Last year I graded Ball State at the halfway point forHomecoming. That isn't possible this year, as there are 11 gamesthis season and not 12. However, it's deep enough into the seasonto give some evaluation.
Nearly every grade issued should be taken with an asterisk,given the general youth and inexperience on this season (receiversbeing the one probable exception).
Quarterbacks: B-
Sophomore Joey Lynch performed admirably, if not ineffectively,against a non-conference murderers' row, considering the poorprotection he often received. He has since given way to truefreshman Cole Stinson, whose strong arm has given the offense adecent lift. Only Stinson has thrown an interception. Very littleblame for the team's troubles this season goes here.
Running backs: C+
Like at quarterback, a freshman has provided a boost. AdellGivens became the top back when Larry Bostic's season ended with aknee injury in the second game and is averaging 4.5 yards percarry. Scott Blair and Charles Wynn have had their moments, andBrad Salyer is a capable enough fullback. Rushing production wouldbe better with improved blocking all-around (sacks count againstrushing yards).
Receivers: B-
Dante Ridgeway's production the last two games (19 catches, 361yards) is staggering, but he could use some help. After Ridgeway's37 catches, there's Ryan Hahaj with eight. Givens, Terry Moss andBryan Williamson have six apiece. It would be nice to see tightends Mark Franklin and Michael Steinhaus have more catches, butthey haven't been throw to very much.
Offensive line: D+
Senior center Nick Tabacca is a good building block, but theunit as a whole has been a disappointment more often than not. BallState gave up 21 sacks in 2003, but has yielded 16 already. TheCardinals averaged 114.8 yards rushing in 2003, but have put up88.2 per game so far. One possible positive is that, save for BryanSmith instead of Adam Rothstein at right tackle against Toledo, thesame five have started every game.
Defensive line: C
The run defense is a bit better than last year (197.6 yards pergame in`03, 181 this year), but the pass rush has been almostnon-existent (six sacks). The lone senior, tackle Conrad Slaughter,has been sturdy, but in general this group needs to make moreplays. As on offense, the line has been intact. Tackle Tom Kellarwas injured in the opener, but Riley Larimore has started eversince.
Linebackers: B
Donta Smith has stepped up his play in the middle, while JasonSieman has been a surprise on the weak side since expected starterBrad Seiss broke his wrist in August. Anthony Corpuz has started onthe strong side, but freshman Wendell Brown has had more impactthere. Sieman, Smith and Brown rank 2-3-4 on the team intackles.
Defensive backs: C
The lack of pass rush hasn't helped this group. Ball State rankslast in the conference (289.6 yards per game) in pass defense. Tobe fair, this is probably the youngest group; sophomore RandallMeans is the most experienced cornerback, with freshman RyanPatrick and junior college transfer Josh Taylor opposite him.Strong safety Justin Beriault, a four-year starter and by far theleading tackler, has been the team's MVP so far with his stellarplay and leadership.
Special teams: B-
The next-to-nothing production from return teams keeps thisgrade from being higher. Reggie Hodges' punting is everything youcould ask for and more. Brian Jackson is 5 of 7 on field goals,although the occasional out-of-bounds kickoff is nagging. Kickoffand punt coverage, a major sore spot earlier, has been better oflate.
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