BSU teams, with two assistsants with Chicago-based roots and two new players coming in from Illinois this game would be a help in getting the Ball State name in Illinois kids minds.
     Chance of a home-and-home: Not that good. DePaul coach Pat Kennedy isn't one of those guys that would waste his time playing a mid-major at their place. But given the recruiting help and the good competition it would still be good to play them.
     DETROIT MERCY TITANS: A team who is building into a promeninent program again. Coach Perry Watson has the midas recruiting touch and a gift of keeping at least one or two of the city's best at home. The Titans have become, with the Butler Bulldogs, the class on the Midwestern Colliegate Conference and the main reason that conference gets more than one team in the NCAA's some years. They are a tournament tested team that would provide a great mid-major college opponent.
     Recruting tool: Again, a big help. Detroit (like above) has helped its share over the years. Beating a team that has the cit's legindary coach guiding it would go a long way to helping recruiting efforts.
     Chance of a home-and-home: A great chance. Detroit is usually in the same boat as us, needing good quality opponents to play. A mid-major would have no problems playing a home-an-home with another.
     DAYTON FLYERS: Dayton is a solid team with a solid coach and is not far away. The Flyers are in a major conference (A-10), but are not reguarded in the same esteem as Temple or UMASS are in the nation. Dayton would be a good test, because they are talented and well oached. They have a team that has been to the tournament and has beaten type of the line competition.
     Recruiting tool: Dayton is close to us and has produced a good share of D-1 talent. We haven't had a huge amount of success drawing talent away from the state that four other MAC teams play in, but it wouldn't hurt to get ourselves in some minds over there.
     Chance for a home-and-home: Better than with DePaul. They are a solid team, but not a noteable team. They have a tough time scheduling games at home because it is a tough place to play. But they might be looking for a home-an-home just to get some good competition in their place.
     XAVIER MUSKETEERS: The Muskies have been becoming more of a national recognized power as of late. After joining a high-profile conference (A-10) and beating some really good teams (i.e. Cincinnati) the Muskies are moving up the ladder of a successful program.
     Recruiting tool: Cincinnati always produces solid talent. Battling with other MAC schools and with other Ohio Mid-majors has always been a difficult road. But winning in their would help.
     Chance for a home-an-home: Xavier is in the same boat as Dayton. They play in a tough place and can't get too many solid out-of-conference opponents in. So that means a home-an-home could happen.
     LOUISVILLE CARDINALS: A national known team that has been on the downward slide the last few seasons. With rumors swirling about the possible firing of Denny Crum, things in the L-ville could be changing. A new coach might be thinking of lowering the Cardinals heavy work load.
     Recruiting tool: Kentucky is not a place we get players from often. But it isn't far away and does have a good history of talent. It could be a help to play their.
     Chance of a home-an-home: Slim, but with a new coach cominging in you can never tell.
     BRADLEY BRAVES: A solid Missouri Valley team that is always at or near the top of the conference. Bradley is another chance to play top mid-major competition.
     Recuiting tool: See DePaul only change it to all of Illinois instead of just Chicago.
     Chance of a home-and-home: A very good chance. Bradley would more than likely trade a home game with a good opponent for a road game with one.
     NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH: Okay, this one is a stretch. We would have an excellent opportunity to play a great, nationaly known team. And don't forget that they are close by.
     Recruiting tool: A small one. We already recruit Northern Indiana heavily so that would help a little to play up their. Beating a team like the Irish would go a long way in helping recruiting though.
     Chance for a home-and-home: Ha, not likely. The Irish probably wouldn't waste their time coming here, but then again Indiana is coming and Purdue has already lost here so you never know.
     MARQUETTE EAGLES: A good fit, our head coach coached their so why not. They are a good team in a good conference (USA) and it would be a big help for us to get some good comp.
     Recruiting tool: We have got players from Wisconsin before and we may still get some later so it wouldn't hurt to play up there.
     Chance of a home-and-home: I think we have a good chance. They sent us a coach so at least they can do is play us here. MORE TO COME LATER. . .

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