Ball State University better be prepared to roll out the red carpet 4 p.m. Saturday in Muncie, Ind. because No. 26 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ poll is coming to town to clip the Cardinals’ wings.

NIU is coming off of a big win against Western Michigan 59 to 38, in which quarterback Josh Haldi threw a career-high six touchdown passes.

Earlier this year, the husky was able to use the Iowa State University Cyclones mascot, a cardinal-like-bird, as a chew toy – even if the real huskies lost a heartbreaker.

So then, what keeps this battle from being a carbon copy of the first husky-avian creature showdown?

Sweeps contacted Kerri Kolacinski, an employee of Pets and More, 432 N. Main St. in Sycamore, who lent her expertise during the husky’s previous battle with a cardinal-like bird.

Kolacinski said the difference between this week’s battle and the previous conflict with ISU’s mascot is that there won’t be any cyclones for the husky to deal with.

“The cardinal will make an obvious bright red target for the husky to go after,” she said. “Cardinals are easily scared and can be intimidated by good competition.”

Senior accountancy major Jeremy Morgan seemed to think the husky would have no problem in a fight with a cardinal.

“The husky would pounce on the cardinal and eat it. The cardinal has absolutely no chance,” Morgan said.

So then, can the cardinal pull out a miracle? Or will they find themselves in the same situation as the St. Louis Cardinals?

Kolacinski shared her final thoughts on the battle.

“The husky would come out on top because he is a stronger opponent that can scare away the weak,” she said.

Final Verdict: Once again, the husky proves small bright red birds don’t stand a chance when thrust into a one-on-one battle. It looks like our husky can add another chew toy to his collection.

Reporter’s note: No animals were physically harmed in the writing of this article.