Coach Cosh and the defense will face another new challenge with Ball State. Last season, the Bulls were able to corral star quarterback Keith Wenning and shut down the Cardinal running attack. Let’s see what they will be facing this time around.
Starting with the offensive line, at right tackle, is senior Austin Holtz (6-5 300-pounds and no relation to Coach Skip). Behind him is senior Matt Page (6-6 330-pounds). At right guard is senior Kitt O’Brien (6-5 325-pounds) with sophomore Jalen Schlachter (6-6 317-pounds) as his reserve. At center is senior Dan Manick (6-4 290-pounds) with freshman Josh Smith (6-2 253-pounds) as his back-up. At left guard is junior Jordan Hansel (6-4 326-pounds) and his back-up is senior Chris Sparrow (6-1 303-pounds). At left tackle is senior Cam Lowry (6-6 293-pounds). The first thing that really jumps out is the size of the line. Most of the players are well over 6’3” and weigh over 300-pounds, making it one of the biggest offensive lines the Bulls will see early in the season. They are also senior leaders up front, making it the strength of the team and posing a real challenge to the USF pass rushing attack. The Bulls front 4, a fast, aggressive group, will have to get to Wenning quickly but not get pushed around and allow the Cardinal rushing attack to get going.
At the quarterback position is junior Keith Wenning (6-3 220-pounds) who is 68 of 114 on the season for for 617 yards including 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, completing 59% of his passes so far (also has 15 carries for 56 yards, so he will move around the pocket). Behind him is senior Kelly Page (6-3 228-pounds) who has not taken a snap this season.
At running back is sophomore Jahwan Edwards (5-10 225-pounds) who has 52 carries for 332 yards and has 4 touchdowns (3 receptions for 19 yards). Horactio Banks has 31 carries for 217 yards and has 3 touchdowns to give the Cardinals two strong runners. Behind him is newcomer Toney Williams (6-0 215-pounds) who transferred over from Tennessee who has 9 carries for 44 yards and 1 touchdown.
At wide receiver is sophomore Willie Snead (5-11 193-pounds) who has 16 receptions for 186 yards and 1 touchdown on the year. Behind him is sophomore Jacolby Owens (6-3 216-pounds). At the other wide receiver position is senior Connor Ryan (6-1 194-pounds) who has 17 receptions for 117 yards. Behind him is sophomore Chris Schillings (6-1 205-pounds). At the slot receiver position is junior Jamil Smith (5-8 140-pounds) who has 17 receptions for 182 yards and has break away speed. Behind him is junior Jack Tomlinson (5-9 175-pounds) who has 3 receptions for 23 yards. At the tight end position is senior Zac Frakes (6-3 237-pounds) who has 8 receptions for 71 yards and 2 touchdown grabs (redzone threat). Behind him is junior Derek Orr (6-5 235-pounds) and sophomore Dylan Curry (6-5 260-pounds).
Overall, they have an offense that will rely on Wenning to push the tempo, on Edwards to carry the load on the ground, and look for Smith to make things happen in the passing game. The Bulls will have to be at their best in this game, wrap up tackles and if they are in soft zone, come up and make a stop and not allow the Cardinals to get anything going.
Overall, they have an offense that will rely on Wenning to push the tempo, on Edwards to carry the load on the ground, and look for Smith to make things happen in the passing game. The Bulls will have to be at their best in this game, wrap up tackles and if they are in soft zone, come up and make a stop and not allow the Cardinals to get anything going.
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