The reasons for Ball State University's offensive resurgence can be debated, but its hard to argue that anyone has benefited from it more than wide receiver Briggs Orsbon.
Orsbon, last year's leading receiver, caught only three passes in the first two games of the season as the young offense floundered. Since then, the sophomore has caught 24 balls for 173 yards. Orsbon became even more important to the offense when tight end Madaris Grant and wide receiver Seth White were lost for the season with injuries.
"Every quarterback has their guy," coach Stan Parrish said. "Kelly has confidence in him, he knows he'll catch the ball."
Orsbon put together his best game of the season last Saturday against the University of Toledo. He set season highs with 10 receptions for 88 yards and his first touchdown since Ball State beat Central Michigan University last November.
"We've been improving every week," Orsbon said. "Our offensive line played a great game. They really gave Kelly time the first half, I think that's the difference between the last four games we played."
In the first half, Orsbon made eight catches for 68 yards. The Rockets tightened their coverage on him at halftime, Orsbon said.Parrish said Page did a good job adjusting to the new defensive scheme.
"You can only hit [Orsbon] in so many spots," Parrish said. "You have to be able to get it to the other guys."
Page said he just threw to whoever was open."I don't have a favorite receiver," Page said. "I know he can catch the ball. If he's open I'll throw him the ball."
Parrish has made it a point to put the ball in the hands of his best receiver. Against Toledo that included taking a direct snap from center and lateraling the ball to Page, who lined up as a receiver. Orsbon said it reminded him of his high school days.
"I played a little bit of quarterback," he said. "Just trying to throw the defense off."
Orsbon said there were more short passes called against the Rockets, which benefits him. It likely will be the same story Saturday at Temple University, who is especially tough against the run.
"Anytime you have a young offensive line and quarterback it's good to build their confidence," he said. "That's where the short game comes in. After we do that, we hit some runs and some play-action and hopefully get them over the top once in a while."
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
