1. Ball State has forced more turnovers than in previous years.
The last three seasons, Ball State has averaged 19 turnovers per season. Four games into this season, Ball State has forced 10 turnovers. Ben Ingle, Martez Hester, Jeff Garrett and Jonathan Newsome all have interceptions this season. The team is on pace for 30 takeaways in the regular season games.
Lembo’s Take: “We’re putting more emphasis on [turnovers] in practice and it’s good to see us getting some results.”
2. Toledo has a different quarterback situation.
Senior quarterback Terrance Owens got injured in the second quarter in a game against Eastern Washington, and freshman Logan Woodside stepped in for him. Woodside went 14-of-24 for 185 yards and a touchdown. Owens returned against Central Michigan, but still split time with Woodside. Toledo has listed Owens as probable. Despite throwing four interceptions this season, Owens had 38 total touchdowns from 2011-2012 against 11 interceptions.
Lembo’s Take: “I fully expect that Owens will be healthy and ready to go on Saturday. ... If he’s not going to be 100 percent for our game, I’m sure he’ll be pretty darn close.”
3. The Rockets has a trio of offensive weapons to use against Ball State.
Owens, running back David Fluellen and wide receiver Bernard Reedy are the three skill position players opposing Mid-American Conference teams have to focus on. Between Reedy and Fluellen, they have 5,604 offensive yards in their careers. They are all seniors.
Lembo’s Take: “I actually look forward to coming up here next year and not having to talk about Terrence Owens and Fluellen and Reedy. Those guys have terrorized this league for what seems like an eternity. This year is no different.”
4. Ball State’s depth at wide receiver and tight end is being tested.
Injuries to wide receivers KeVonn Mabon and Connor Ryan have had a “ripple effect” on the rest of the team, according to Lembo. Ball State appeared to run more 2-tight end sets than in previous games on Saturday. Depth wide receivers getting the playing time were junior Chris Shillings and redshirt junior Shane Belle.
Lembo’s Take: “We’re fortunate that we have good depth at those positions. ... You’re counting on a Chris Shillings to step up and become a potential playmaker in a game like this. Or you’re counting on a younger tight end, Dylan Curry or Sam Brunner to play 15 or 20 more snaps than they have in previous games.”
