FOOTBALL: Lembo's Language

Head coach Pete Lembo talks to the refs during the game against Indiana State on Sept. 13 at Scheumann Stadium DN PHOTO TAYLOR IRBY
Head coach Pete Lembo talks to the refs during the game against Indiana State on Sept. 13 at Scheumann Stadium DN PHOTO TAYLOR IRBY

Lembo's Language is a weekly article, where chief football reporter David Polaski dissects statements made by Ball State head football coach Pete Lembo in his press conference.

With Ben Ingle and Martez Hester both listed as questionable, how do those injuries and the depth around them affect how you approach slowing down the Northern Illinois offense?

Lembo: “Those are two of our better and more veteran players … if it means Sean Wiggins and Dedrick Cromartie are playing more, it might be a baptism for those guys.”

David's explanation: Northern Illinois brings one of the most diverse offenses in the Mid-American Conference, and would be difficult for Ball State to slow down even if the Cardinals defense was fully healthy. Cromartie has been starting the past few games and is getting into a rhythm, and Wiggins does have experience working in the defense. But there’s little doubt that the defense takes a step back when Ingle and Hester aren’t on the field.

Do you have a sense yet of how much Horactio Banks might be available?

Lembo: “He’s nursing that hamstring, he’s working his way back in. I thought he did a few things Thursday that I didn’t know or think that he might be ready to do.”

David's explanation: Banks has missed the last few games with a hamstring injury and was listed as questionable on the depth chart released on Friday. With him out, Jahwan Edwards has seen his workload increase and Teddy Williamson has received a few extra carries. However, Banks provides an extra dimension that’s missing when he’s out.

Is there any more excitement going up against this team? It feels like there’s been a real rivalry over the past few years.

Lembo: “For it to really be a rivalry, you have to win some of them … we’ve got to find a way to knock these guys off at some point, and it’s not easy.”

David's explanation: Ball State has played some close games against Northern Illinois over the past few seasons, some of them with the MAC West division on the line. Each time, the Huskies have come out on top. It’s clear there’s a mutual respect between the programs, and they both have a strong desire to beat each other, the foundation for a solid rivalry. 

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