One of the staples of the Ball State offense and special teams units during the past couple seasons is something coach Brady Hoke calls "gimmick plays."
In 2005, the Cardinals attempted two fake field goals in the first six games of the season, including one against Western Michigan University in overtime. In last year's season opener, quarterback Nate Davis' first career touchdown pass came off a gimmick play where former quarterback Joey Lynch lined up behind the center, and Davis was lined up as a slot-receiver. On that play, Davis got the ball on a lateral pass and then threw a 46-yard pass to Louis Johnson for a touchdown.
However, Hoke said gimmick plays might not be as prevalent this season as they were in the past.
"I think every team has things that they will do," Hoke said. "We've probably used more gimmick plays early in the development of the program because we've had to. Hopefully we wouldn't have to at this point."
Most coaches script their first possession of a football game in attempt to create a balance offensively. Hoke said he uses the first offensive possession of the game to set up the game plan for the rest of the contest.
"We've got plays that we're going to run at the beginning of the football game," Hoke said. "You always want to get your quarterback off to a good start, and you want to test your running game to see what you have there. It's no secret that most offenses do that because they want to see how the defense is going to react."
One of the players who would play an instrumental role in gimmick plays is MiQuale Lewis, sophomore starting running back. Lewis, who will be starting his first season opener Thursday against Miami University, said gimmick plays lift the entire offense when executed correctly.
"It's a big-time momentum builder," Lewis said. "If you can get them on a trick play like that, the simple plays are going to go well for you."
Though he wouldn't specifically describe any gimmick plays the offense has in store for the RedHawks, Lewis said the crowd wouldn't be disappointed in what they see.
"With Nate Davis at quarterback, it's an exciting play every single play," Lewis said. "The crowd is definitely going to be amused."
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