Playing in the Mid-American Conference has its challenges for Ball State's defense. One week the focus can be on stopping a quarterback who can run as well as pass effectively. The next week the focus can be on stopping an offense that relies heavily on screen passes.
For Ball State's defense this week, the preparation is on stopping Kent State's run heavy offense.
Through three games this season, Kent State is averaging 174 rushing yards per game, which is fifth best in the conference. But the 174 per game is second best among MAC teams that have only played three games this season.
Compared to its passing game, Kent State has thrown the ball only 93 times all season, second fewest in the conference. Even with the disparity from passing to rushing, Ball State coach Pete Lembo is preparing his defense to be balanced.
"We just can't pack the box every down and leave the corners on islands," Lembo said. "Balance is the key. We have to be sound."
Lembo said he expects to see some play-action passes from the Golden Flashes Saturday. Ball State is allowing 323 passing yards per game, second worst in the MAC.
Kent State's run game is lead by running backs Dri Archer and Trayion Durham. Between the two, Durham has the most carries (59) but Archer has made the most of his 30 carries by averaging nearly nine yards per carry. Archer also has four touchdowns compared to Durham's one touchdown.
Archer is also Kent State's kick returner and is also a threat in the passing game.
"[Archer] is the kind of guy if you have him on your team, you're looking for ways to get him involved," Lembo said.
Kent State goes with a two-quarterback system between Spencer Keith and David Fisher. Keith has had more passing attempts compared to Fisher, but Fisher is the only quarterback to throw a touchdown pass for the team.
Preparing for a running team isn't a new concept for Ball State as teams find ways to run the ball in the MAC. Yet Kent State is a unique team because they rely heavily on the running game rather than passing the ball. But Lembo knows the defensive scheme to stopping a running team is simple.
"At the end of the day it's about all those 11 guys being on the same page and fitting things right," he said. "And not trying to be Superman."
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