School officials announced last week a fundraising plan that will give Ball State Stadium a $12-million facelift. The school intends to have the money raised by November 2005, and remodeling will begin in the spring of 2006.

The lead gift on the privately funded project is $2 million by former player John Scheumann and his wife, June.

The new look will include:

* Enclosing the north end with permanent seats and a grassy seating area. Stadium capacity would increase from 22,500 to 25,400.

* Construction of a new press box and entertainment center, featuring corporate rental suites and a president's suite.

* A brick facade on the stadium to match other buildings on campus.

* Additional restrooms and concessions areas, and an enhanced west plaza area and ticket office.

Only modest upgrades have been made on the stadium since it opened in 1967.

"In recruiting and showcasing your program, the facilities you have to develop players matters," Ball State coach Brady Hoke said. "The ready-made guys are going to the Big Ten. We have to have a plan and the facilities to develop the players we get."

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Cardinals have trouble containing teams that are proficient in a particular phase of offense. Ball State gave up 373 yards rushing to Northern Illinois on Oct. 30. In three straight games earlier in the month, the Cardinals allowed an average of 386.7 yards passing to Toledo, Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "In my opinion, besides Purdue, (Northern Illinois) maybe was the best team we've played. This wasn't a moral victory at all, but it says a lot about our bright future." -- BSU SS Justin Beriault on his team's narrow 38-31 overtime loss to Northern Illinois on Oct. 30.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Joey Lynch -- The sophomore returned to the starting lineup after a four-game absence and passed for 244 yards and two touchdowns Oct. 30 in a 38-31 overtime loss to Northern Illinois. Lynch broke a school record with 31 completions.

WR Dante Ridgeway -- The junior last week broke two of his own single-season school records. He now has 90 catches for 1,103 yards.

ROSTER REPORT: Quarterback Cole Stinson, who started four straight games, was held out of last week's game with a shoulder injury. With a bye on Nov. 6, Stinson is expected to recover and likely will replace Joey Lynch as the starter.

WR Ryan Hahaj missed his second straight game with a shoulder injury, but Jason Barnes took up the slack as a backup. He returned to action after sitting out three games with a hip injury.

Backup tailbacks Scott Blair (neck) and Charles Wynn (ankle) missed last week's game. Starter Adell Givens was needed for extra duty, carrying a season-high 35 times for 136 yards.