Joey Lynch started the first four games at quarterback. Nate Davis started the last four. The player lining up under center for Saturday's game at Miami (OH) University is up for grabs.
In Monday's press conference, Ball State University coach Brady Hoke would not name a starter. He said the two signal-callers will split the snaps "50-50" in practice this week and make a decision Thursday.
"We'll evaluate it as we go," Hoke said. "We have two good quarterbacks. One guy had a tough day. It's good to have another guy."
After three interceptions in eight pass attempts by Davis, Lynch came in early in the second quarter of the Cardinals' loss to Western Michigan University last Saturday. The fifth-year senior led the Cardinals on three scoring drives before halftime -¡- two touchdown passes to Darius Hill and a Brian Jackson field goal - to close Western Michigan's halftime lead to 28-20.
Lynch finished with 291 yards and added a third touchdown pass to Terry Moss late in the fourth. Lynch said he didn't know if he played well enough to earn the starting position and the decision would be up to the coaches.
"As a quarterback, you have one job to do and that's to win," he said. "We didn't do that so that's how I look at it. We didn't get it done."
What Lynch does have going for him is maturity and experience. Hoke said the 22 games Lynch has started in his career helps him anticipate things a little more than someone who has started a few games.
For the second straight game, Davis struggled offensively. He faced pressure and tried to force the ball on the first two interceptions but on the third one stared the receiver down, allowing Ameer Ismael to step in front of the pass and return it for a touchdown.
Davis said one of the keys to playing the quarterback position is having a short memory.
"I was locked in on him," Davis said. "I said, 'OK, I'm going to fit this ball in there and I'm going to have faith in my arm.' But I read it wrong."
Both quarterbacks were under constant pressure as they were sacked nine times by Western Michigan, whose defense is 16th nationally in yards allowed per game (271.14). When he wasn't being sacked, Lynch showed happy feet in the pocket, scrambling on many plays in an attempt to make something happen.
"Sometimes, I was trying to get out of the pocket too early trying to make plays," Lynch said. "I need to stay in the pocket when the opportunity is there. That's something I'm definitely going to work at."
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
