Ball State football fans may be running out of things to get excited about when it comes to the remainder of this year's season. On Saturday, however, a group of wide receivers gave fans reason to be pumped about next year's offense.
True freshmen Dante Ridgeway and Larry Bostic, along with redshirt freshman Ryan Hahaj tantalized the Central Michigan defense with 14 catches, 232 yards and three touchdowns between them.
Ridgeway, who set career highs with 10 receptions and 157 yards, said the sagging Chippewa defense helped in the receivers' abilities to get open.
"They were blowing coverages most of the time," Ridgeway said. "They've been doing that mostly all year."
Cardinals quarterback Andy Roesch didn't downplay his receivers' performance.
"They were susceptible to the big play and we were trying to take advantage of that," the junior said. "Our receivers were better than they were and we beat them one-on-one."
Head coach Bill Lynch said he like what he saw from the young receiving corp Saturday. He reminded the media, however, that the players aren't that young anymore.
"These 'young' receivers have played in 10 college football games now," Lynch said. "They're good players."
Ridgeway currently leads the team in receptions (49) and yards (660). Bostic is tied with Hahaj for fourth in receptions with 21, but has more yards (290). Bostic also leads the team with six touchdown catches.
Lynch said seeing a freshman come in and perform at such a high level is always good to see.
"You never know how a freshman is going to handle going to school, practicing, the intensity of it, and then playing on Saturdays, but those kids have done a good job of it," Lynch said.
Lynch praised the performance of all his young receivers, but singled out Ridgeway in particular.
"He's explosive coming off the ball," Lynch said. "He's got good strength for a freshman and he's very mature on the field. You can coach him on the sideline."
Ridgeway's on-field maturity showed at least once during Saturday's game. In the fourth quarter, Ridgeway dove for the endzone and was called out at the one yardline.
"I dropped that post, and I thought to myself I'd get out there and make up for it by playing hard," Ridgeway said.
Ridgeway said his success this season has been surprising.
"My coach told me I was going to play a lot," the Illinois native said. "I didn't expect I was going to have a big year like this."
Now Ridgeway, Bostic and Hahaj will look forward to more years like this.
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