Stan Parrish doesn't know who will be Ball State's starting quarterback Saturday at Purdue. Who leads the offense onto the field at Ross-Ade Stadium isn't a concern for him, because both Kelly Page and Keith Wenning will play.
Parrish didn't rank Wenning and Page in Monday's depth chart, instead listing both separated by "or." Parrish has used the same designation throughout the season for running backs Cory Sykes and Eric Williams, among other positions, but this is the first time Page has not be listed as the starter this season.
Parrish reiterated he believes the Cardinals need both quarterbacks to be successful. But, at the same time, he seemed to lay the groundwork for Wenning to take over as the starter in the coming weeks as Ball State travels to Purdue and then Iowa on Sept. 25.
"The easy, knee-jerk reaction would be to put the youngster in and sit the other guy," Parrish said. "We have two very difficult venues to go into and two difficult games coming up. We have to be very careful of how we do this."
Interview requests for Page and Wenning were declined this week.
Wenning made his debut Opening Night, but did not throw a pass in mop-up time during Ball State's 27-10 victory against Southeast Missouri State. He saw his first meaningful action in Saturday's 27-23 loss to Liberty. After replacing Page with 55 seconds left in the first half, Wenning completed 13-of-18 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown while leading a furious second-half comeback that came up just short.
"Keith graded out very, very well for the first game, there's no question about that," Parrish said. "We're excited about that."
Wenning's chance came soon after Parrish was clearly upset with Page when the sophomore ran the wrong play on a crucial fourth down in the second quarter. Parrish said it was a miscommunication between the sideline and Page, and brushed off the argument Monday.
"We laughed about it [Sunday]," he said.
But Parrish hasn't hidden his disappointment with Page this season. After winning the starting job in fall camp, Page has not been impressive in games. He has completed 15-of-27 passes for 149 yards and an interception.
Parrish was happy with how Page handled being replaced by Wenning.
"He's a great, great, great person," Parrish said. "I thought he handled himself on the sidelines in the second half great."
For now, there is room in Ball State's offense for both quarterbacks. Parrish said both quarterbacks will have their own package of plays they are best suited to run. He sees the problem as a good one to have, and one that is increasingly common across the country.
"[Page] brings a little different dimension to what we can do also, with his legs," Parrish said. "I think having a couple of different ways to go after people is where college football is right now."
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