The difference between Ball State's first and second halves has already been a large factor, just two games into the season.
The Cardinals' consecutive poor starts to games against Football Championship Subdivision teams has caught the attention of captain Mike Switzer and coach Stan Parrish.
"One of our goals is come out fast, ready to play," Switzer said. "I think we really struggled with that [Saturday]."
In Saturday's 27-23 loss to Liberty, Ball State managed just three points in the first half and entered halftime down 11. While it furiously attempted a comeback, the deficit was too great to overcome. Ball State came out flat opening night as well and was tied at seven with Southeast Missouri State at halftime.
Ball State has scored 10 points in the first half compared to 40 in the second half.
While the Cardinals came back to win their first game, they know lackluster first halves must be avoided if they expect to win games down the road.
"It concerns me a lot," Parrish said. "Maybe we ought to go out and scrimmage before we play."
Quarterback controversy?
Even after quarterback Keith Wenning's impressive relief appearance for starter Kelly Page, Parrish said he thinks the Cardinals still need both quarterbacks.
Asked if Wenning would start Saturday when Ball State visits Purdue, Parrish said he didn't know.
"I've got to look at the film and make a rational decision," he said. "Have a couple cups of coffee and do what's best."
Parrish was clearly impressed with his prized recruit's first real taste of action. Wenning, a true freshman, played at the end of Ball State's opening night victory but did not throw a pass. On Saturday, he was 13 of 18 for 129 yards and a touchdown. It was the kind of performance Parrish expected.
"He can throw it," Parrish said. "We all knew it. It's a tough spot for a freshman and he did a good job."
Title contenders
In the week leading up to the game, Parrish said Liberty could compete in the Mid-American Conference. Saturday, Parrish had even higher praise for the Flames.
"They may win the [FCS] championship," he said. "That's a good football team, I tried to tell everybody that all week."
Liberty was one of two teams in the Big South to defeat a MAC team. Gardner-Webb knocked off Akron 38-37 in overtime.
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