Ball State University quarterback Nate Davis solidified his position as the Cardinals' starting quarterback against Northern Illinois University last Saturday.
Davis was 27-of-38 for 298 yards and four touchdowns. Ball State coach Brady Hoke said he was impressed with the play of his freshman.
"He played well," he said. "He played with a lot of poise. He seems to be taking everything pretty well, he's composed and there's a nice awareness to him."
Davis is sixth in the nation in passing efficiency with a 179.2 mark.
He's one of only two players that has attempted enough passes to qualify for the passing efficiency rankings that hasn't thrown an interception. The other one: the University at Buffalo's Drew Willy, Ball State's opponent on Saturday.
"He's very confident in himself and what he can do," Hoke said. "You look at his high school career in football and basketball, he has been the target. Some of that early development helps.
"He's making good decisions. So far he has handled himself in a really good way."
GETTING DEFENSIVEThe Cardinals' defense continues to struggle. Opponents are now averaging more than 497 yards per game, which puts the Cardinals last in Division I-A in team defense.
Hoke said the defense needs to play consistent and knows what their responsibilities are.
"When you look at the film, it's not effort," he said. "When you look at the William Wise, Tom Kellar and Amara Koroma in there, those three guys are playing good football. But if they get out of their gaps, especially with a guy like [Wolfe], that's trouble."
The linebacker position has been crippled by injuries. The depth there was erased with the season-ending injury to Anthony Corpuz and multiple injuries to Brad Seiss.
Seiss played about 10 plays Saturday before being admitted to the hospital Sunday morning with a skin infection. He will not play against Buffalo.
The injury to Seiss forced Wendell Brown from outside linebacker to inside linebacker, which is not his strong suit.
Senior defensive end Riley Larimore said the Cardinals to work on improving each week.
"You can't point your finger at one position," Larimore said. "You can't point your finger at just one player. It's the defense as a whole."
BROTHERLY LOVE-áLarimore's brother, Dexter, is a freshman on the Ohio State University football team, the consensus No. 1 ranked team in the country.
Riley Larimore said he talked to him a lot during fall camp, helping him adjust to college life. However, Dexter Larimore was red-shirted this year. But big brother still has plenty of advice.
"Keep your fundamentals and hit the weight room real hard and be ready to compete next year," Riley Larimore said.
But he's not just sitting on the sideline during practice. Dexter Larimore was named scout player of the week in the week leading up to the University of Texas game.
"He has a real good attitude. It helps when you're undefeated," he said laughing.
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