Two days after his game winning kick, questions about Steven Schott still come flooding to coach Pete Lembo.
In his weekly teleconference through the Mid-American Conference, Lembo recapped the win over Indiana but said the focus is now on Big East opponent South Florida.
Saturday's game against the Bulls is the return of a home-and-home series between the two schools. Last season's game was a 37-7 loss for Ball State, and Lembo said his team faces another tough challenge this week.
"[South Florida] looks a whole lot like Clemson on film," Lembo said. "They're strong and fast, and pack a lot of punch."
But the focus of the teleconference turned to Schott after his statements. Lembo praised Schott for his leadership during his time at Ball State.
He also mentioned his growth as a kicker.
"He's a leader, he's a great kid," he said. "He's very well respected by his teammates and a regular guy. That's the thing I like about him. He's very fun to be around."
Schott's growth in 2012 should be noted, as he's already hit two field goals from beyond 50 yards after three games. His career-long was a 52-yard field goal in the first quarter of the season-opening win against Eastern Michigan.
In 2011, Schott set his previous career best with a 44-yard field goal in the final seconds of the road game against Eastern Michigan.
"Since we've been here, he's been as steady as anybody," Lembo said. "He had some big kicks for us last year. He had a couple he'd like to have back as well, but he's off to a good start in 2012."
Lembo continued about the difficulty of recruiting specialists for a football team since the majority of them come to a program as preferred walk-ons.
From there, the walk-on specialists have to perform before they are awarded a scholarship. But a team is also limited to how many specialists can be on scholarship, which creates more competition within the team.
With his performance against Indiana, Schott was named MAC West Division Special Teams Player of the Week. On top of his game-winner, Schott hit a 51-yard field goal along with converting five extra point attempts.
His current PAT streak is at 50, the second longest in school history. Ian McGarvey holds the current record with 63.
-á
Read More
Ball State football’s blowout loss to Ohio summarizes failed season
By Kyle Smedley / 11 hours agoAfter the Bobcats’ 42-21 routing, the Cardinals finished the season with their worst record since 2017.
Ball State football pushes through outside noise ahead of Black Friday game against Ohio
By Kyle Smedley / YesterdayThe Cardinals are setback by injuries and early transfer portal entries heading into the final game of the season against the Bobcats.
