PHILADELPHIA - Time after time last week against the University of Toledo, Ball State University quarterback Kelly Page had to pick himself up off the turf.
Page took a beating from the Rockets. He was sacked five times and pressured countless others by Tim Beckman's blitz-happy defense.
But in case Temple University channels the 1970s Philadelphia Flyers, famously nicknamed the Broad Street Bullies, Page will be ready Saturday.
"I play football. I get hit," Page said. "Running like I do sometimes, I take shots I shouldn't take."
In the last two weeks Page has taken some big hits. He said Auburn University hit him harder than any other team.
"A couple Auburn guys hit me pretty good," he said.
But Page persevered through the pain, turning in better performances each week. On Homecoming the freshman set career highs with 25 completions, 234 yards and two touchdowns.
"Early in the year I was a little nervous replacing Nate [Davis]," Page said. "That's a big, big thing. As a whole unit we've just progressed enormously."
Ball State enter Saturday's game at Temple with an 0-5 record, but the offense has posted consecutive 30-point games. Those performances have given coach Stan Parrish a reason to be optimistic.
"We didn't plan on being 0-5," Parrish said. "I look down the road and I think this is going to be a good football team."
Page said the team wasn't looking at its overall record, but concentrating only on Mid-American Conference play.
"A new season started on Saturday," Page said. "I think we look at it as we're 0-1 right now. We've still got a shot to compete in the MAC. I think that we know we're getting better."
Page is also getting advice from someone that knows what it's like to quarterback a struggling Ball State team as a freshman. He said he talks with Davis regularly. The San Francisco 49ers backup told Page he went through the same problems.
"I talk to Nate before every game," Page said. "He told me the third game of his freshman year against Western [Michigan University], he threw three interceptions. He said games like that happen, and you just have to learn from them."
That advice has helped Page go from splitting time with backup Tanner Justice to being the unquestioned quarterback of the Cardinals in a couple of weeks.
"You just have to play not scared," Page said. "You just have to go out there and play with all your heart."
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