November 2002 could have been the last month in Ball Statefootball for more than one member of the Lynch family.
Coming out of Delta High School, Joey Lynch (redshirted as afreshman) expected to compete at quarterback behind veteransTalmadge Hill and Andy Roesch in 2003, as well as play for Dad likeolder brother Billy, who lettered at wide receiver from1999-2001.
But Bill Lynch was fired as head coach with a 37-54 record ineight seasons, and Brady Hoke was brought in from Michigan a fewweeks later. The younger Lynch didn't want to leave, though, andelected to stay at Ball State.
"When I committed here, I committed to play for my dad, but Iobviously knew there was a chance he would get fired," Joey Lynchsaid. "When it happened and Coach Hoke was hired, we talked and Iknew ... if I could play for anyone else, it would be CoachHoke."
He has since been rewarded with the starting assignment inThursday's opener against Boston College, having won the jobthrough his performance in spring and fall practices.
Quarterbacks coach Brent Baldwin feels that while Lynch isn'tthe most physically impressive quarterback, the third-yearsophomore possesses the all necessary intangibles -- work ethic,leadership, command in the huddle and knowledge of the offense.
"He's done a tremendous job with his decision-making," Baldwinsaid. "For being a sophomore and starting his first game, he's gota really good handle on our offense, probably more than anyquarterback we've had."
Joey Lynch feels that the leadership comes from his ability torelate to anyone on the team.
"I guess I'm easy to talk to and relate to a lot of people," hesaid. "I guess you could say we've got good communication."
When Bill Lynch was fired his son was predictably upset for alittle while, but Joey Lynch had already grown close to his fellowfreshmen, and both father and son that Ball State was the bestplace for him.
"We had an opportunity to talk right afterwards (being fired),"Bill Lynch said. "I wanted him to stay."
Even when Bill Lynch was hired as head coach in DePauw earlierthis year, Joey's commitment never wavered, and the situation,while unique, has never been awkward, according to Hoke.
"I think we all handled that well," he said. "I think it's acredit to him and his family and how he was brought up, knowingthat college football is a business to some degree. He's a kid withtremendous character, and that's a big plus."
"Coach Hoke has been tremendous about it and made Joey feelcomfortable," Bill Lynch added.
While Joey Lynch has admitted to picking the brain of his dad, aformer quarterback and quarterbacks coach, Bill Lynch is quitecontent "just being a dad."
Besides, Joey Lynch has always been able to gather advice fromBilly Lynch, the Cardinals' top receiver in 2001 and now anassistant at rival Miami University.
"I talk to him about four times a week," Joey Lynch said.
Joey Lynch said he admires how Hoke has handled his presence,but added that Hoke wasn't the only one he wanted to prove himselfto.
"With the quarterback position I wanted to prove myself toeveryone," he said, "not just the coaches.
"I'm just really excited. Growing up and watching all thesegames here, to be under the (permanent) lights for the first timeand have a BCS team come in is just a great opportunity."
And dad should still get to see the son play after all, providedhe wraps up DePauw's practice and drives over in time.
"It's going to be kind of crazy," Bill Lynch said. "I'll hustleover there hopefully get there about halftime."
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