TEAM: Ball State Cardinals (6-7, 4-4 MAC in 2021)
STAFF REPORT
OVERVIEW:
After storming to a MAC title in 2020, Ball State fell back to a fourth place finish in the MAC West last year. The 4-4 conference mark was quite a surprise, given BSU returned the vast majority of its title-winning roster. Leading that group was quarterback Drew Plitt, who completed his third straight -- and final -- season as a starter.
The uber-talented and competitive Plitt likely kept more than a few opposing defensive coordinators working late, so the latter are more than ready to move forward. How ready are the Cardinals? MAC media members voting late last month predicted BSU to finish last in the West. In a division loaded with talent, contending for the top will be a challenge.
OVERVIEW:
After storming to a MAC title in 2020, Ball State fell back to a fourth place finish in the MAC West last year. The 4-4 conference mark was quite a surprise, given BSU returned the vast majority of its title-winning roster. Leading that group was quarterback Drew Plitt, who completed his third straight -- and final -- season as a starter.
The uber-talented and competitive Plitt likely kept more than a few opposing defensive coordinators working late, so the latter are more than ready to move forward. How ready are the Cardinals? MAC media members voting late last month predicted BSU to finish last in the West. In a division loaded with talent, contending for the top will be a challenge.
JOHN PADDOCK OFFENSE:
Redshirt senior QB John Paddock (5-11, 196) takes over for Plitt. While he has been in the system, Paddock enters 2022 with limited (5) game experience. Last year, he completed 18 of 26 attempts (69.2%) for 132 yards with one interception. In two years prior to that, he totaled eight pass attempts.
"I'm very excited for John Paddock. He's worked hard for the last three years in our program," head coach Mike Neu said. "He had a great spring. ... He's ready for this stage. Lights won't be too bright."
Redshirt senior QB John Paddock (5-11, 196) takes over for Plitt. While he has been in the system, Paddock enters 2022 with limited (5) game experience. Last year, he completed 18 of 26 attempts (69.2%) for 132 yards with one interception. In two years prior to that, he totaled eight pass attempts.
"I'm very excited for John Paddock. He's worked hard for the last three years in our program," head coach Mike Neu said. "He had a great spring. ... He's ready for this stage. Lights won't be too bright."
JAYSHON JACKSON Fortunately, Paddock will have several talented and experienced options at receiver. Justin Hall is gone, but Jayshon Jackson and Yo'Heinz Tyler totaled 118 catches for 1,316 yards and 11 TD. Jackson was sixth among MAC receivers with 629 yards.
Another viable target is running back Carson Steele (12 catches, 157 yards, 1 TD). The 6-1, 215-pound sophomore also ran for 891 yards and six scores while providing BSU with a strong inside presence. He'll be runnning behind an experienced line (5 returning starters) that looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued season in 2021.
Another viable target is running back Carson Steele (12 catches, 157 yards, 1 TD). The 6-1, 215-pound sophomore also ran for 891 yards and six scores while providing BSU with a strong inside presence. He'll be runnning behind an experienced line (5 returning starters) that looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued season in 2021.
DEFENSE:
Ball State's defense allowed 28.4 points (fifth MAC) and 419.4 yards per game (8th MAC). While the Cardinals were fourth against the run, they ranked 10th in passing yards allowed (243.0 ypg). They were sixth in pass defense efficiency.
In any case, there is work to be done as BSU must replace six starters on the defensive side. Among the departed are first team All-MAC members (DB) Bryce Cosby) and (LB) Jaylin Thomas. The latter owned 112 tackles -- fifth most among MAC defenders.
Senior linebacker Clayton Coll (93 tackles, two TFL and 2 INTs) provides experience and will be a central figure in the Cardinals defense. Junior Ravion Woodard recorded five sacks in 2021. Senior Justen Ramsey (5-11, 298) figures at nose tackle, while classmates Amechi Uzodinma (CB) and Malcolm Lee (FS) return in the secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
The Cardinals will miss (WR) Justin Hall, who finished third (MAC) in all purpose yards (124.4 ypg). He was a first team All-MAC selection as a kickoff return specialist. Sophomore Lucas Burrow could step in as both punter and place kicker.
MISC:
>> Ball State won four of five mid-season games last year, but finished with losses in three of four outings. The last was a 51-20 setback to Georgia State at the Camellia Bowl.
>> After opening at Tennessee Sept. 1, BSU will have an early MAC date against Western Michigan Sept. 10 at Scheumann Stadium. In addition to the rugged MAC West schedule, Ball State will face Kent State, Ohio and Miami from the East. The RedHawks host BSU Nov. 22.
Ball State's defense allowed 28.4 points (fifth MAC) and 419.4 yards per game (8th MAC). While the Cardinals were fourth against the run, they ranked 10th in passing yards allowed (243.0 ypg). They were sixth in pass defense efficiency.
In any case, there is work to be done as BSU must replace six starters on the defensive side. Among the departed are first team All-MAC members (DB) Bryce Cosby) and (LB) Jaylin Thomas. The latter owned 112 tackles -- fifth most among MAC defenders.
Senior linebacker Clayton Coll (93 tackles, two TFL and 2 INTs) provides experience and will be a central figure in the Cardinals defense. Junior Ravion Woodard recorded five sacks in 2021. Senior Justen Ramsey (5-11, 298) figures at nose tackle, while classmates Amechi Uzodinma (CB) and Malcolm Lee (FS) return in the secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
The Cardinals will miss (WR) Justin Hall, who finished third (MAC) in all purpose yards (124.4 ypg). He was a first team All-MAC selection as a kickoff return specialist. Sophomore Lucas Burrow could step in as both punter and place kicker.
MISC:
>> Ball State won four of five mid-season games last year, but finished with losses in three of four outings. The last was a 51-20 setback to Georgia State at the Camellia Bowl.
>> After opening at Tennessee Sept. 1, BSU will have an early MAC date against Western Michigan Sept. 10 at Scheumann Stadium. In addition to the rugged MAC West schedule, Ball State will face Kent State, Ohio and Miami from the East. The RedHawks host BSU Nov. 22.
Head Coach Mike Neu FINAL THOUGHTS:
Plitt was such a dynamic part of Ball State football for the past several years, its difficult to gauge what the offense will look like in 2022. There are weapons, but just how well BSU can utilize them remains to be seen. There are also plenty of questions on defense and special teams, but the program has been working on turning things back around.
"I'm very optimistic," Neu said. "We lost three one-possession games last year. This conference demands your A-game every single week. We can flip the scrip on those one-possession games. We've just got to be better on the details."
Plitt was such a dynamic part of Ball State football for the past several years, its difficult to gauge what the offense will look like in 2022. There are weapons, but just how well BSU can utilize them remains to be seen. There are also plenty of questions on defense and special teams, but the program has been working on turning things back around.
"I'm very optimistic," Neu said. "We lost three one-possession games last year. This conference demands your A-game every single week. We can flip the scrip on those one-possession games. We've just got to be better on the details."
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