Ball State football turns its attention to preparing for Eastern Michigan on Aug. 30 as it holds its first official practice today. The team will have nine days to prepare for the season opener at Scheumann Stadium. Here's a breakdown of what to expect from the team in 2012.
Offense:
Aside from a lineman and a few wide receivers, Ball State's offense that averaged 379.4 yards per game a season ago virtually stays the same. Quarterback Keith Wenning will start the season-opener for the second consecutive season and will have a number of options to throw to in Jamill Smith, Jack Tomlinson, Connor Ryan and Willie Snead. He'll also have tight end David Schneider as passing options.
As for the backfield, running back Jahwan Edwards emerged as the No. 1 option as a true freshman a season ago. He'll still be the feature back in Lembo's offense in 2012, but he will be part of a crowded group. Barrington Scott returns from a broken leg he suffered against Eastern Michigan on Nov. 5 and Dwayne Donigan also brings experience to the backfield. Ball State adds Toney Williams, a transfer from Tennessee, and brings even more athleticism and depth to the running back position.
But in terms of experience, Ball State's offensive line leads that category. The group of Austin Holtz, Kitt O'Brien, Jordan Hansel, Dan Manick and Cam Lowry have a combined for more than 109 starts in their careers at Ball State. According to Phil Steele's College Football Preview, Ball State's offensive line is the most experienced offensive line in the country.
Defense:
It's no secret that the biggest void on Ball State's defense are the two safety positions. Gone are Sean Baker and Joshua Howard, and the holes will most likely be filled by Brian Jones, Christopher Calloway and J.C. Wade, though a number of safeties are in battle for the two positions. Defensive coordinator Jay Bateman has expressed he looks forward to the position battles and is excited about his defense this season.
At cornerback, Jason Pinkston and Jeffery Garrett return and Armand Dehaney is also in the mix to see a healthy amount of playing time this season.
The linebacker position could be the position Ball State has the most depth. Anchored by co-captain Travis Freeman, a number of other linebackers will see playing time this season. Tony Martin is another highly-experienced linebacker and Kenneth Lee, Justin Cruz and Julian Boyd are all in position to see the bulk of the field in 2012.
There are a couple new faces on the defensive line this season for Ball State. With the addition of two transfers, Jonathan Newsome from Ohio State and Brandon Newman from Notre Dame, the two players will give depth to a defensive line that already consists of Nathan Ollie, Nick Miles and Joel Cox.
Head Coach: Pete Lembo
Offensive Coordinator: Rich Skrosky
Defensive Coordinator: Jay Bateman
2011 Record/Conference Record: 6-6 (4-4 in Mid-American Conference)
Schedule:
Aug. 30 - Eastern Michigan
Sept. 8 - at Clemson
Sept. 15 - at Indiana
Sept. 22 - South Florida
Sept. 29 - at Kent State
Oct. 6 - Northern Illinois
Oct. 13 - Western Michigan
Oct. 20 - at Central Michigan
Oct. 27 - at Army
Nov. 6 - at Toledo
Nov. 14 - Ohio
Nov. 23 - at Miami
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