2002 Statistics

written by Dan Newman

The Cardinals biggest issue on the offensive side of the ball will be to find a replacement(s) for departed running back Marcus Merriweather, who tallied a Ball State single-season record of 1,618 yards. It looks as if the running game could be severely lacking, as the rest of the team combined for just 285 yards and three touchdowns, led by senior Scott Blair.

The passing game seems to be in good hands as experience dots the roster. Sophomore Dante Ridgeway led the team in receptions and receiving yards, yet didn't start a single game!! But that's probably about to change, although, not without a fight. Looking to line up on the other side is another '02 sophomore non-starter, Larry Bostic. At just 5-foot-7, he uses speed and superior route-running. Others provide depth, but not much.

The most intriguing battle going into camp on either side of the ball will be at quarterback, where incumbent Andy Roesch will campaign against fellow senior Talmadge Gardner, whom Rosech replaced after the fifth game of 2002. Roesch's record as a starter was a mediocre 4-3, but he has shown flashes of brilliance. Just as his record as a starter was mediocre, his 15-to-7 TD-to-INT ratio gives promise. But still, he clearly outplayed Hill, who had just five TDs yet seven INTs, and was eventually benched.

As if there is not going to be enough of a problem trying to find a replacement for Merriweather in the backfield, the offensive line is up in the air, too. Brand new starters will fill both positions on the left side, as well as the center spot. One of the few luxuries the team has is its right side of the line, led by 5th year senior Travis Barclay. He has started 23 consecutive games. Look for Barclay, a Verizon Academic All-American, to start at the tackle spot, and junior Jeff Ramsey to play right guard. With regard to possibilities to help beef up the line, there should be no fears as 6-foot-5, 330-pound junior Ty Knisely and 6-foot-7, 310-pound true freshman Kevin Neville may be called upon to help guide the running game. The talent is there, but can it perform as a unit in real-game situations? Answers will come quickly and adjustments will follow.

OT Travis Barclay

written by Dan Newman

Most teams' top stopper is a linebacker. The Cardinals are no different with two-sport star Lorenzo Scott leading the way, including a team-high 10 tackles for loss. The senior has signed a contract to play with the Baltimore Orioles baseball team but has decided that he will play football in '03 for Ball State. Helping Scott in the LB corps is fellow senior Justin Riley, who (meagerly) led the '02 squad with three sacks. The BSU sack leader again registering so few will be a clear statistical signal of poor line play.

The defense as a whole let up 4.7 yards per carry (second worst in the conference) and over 170 rushing yards per game. Fortunately, three of the front four defensive linemen are returning starters, led by interior tackles Greg Pagnard and Conrad Slaughter. They're not the biggest inside guys; so they'll look for help from the third returning starter on the line, end Blair Kramer. It looks like a repeat performance of '02's marginally poor play. Surprise us, guys, would ya?

Key reserve Quentin Manley, the team's top cover guy, and returning starter Jesse Avant will, again, both need to come up from their secondary spots to help plug. Justin Beriault had 121 tackles from his safety spot to finish second on the team. The other safety, Douglas Owusu, looks to reclaim his starting spot. If this season has the same low INT totals to go with forced eight-man fronts, it will be another uphill battle for a defense self-aware of its shortcomings.

The defense is fairly settled coming into camp, as it brings seven starters back to go along with some deep (and experienced) reserves. Statistically, the defense was rather marginal, ranking in the middle of the MAC in most categories. This season should be much different. One move to improve run-stopping ability is, at sporadic intervals, sending extra men in the box. The secondary has proved that it can hold its own, but this risky tactic can easily backfire. "High risk, high reward" plays itself out with drastic results one way or another.

LB Lorenzo Scott