It hasn't been a pretty start for Ball State's defense through just two games this season.
Missed tackles and open receivers plagued the team's cornerbacks and safeties against Clemson on Saturday. With a heavy dose of screen passes, the Tigers accumulated 372 passing yards and four receiving touchdowns on its way to a 52-27 win.
Ball State has only recorded one turnover, a late fumble recovery against Eastern Michigan, even after the team put an emphasis this offseason on creating more takeaways.
"That's what we strive for all camp, getting more turnovers," senior cornerback Jason Pinkston said. "Because, you know, last year we didn't force that many. We definitely want to force more turnovers. We have to."
Immediate improvement on limiting passing yards and creating turnovers could come just from more experience from the team's starting cornerbacks and safeties, which includes Pinkston, junior cornerback Jeff Garrett, sophomore safety Brian Jones and freshman safety Chris Pauling. Junior transfer safety Jarrett Swaby also plays regularly on defense.
Pinkston said the most important thing is that all of those players are always "on the same page." A steadier pass rush from the defensive line could help as well.
"Our D-line is a little better this year in putting pressure on the quarterback," Pinkston said. "When they put their pressure on the quarterback, I feel like that helps us out a lot."
However, Ball State's pass rush has been neutralized so far this season. The defensive line has struggled to get to the quarterback with senior defensive end Jonathan Newsome suspended for the first two games.
The Cardinals have yet to record a sack and have only recorded four quarterback hits. Defensive tackle Darnell Smith is only defensive lineman to earn a quarterback hit so far.
But with Ball State's third game in sight, Newsome's suspension is over, and he's already been inserted in the starting lineup on Ball State's depth chart. Defensive tackle Nate Ollie expects Newsome to be a difference-maker upon his return.
"I was reading something that had us at the bottom, the worst D-line in the [Mid American Conference]," Ollie said. "I think when Jonathan comes back, he'll help us improve. He's got the speed [and] he's athletic. He's a good player, a very good player. And he'll help us improve and get pressure on the quarterback."
Until that next turnover is made, whether its an interception or a fumble, there isn't much trash talk on who will get it.
"As long as our guys don't catch the ball, we win," Pinkston said.
But Ball State's defensive line hasn't shied away from a little competition. Ollie said there is talk along the line about who will end the season with the most sacks on the team.
The reward?
"Just bragging rights," he said.
For now, the team is still waiting for that first sack.
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