What will Quale do?
One of the mysteries surrounding the Ball State offense during the offseason is exactly how TB Quale Lewis will be used this year. Coach Stan Parrish has said he'll be put in more varied positions, such as lining up as a receiver at times, but his entire role hasn't been defined. The question is how much of the time Lewis be in a spot other than running back. Defenses are expected to gear up to stop Lewis on the run, so repeating last year's numbers of 322 carries and school records of 1,736 yards and 22 rushing touchdowns might be difficult.
Offensive line a key to success
Parrish didn't hesitate at the start of fall camp to say that the performance of the Cardinals' offensive line was his No. 1 concern going into the season. The only experienced starter in the group is left guard Mike Switzer. The rest of the positions are manned by players with little or no game experience. Ball State has solid skill position players, but they won't be able to have an impact if the line can't pass block or open running lanes. Given North Texas' questions about its defense coming off an ineffective performance last year, this probably is a good opponent for the offensive line to start against.
The Texan steps in
Dallas-area native Kelly Page will be in the spotlight tonight as he takes over the starting quarterback job, replacing NFL draft pick Nate Davis. Parrish and Davis have spoken highly of Page's ability after observing him last season when he redshirted at Ball State. Page was a one-time recruit of Oregon before de-committing in 2007 and choosing Ball State. He has everything Parrish desires in a quarterback except playing experience, and he'll start to fill that void tonight.
Defense out of shadows
Given the inexperience throughout the offensive line, Ball State's offense figures to be a work in progress early in the season. That means the Cardinals' defense, which features seven full-time starters from last year, will be relied upon heavily in the early going. Key to the defense is the line, with a veteran presence of ends Brandon Crawford and Robert Eddins and tackles Drew Duffin and Rene Perry. Safeties Alex Knipp and Sean Baker form a strong playmaking combo in the back end. The defense has played in the shadow of the offense the past two seasons, and now it's time for the role to be reversed.
The skinny
The Cardinals have built momentum the past two seasons by going to bowl games, but they face a transition year in 2009 after the departure of numerous starters from a prolific offense. The early schedule, starting with tonight's home game against North Texas, sets up favorably for Ball State to win some games. A big crowd is expected at Scheumann Stadium for the opener, and the Cardinals get a chance to feel good if they can start with a victory.
One of the mysteries surrounding the Ball State offense during the offseason is exactly how TB Quale Lewis will be used this year. Coach Stan Parrish has said he'll be put in more varied positions, such as lining up as a receiver at times, but his entire role hasn't been defined. The question is how much of the time Lewis be in a spot other than running back. Defenses are expected to gear up to stop Lewis on the run, so repeating last year's numbers of 322 carries and school records of 1,736 yards and 22 rushing touchdowns might be difficult.
Offensive line a key to success
Parrish didn't hesitate at the start of fall camp to say that the performance of the Cardinals' offensive line was his No. 1 concern going into the season. The only experienced starter in the group is left guard Mike Switzer. The rest of the positions are manned by players with little or no game experience. Ball State has solid skill position players, but they won't be able to have an impact if the line can't pass block or open running lanes. Given North Texas' questions about its defense coming off an ineffective performance last year, this probably is a good opponent for the offensive line to start against.
The Texan steps in
Dallas-area native Kelly Page will be in the spotlight tonight as he takes over the starting quarterback job, replacing NFL draft pick Nate Davis. Parrish and Davis have spoken highly of Page's ability after observing him last season when he redshirted at Ball State. Page was a one-time recruit of Oregon before de-committing in 2007 and choosing Ball State. He has everything Parrish desires in a quarterback except playing experience, and he'll start to fill that void tonight.
Defense out of shadows
Given the inexperience throughout the offensive line, Ball State's offense figures to be a work in progress early in the season. That means the Cardinals' defense, which features seven full-time starters from last year, will be relied upon heavily in the early going. Key to the defense is the line, with a veteran presence of ends Brandon Crawford and Robert Eddins and tackles Drew Duffin and Rene Perry. Safeties Alex Knipp and Sean Baker form a strong playmaking combo in the back end. The defense has played in the shadow of the offense the past two seasons, and now it's time for the role to be reversed.
The skinny
The Cardinals have built momentum the past two seasons by going to bowl games, but they face a transition year in 2009 after the departure of numerous starters from a prolific offense. The early schedule, starting with tonight's home game against North Texas, sets up favorably for Ball State to win some games. A big crowd is expected at Scheumann Stadium for the opener, and the Cardinals get a chance to feel good if they can start with a victory.
