Under the lights of Scheumann Stadium and the watchful gaze of a full set of officials, Ball State used part of its final two-a-day session during fall camp to scrimmage. The Cardinals didn't go at it for long, but the impression created a week ago was that the defense was ahead of the offense.
It wouldn't be much of a surprise if that were the case. More than half of last year's starters on defense return and the unit boasts safety Sean Baker, Ball State's MVP last season. The offense, meanwhile, had to adjust from former coach Stan Parrish's run-heavy scheme to coach Pete Lembo's West Coast offense, which relies on the short passing game.
But Lembo disagrees with the assertion of the offense lagging behind. He said at that practice the defense played better. But overall, he said, neither group has had an edge this fall.
"We're getting good effort, we have a really good attitude, but we're inconsistent," Lembo said. "Probably the most consistent part of our team has been our specialists."
As school begins and practice transitions more toward preparations for Opening Night against Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 3, Lembo said most of the offense is installed. Quarterback Keith Wenning, who was listed as the starter on the preseason depth chart, said he feels more comfortable this year, despite having to learn a new offense again.
Last year, as a true freshman, Wenning was thrust into a quarterback competition as he was just trying to get a feel for playing college football. Now, after starting the final 10 games of last season, Wenning has been able to better prepare for the season.
"I know the offense better, I know defenses better," Wenning said. "Last year was a good experience, but I don't think I was ready, as some people may say. I feel good about this year."
Wenning and the rest of the offense have largely been able to work with its full roster. The Cardinals have been able to avoid any serious injuries in camp, allowing for more time to learn the new systems.
Baker has a chip fracture in his thumb and is wearing a cast, but he will not miss any games because of it. Running backs Cory Sykes and David Brown both missed part of camp, but Lembo said he still feels good about the position because other players have taken advantage of the opportunities the injuries created. He singled out freshman Jahwan Edwards and also praised some walk-ons for helping to fill the void.
"If there's any position on a team where we can handle some injuries, running back would have been it," Lembo said.
The extra year of experience for Wenning and the Cardinals' health during camp helped foster connections between the quarterback and his wide receivers.
"The chemistry, I feel, is really good with the receivers," Wenning said. "We have a lot of playmakers on the edge. So it's just a matter of getting them the ball and letting them do what they do."
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