 The Ball State Cardinals football team landed with a thud in 2009, finishing 2-10 (2-6 MAC) after soaring to a magical 12-2 record the previous year. Departing talent had a lot to do with the fall, and returning talent (11 starters, 38 lettermen) may have a lot to do with a possible rebound in 2010.
Few pundits are picking the Cardinals for another Mid American Conference championship game appearance, but talent at the “skilled” positions and an overall improvement in experience will help BSU through a year when a number of MAC teams are on the rebound.
OFFENSE
The most recognizable returnee for Ball State is MiQuale Lewis. The diminutive (5-6, 201) but quick and powerful running back set a school single season rushing record with 1,736 yards in 2008. However, while he averaged 4.8 ypc in 2009, Lewis got significantly less carries and only 871 rushing yards. He also scored just five touchdowns after finding pay dirt 22 times in ’08.
With the NCAA granting Lewis, who had season-ending injuries in 2006 and 2007, another year of eligibility, he can now make a run on the Cardinals career rushing mark. Another 669 yards would move him into the top spot.
A key to Lewis’ and the Cardinals’ success will be the offensive line. The unit helped Lewis, along with returnees Corry Sykes (Jr, 6.2 ypc) and Eric Williams (So., 5.7 ypc), average 159.4 ypg in 2008. That was good for sixth place (MAC), and less than a yard behind fifth place Toledo (159.8 ypg).
After breaking in four new starters last year, the offensive line returns intact. Cardinals coach Stan Parrish said the line will be a “big key” this season, especially if BSU can improve its time of possession stat. Only Akron (27.12 min) averaged less TOP than Ball State (28.44) in 2009. “Running the ball well and possessing the ball will help our defense in the long run. We need to do those things, and do them consistently,” Parrish said.
Having a freshman quarterback and four freshmen on the line isn’t exactly a recipe for consistency, but it got worse late in the year when QB Kelly Page went down with a broken thumb that cost him the final four games.
After throwing seven touchdowns and nine interceptions, with a 52.7 completion percentage, Page hopes to improve. Considering that the Cardinals finished last in passing offense (134.4 ypg) and passing efficiency (94.6), improvement in the passing game is a key.
Time will tell how much life is in the BSU passing game, but there is experience at the wide out position. Briggs Orsbon led the way with 51 catches for 461 yards (38.4 ypg) with one TD in 2009. Torieal Gibson, meanwhile, paced the Cards with three TD receptions and a 13.5 ypc. average on 25 receptions. Daniel Ifft (2) was the only other BSU receiver with more than one TD catch. He had 20 receptions and a 13.4 ypc average.
DEFENSE
At little improvement might also be in order for the Cardinals secondary. Ball State finished last (MAC) in pass defense efficiency last year. Opponents completed 64.8 percent of their passes for a total of 2,812 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Junior safety Sean Baker and senior cornerback Charlie Todd are among seven returning starters on the defensive side of the ball. Baker, the MAC Freshman of the Year in 2008 suffered a broken bone in his hand in the third game of the season, but nonetheless pulled in four interceptions last year. Several players battled into fall camp for remaining spots.
Linebacking figures as the strength of Ball State’s defense, where two starters are return.. Senior Davyd Jones (6-1, 215) led the team in tackles with an even 100 stops (8.0 TFL). Middle linebacker Freeman was next with 93 total tackles. Sophomore Tony Martin saw considerable action last year and could move in as a starter in 2010.
Seniors Rene Perry and Robert Eddins anchor the Cardinals defensive front.
SPECIALISTS
Senior kicker Ian McGarvey has a ton of experience and gives BSU a strong scoring threat. He converted 18-of-21 field goals in 2009. Sophomore Scott Kovada’s 40.0 punting average was fourth in the league and less than a yard off first.
SCHEDULE
The schedule affords Ball State an opportunity to come out of the gate on a positive note with home games against SE Missouri State and Liberty to open the campaign. Trips to Purdue and Iowa await before the Cardinals meet all three MAC Michigan schools to start the league schedule.
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