I tried to write about Ball State football over the last two weeks. I really did. I wanted to write how the Cardinals were victorious in their opener. I wanted to write about expectations in a payday game at Clemson. Even now I want to write about how they fared better than expected this weekend. I couldn’t. Truth is the Ball State season starts this Saturday night with a game at Indiana.
What will be in store for the Cards when they jaunt down Highway 37 this Saturday? Well for one Tre Roberson won’t be taking snaps for the Hoosiers. His season ending leg injury is a shame for Hoosiers fans, but a major benefit for Ball State’s D. For ten seasons now, I have been watching Ball State linebackers and linemen be baffled by any semblance of a running quarterback. This is a bullet I’m happy to dodge. I’m certain Roberson would have torched Ball State as easily the Hoosiers best offensive weapon. With him out, the scales very possibly could have tipped back into the Cardinals favor. (Note: No, I am not happy a man was hurt. Please don’t think that.)
I would also not bet on Jawan Edwards having two sub par games in a row. The vastly superior Clemson Tigers did a great job of holding him in check. I’m thinking IU won’t be so lucky. The Ball State line is a solid group and should have success opening up holes for the bowling ball runner. Past them, I’m not certain the rest of the defense will be much better at stopping him.
Lastly, I’m pretty sure this will be a fun game to watch. A nice, high scoring affair sounds about right. Keith Wenning does in fact have a wet noodle for an arm. He averages 5.4 yards per attempt this season. He however, does seem to be good at noodling the ball to his players most of the time. Will he be able to find enough offense for a victory? We’ll see come Saturday.
