Back on the practice field this week after upsetting Indiana 27-20 Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium, Ball State is none the worse for wear. Coach Pete Lembo said the Cardinals avoided any serious injuries on Opening Night, and they may even be healthier now than they were a week ago.
Freshman running back Jahwan Edwards is wearing a no-touch jersey this week after getting hit in the ribs, but come game day at No. 22 South Florida, Edwards will be good to go.
"I don't think it's something that will get worse," Lembo said. "It's just one of those injuries that is painful and he's wearing one of those rib vests this week and I'm sure he'll wear that into the game on Saturday night."
Edwards led the Cardinals with 84 rushing yards on 16 carries against the Hoosiers, part of a rushing attack that gained 210 yards despite featuring a pair of running backs that had never played in a college game before. Sophomore Barrington Scott also made his debut Saturday, gaining 63 yards on 18 carries.
The success of Scott and Edwards grew even more important this week as sophomore David Brown revealed a lingering, undiagnosed back injury ended his career. Brown was Ball State's third-leading rusher last year, running for 348 yards and a touchdown. He had figured to play an important role this year, but struggled with the injury throughout the offseason.
The loss of Brown means Ball State's top three rushers from last season are all no longer a part of the team after Eric Williams transferred and MiQuale Lewis graduated.
Wednesday, however, Lembo was optimistic about senior Cory Sykes and junior Dwayne Donigan returning to the Cardinals' lineup sometime this year. Sykes has a thumb injury and last year was limited by knee tendinitis.
"I'm still hopeful that Cory Sykes' hand will get to a point where he can make a meaningful contribution this year," Lembo said. "We'll have to see where it goes from here."
Ball State surpassed Lembo's expectations in the running game against Indiana, a trend he hopes will continue against South Florida. The Bulls size and speed will present a greater challenge for the Cardinals than the Hoosiers did.
"Our goal every week is to have enough balance within a package to then go to the things that [the defense] is giving us and hopefully matchup," Lembo said. "You still have to have your offensive tackle block their defensive end. You still have to have your receiver be able to separate from a linebacker or safety to get open."
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