This is an experienced defense that has seen a lot and been through a lot together. It’s do or die time for the Cardinals.

Saturday proves to be another close game. Five of the past six meetings between the Cardinals and the Chippewas have been decided by three points or fewer.

The Cardinals defense was truly a force to be reckoned with last Saturday, and that force must continue through Week 5 in order to keep the dream alive against Central Michigan.

Now the Cardinals hit the road once again for a showdown in Ann Arbor versus the 2-0 Michigan Wolverines. Wednesday’s game tips at 7 p.m. on the Big Ten Network.

It was the best performance of the year for Drew Plitt, as Ball State’s redshirt senior quarterback led the Cardinals to a 27-24 win on the road against the Toledo Rockets.

Now sporting a 3-1 record and controlling its own destiny in the MAC West, Ball State finds itself in a position it could get used to.

Ball State has consistently played in close games in conference play, with eight of the last 11 games being decided by a score or less, including all three games this year.

Ball State faces three MAC West contenders in a row to finish the regular season starting Saturday at Toledo.