After last year's lackluster performance against Navy's triple-option offense, stopping the Midshipmen's rushing attack is Ball State coach Brady Hoke's primary focus Friday.
Perhaps the surprise is how influential the Cardinals' secondary, particularly their safeties, will be on the effectiveness of Hoke's defensive game plan.
The Midshipmen rushed for 558 yards in their 41-13 season-opening win against Towson, and quarterback Jarod Bryant threw the ball four times all game. Each passing attempt came when Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo saw Towson's safeties sneak into the box and decided to throw the ball deep in an effort to catch the secondary off guard.
Hoke said he anticipates the same strategy against his defense.
"They're gonna' run and run and run and then throw one over the top," Hoke said. "... That's reality, but I think what we have to do is play with great eye discipline. That's how big plays happen, when a guy takes his eyes off what he's supposed to have his eyes on."
Ball State's starting safeties, Alex Knipp and Derrick Henry, along with backup Sean Baker, are well aware of how important it is for them to execute their assignments Friday. Last season, the Cardinals allowed 521 rushing yards and all four of their touchdowns on the ground.
Henry said the safeties will need to focus on the player they're responsible for instead of letting their eyes slip into the Navy backfield.
"It comes down to just reading your keys and actually knowing what you're doing while you're out on that field," Henry said. "Not just out there guessing and being unsure, but actually having a plan when you step out on that field and knowing what that plan is and using that plan so you can be successful in what you're doing."
If knowing the game plan is half the battle, Baker said executing it is much easier said than done.
"It's very difficult because that's their game plan," Baker said. "They pound you, pound you, pound you, and then you see one go over your head. You've just got to stay disciplined, read your keys and play within the defense and you should be all right."
Even though Ball State's safeties know Navy is waiting for them to line up too close to the line of scrimmage, Baker said, it doesn't mean the secondary can neglect to help out in the running game. Baker said the best way for the Cardinals defense to be successful Friday is to play as a single unit and rely on each other.
"Team defense is team defense, and I think what matters is any play - pass or run - they can go the distance," Baker said. "You've just got to count on each other and play for each other."
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