Former Bellaire star quarterback Nate Davis' NFL stock certainly rose throughout Ball State's 12-0 start, ranking among the nation's best in passer rating and completion percentange. However, Davis announced following Ball State's conference championship game loss to Buffalo Friday night that he'll pass on the chance to go to the NFL early, opting to return for his senior season in Muncie, Indiana.

"I will come back," Davis said. "There's no doubt about. It's been the plan all along," is what Davis told reporters after a disappointing loss that dropped the Cardinals to 12-1.

The MAC Offensive Player of the Year lost three fumbles Friday night, two returned for long touchdowns that turned the game in Buffalo's favor. He finished the contest 31-48 for 351 yards, one touchdown and one interception that he threw in the 42-24 game's final moments. Davis and the Cardinals will have one more game to play. They await word on what bowl game they'll compete in, most likely either the Motor City Bowl, GMAC Bowl or International Bowl.