The young offensive talent that Ball State University head football coach Brady Hoke has been talking about since spring training camp began displaying its potential against Bowling Green on Saturday.
Ball State once again relied on a young offensive line against the Falcons. Andre Ramsey and Robert Brewster - both true freshmen - started their second collegiate games. Redshirt freshmen Eric Larrimer and Dan Gerberry have also started both games.
Such young offensive linemen will take time in developing and the process will be slow, Hoke said.
"They should be learning [during practice]," he said. "But these guys, they're going to play Auburn. They've got to learn. They've got to learn weekly and we're putting a lot of pressure on them."
That youth has prevented the Cardinals' running backs from having much room to run through the gaps, though, and Hoke said any improvement in the ground attack will hinder on the line's improvement as the season progresses.
"If you don't have a running game and they're not blocking up front, not protecting, it doesn't matter what kind of skill you have," Hoke said. "You've got to do those things first. We've got to keep dealing with it, and keep making strides."
Two other true freshmen have seen significant action thus far. Running back B.J. Hill started against Iowa and helped with kickoff and punt returns in both the Iowa and Bowling Green games. At Iowa, he hurt his ankle, limiting him against the Falcons to special teams. He's listed on the second team depth chart for this weekend against Auburn.
"We were very cautious with him," Hoke said. "Him being a freshman and new, you don't know how durable they are. He'll get his touches."
Wide receiver Dante Love was a big part of the offense against Bowling Green, and will start against Auburn. Love was involved in several unique plays including a pass back to quarterback Joey Lynch, who then carried the ball to the seven-yard line. Love was also involved in a 42-yard reverse play that resulted in a Ball State touchdown three plays later.
"As soon as he came in, he's shown the ability to make plays," Lynch said. "He's a young guy who can make some things happen. He really helped us out tonight and will the rest of the season."
Love's run preceded a one-yard touchdown catch by freshman fullback Chris Clancy. Clancy played in both games and is scheduled to start against Auburn.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
