True freshmen have had a big impact early in the season for Ball State. Running back Jahwan Edwards is the Cardinals leading rusher and wide receiver Willie Sneed caught the game-winning touchdown pass against Buffalo last Saturday.
Linebacker Julian Boyd was one of the latest to see play in his first college game. He played in the dime package and on kickoff coverage against Buffalo, recording three tackles.
"He did a nice job," Lembo said. "[We'll] continue to try and work Julian into the lineup a little bit."
In all, eight true freshmen have played for Ball State in the first three games. Coach Pete Lembo expects that number, which has grown each week, to begin to stabilize.
"If we run into another rash of injuries like we did the other night, you may see a few more of them," Lembo said.
Tight competition
Ball State entered the season with three tight ends who started at least one game last season. None had seen much action in the passing game, with Zane Fakes leading the group with four receptions for 18 yards.
Against Buffalo, however, the tight ends were more involved in the offense than they had been all season. Fakes caught three more passes for 37 yards and David Schneider caught his first pass of the season.
Lembo said the tight ends are all a work in progress, and are being evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
"I don't think there's a huge difference in our top three tight ends right now," Lembo said. "Each of those guys does some things well and has other areas that they clearly need to improve."
Army strong
Army picked up its first victory of the year, 17-14 against Northwestern last Saturday. But coach Rich Ellerson said all the right things about not letting an emotional victory against a Big Ten school allow them to look past the Cardinals.
"We're so focused on this next opportunity," he said. "We are getting so excited to play we can't hardly stand it."
Still, the Black Knights are a confident team coming into Muncie.
"We know we can play anybody," linebacker Justin Trimble said. "If we have a really good week we can play with anybody, whether it's Navy at the end of the year or Ball State this weekend."
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