Upcoming Schedule
Oct. 24 vs. Central Michigan
Oct. 31 vs. University of Massachusetts
Nov. 05 at Western Michigan
Focus, or lack thereof, continues to be an issue for Ball State football this season. After a loss to the Georgia State Panthers, the team's losing streak has grown to four games.
The first half has been a struggle for the Cardinals all season; they have been outscored 159-80.
The bulk of the damage, however, has come in the second quarter, where they have allowed 121 points. In the last three games, the Cardinals have been outscored 69-27 in the second quarter.
Head coach Pete Lembo takes responsibility for not being able to get through to his players.
“It's my responsibility to get them ready, and I got to do a better job of that because we don't seem to be able to play 60 minutes of football right now,” Lembo said. “I've got to find some more creative ways to get through to them.”
In order to be bowl eligible, the team has to have at least six wins. The Cardinals are currently sitting on a 2-5 record, meaning they would have to win out against multiple tough opponents to come.
The Cardinals have done better in the second half. Halftime adjustments have led to a few second-half shutouts, but, at times, the deficit is too much to overcome.
Linebacker Ben Ingle understands the team can't wait until its in a hole to start playing better.
“We can't wait until we're in trouble to start playing well,” Ingle said. “We gotta maintain that focus from the start to the finish, and we're having a hard time doing that right now.”
Ball State has been competitive this season, almost knocking off No. 17 Northwestern on the road and playing a close game against Toledo, who moved into the top 25 after beating Ball State on Homecoming.
The lack of consistency leads to losses like this weekend's defeat against Georgia State, who came into the matchup with one win in the Football Bowl Subdivision in five years.
Lembo knows his team is capable of beating most teams, but the consistency isn't there every week.
“With each step forward, it was a step back,” Lembo said.
The Cardinals will host a struggling Central Michigan at Scheumann Stadium Oct. 24.
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