Stan Parrish has been associated with offense throughout his coaching career.
From his time as quarterbacks coach at the University of Michigan and for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to being offensive coordinator at Ball State University, Parrish has led powerful offenses. Now that he's head coach, observers might expect the Cardinals to set plenty of scoring records.
But, at least this season, those fans may be surprised when Ball State opens the season Sept. 3 at Schuemann Stadium against the University of North Texas.
With nine starters returning on defense, Ball State expects that side of the ball to carry its young, inexperienced offense.
"The defense is significantly improved," Parrish said. "Doug Graber's influence as our new defensive coordinator and his staff have helped."
Graber is in his first season as defensive coordinator at Ball State and is in his first coaching job since working for the New York Jets in 2004. Graber brought the 4-3 defensive alignment with him, a switch from the 3-4 Brady Hoke ran for the last four years. The 4-3 is run by most of the NFL, including the Indianapolis Colts.
Senior safety Alex Knipp said the transition has been smooth, but is still ongoing.
"It was a difficult process putting it in in the spring," Knipp said. "After spring ball, I think we've adjusted to it well."
The change has forced some players to switch positions, including linebacker Davyd Jones. The junior will move from middle linebacker to one of the outside positions, leaving senior Spain Cosby alone in the middle.
Parrish said there is a new emphasis on speed on the defense, but the strength of the unit is its line.
"When you're anchored up front, that's a good starting point," Parrish said. "We've got Brandon Crawford and Robert Eddins, who I think is going to be one of the best pass rushers in the league."
Parrish said that in addition to the experienced players, some younger players will have a chance to see playing time early in their careers. That will likely include high school teammates Travis Freeman and Theon Dixon. The pair both played linebacker at Glenville High School, a Cleveland football powerhouse.
Knipp knows that with a young offense, more pressure will fall on his unit's shoulders."We've got to get the ball in their hands and put them in the best situation we can," Knipp said.
The rest of the team has confidence that the defense will be able to fulfill that role.
"I have a lot of trust in the defense," sophomore wide receiver Briggs Orsbon said. "Our defense is going to be really solid this year and we'll be able to count on them. If the offense doesn't get it done, the defense will have our back."
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