After solid performances in the first three weeks of the season, Ball State's running game might be facing the toughest test it will face all season this week.
In his weekly news conference, coach Pete Lembo praised South Florida's defense and the experience they have being mostly juniors and seniors.
"They have a really physical, athletic defensive line," Lembo said. "They've got good corners that can lock you down. There's really no glaring weakness to their defensive unit."
But Lembo specifically talked about the large defensive line the Bulls have.
Anchored by redshirt senior Cory Grissom, South Florida's defensive line averages at just below 6 feet 3 inches. Besides Grissom, the other three starting linemen are redshirt juniors and true juniors.
Ball State will be able to counter with its offensive line with Dan Manick, Kitt O'Brien and Cam Lowry, which happens to be the most experienced in college football. But it's not just the experience of the offensive line, Ball State is one of the top rushing teams in the country.
"The good news is [the offensive line] is playing with a lot of confidence right now," Lembo said. "We're rushing the ball for 250 plus a game and have only given up two sacks in three games. We've got a good group there."
The offensive line does have some minor injuries after the Indiana game, but Lembo said the injuries weren't enough to keep anybody out against South Florida.
As for the running backs, they're confident they will be able to run the ball effectively against the Bulls' defense. Running backs Jahwan Edwards and Horactio Banks give Ball State's offense balance in its backfield.
"I feel like we have a good one-two punch with me and Jahwan," Banks said. "He's pretty big and he can wear [the defense] and so I can move around them a little more."
The offense has been led by the running game after three games this season, which is surprising since Lembo's offenses are known to be pass heavy.
But if Ball State is going to get a win against arguably the biggest team to visit Scheumann Stadium, the offensive line and the running game will have to play just as well in the team's previous three games.
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