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CHIRP: The Edge

Quarterbacks

Ball State – Keith Wenning has been solid for the Cardinals in the first two games. He played the

best game of his career on Opening Night against Indiana, and was respectable against No. 20 South

Florida last week. Wenning hasn't thrown for 200 yards in a game yet, but hasn't been picked off and is

completing 73.4 percent of his passes.

Buffalo – The Bulls had to play two quarterbacks in last year's meeting after Alex Zordich left the game

with an injury. Both Zordich and Jerry Davis are still on the team, but have yielded to senior transfer

Chazz Anderson, who came with coach Jeff Quinn from Cincinnati. Buffalo leaned heavily on Anderson

against Pittsburgh, and he played about as well as could be expected in the season opener. He threw

two touchdowns last week against Stony Brook.

Advantage – Cardinals – This will be one of the few times Wenning, a sophomore, will have more

experience than a senior. But Anderson didn't play much at Cincinnati and had to sit out all of last year.

Wenning has been good so far this year and appears to have a firm understanding of Lembo's offense.

Running backs

Ball State – The Cardinals rushing game got off to a great start against Indiana, only to be ground to

a halt by South Florida. Freshman Jahwan Edwards led Ball State in rushing in both games despite

sophomore Barrington Scott getting the bulk of the carries. The Cardinals are going to need Scott to be

more productive if he continues getting the ball as often.

Buffalo – In two games this season, the Bulls' rushing attack has basically been limited to sophomore

Brandon Oliver and Anderson. But that's all Buffalo has needed. Oliver has 240 rushing yards on 50

attempts and four touchdowns. Already, Oliver is just 58 yards away from surpassing his season total

from 2010, when he led Buffalo with 298 yards.

Advantage – Bulls – Listed at 5'8, 200 pounds, Oliver might remind some Ball State fans of a slightly

taller version of MiQuale Lewis. He has been hard to bring down so far this year.

Wide receivers

Ball State – In two games, the Cardinals wide receivers have been unspectacular. Sophomore Connor

Ryan's 25-yard reception in garbage time against South Florida is Ball State's longest passing play of the

year. Wenning has done a good job involving many different receivers, as 10 Cardinals have at least one

reception led by Tori Gibson and Jack Tomlinson with nine each.

Buffalo – Sophomore Alex Neutz leads the Bulls with 13 receptions for 132 yards. Ten of Neutz's

receptions and 108 of his receiving yards came in the season opener against Pittsburgh, showing he can

do it against BCS competition. Senior Marcus Rivers has 11 catches for 101 yards.

Advantage – Bulls – Having two receivers who averaged more than 10 yards per catch against Pittsburgh

is impressive. It also means Ball State cornerback Jason Pinkston can't take all of Buffalo's threats away

by himself.

Defensive line

Ball State – The Cardinals did a great job getting into the backfield against the Hoosiers. But like so many

other aspects of the game, it was much more difficult to do against South Florida. Defensive tackle

Nathan Ollie has at least one sack in each of the first two games for Ball State.

Buffalo – The Bulls' defensive line is anchored by junior end Steven Means, who made Phil Steele's

preseason All-MAC team. Senior nose guard Richie Smith is Buffalo's most experienced defender and a

big body to push around at 6'3, 300 pounds. Yet backup end Colby Way has a sack in each of the Bulls'

first two games.

Advantage – Bulls – Ball State hasn't gotten much pass rush from its defensive ends. They at least need

to be able to keep Anderson in the pocket Saturday.

Defensive backs

Ball State – The Cardinals have had mixed results in the secondary far. South Florida B.J. Daniels threw

for 359 yards last week, but Ball State also came up with two interceptions. Buffalo will present an

easier assignment for Ball State cornerbacks, though they will be at a size disadvantage.

Buffalo – The Bulls are very playing some very inexperienced defensive backs. For cornerback Najja

Johnson and strong safety Isaac Baugh, this is their first season as a starter. Cornerback Courtney Lester

is making a transition from wide receiver and free safety Josh Copeland has bounced back and forth

between the secondary and linebacker in his career.

Advantage – Cardinals – Sure, it was against different quarterbacks. But when these two teams met last

year Ball State had three interceptions. Baker and Pinkston will be looking for more Saturday.


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