At first glance it wasn't pretty, but the game film provided a different perspective for coach Stan Parrish on the play of his quarterbacks.
Kelly Page and Tanner Justice combined for four interceptions that lead to 17 points for Army in Ball State University's 24-17 loss last Saturday.
"They both made a lot more good plays than I thought with the naked eye," Parrish said. "They were victims of some break downs from other people."
Initially after the loss, Parrish was much harder on the signal callers.
"You've got to take care of the ball," Parrish said after the game. "You've got to know where you're at."
Saturday was the first game that Parrish used both quarterbacks. Page had been named the starter in spring practice, but after two poor performances Parrish decided to play Justice, a fifth-year senior, as well.
Neither Page nor Justice has been available for interviews since the announcement was made.
Page played much better in stretches against the Black Knights, but made costly mistakes. He completed 12 of his 24 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown, setting career highs for completion percentage and yards. He also rushed for 58 yards and a touchdown.
"He fit the ball in a lot better," Parrish said. "He needs to make better decisions in the red zone and the black zone."
Page's most costly mistake was an ill-advised pass from his own eight-yard line that was intercepted by cornerback Donovan Travis, who returned it for the game-winning touchdown. Parrish said the ball should have been thrown away.
"It wasn't well protected and the route wasn't run well," Parrish said. "That's a lethal combination that a veteran quarterback's got to learn, its not good throw it away."
Better decision making and ball protections will be key points in practice this week for the Cardinals.
"What they have to do is learn that when something goes south, just throw the ball away," Parrish said. "You gotta protect the ball. We're going to put a huge emphasis on that."
In Justice's first significant game action, he threw for 100 yards, completing seven of his 11 passes. His totals were partially elevated by a 36-yard hookup with Tori Gibson as the clock ran out.
After the game, Parrish said he was pleased with Justice's play.
"I thought he played OK," Parrish said. "The one pick he threw he got hit on and never had a chance."
Page played nine series and Justice had four. Parrish said he went with the flow of the game against Army and will do the same Saturday at Auburn University.
"Kelly's going to start," Parrish said. "We'll just see how we practice. There's a place for both of them."
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