Wenning 2013 stats
498 attempts
319 completions
4,148 yards
13 yards per completion
35 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
Career stats
1,642 attempts
1,035 completions
11,402 yards
11.02 yards per completions
92 touchdowns, 42 interceptions
Wenning’s Ball State records
Touchdowns: 92
Passing yards: 11,402
Completions: 1,035
Attempts: 1,642
Has passed for more than 250 yards in a game, a school record 22 times
Has passed for more than 300 yards in a game, a school record 16 times
Has passed for more than 400 yards in a game, a school record 3 times
Set school record with 6 touchdowns in a single game
First Ball State quarterback to pass for more than 10,000 yards in a career
Matt McKinney is a junior journalism major and writes ‘Killer Crossover’ for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper. Write to Matt at mdmckinney@bsu.edu.
As head coach Pete Lembo talked to the press after the 20-23 loss to Arkansas State in the GoDaddy Bowl, senior quarterback Keith Wenning was seated behind him, looking at the floor.
After Lembo spoke for a few minutes, it was Wenning’s turn.
Lembo looked down to his quarterback asked, “You ready, bud?”
Wenning looked up at his coach, and without a moment’s hesitation said, “Yeah.” He stood up and began his turn at facing the postgame media.
Fans may be quick to pass blame on Wenning for his performance in the loss. After all, he completed 23-of-44 passes for just 215 yards. He also threw his seventh interception of the season on an ugly play where Wenning didn’t see an opposing linebacker.
It shows how great of a season Wenning had for Ball State when it feels strange to think of Wenning throwing an interception this season. The last interception he threw was against Northern Illinois in November, and even that was in the waning moments of the game, with Wenning making desperation passes.
The winds were gusting hard all game against Arkansas State, leading to poor passing performances on both sides of the ball.
“[The wind] makes you think about different throws differently,” Wenning said. “Into the wind is definitely harder. With the wind, the ball sails.”
It was clear from the beginning of the game, Wenning was off. He missed throws he’s made all season. Four of his first five passes landed incomplete.
It is without question that it was terrible timing for Wenning to have an off game.
However, no matter the result of the game or Wenning’s performance in the loss, it shouldn’t mitigate what he’s done for the Ball State football program.
He is still the only player in Ball State history to pass for 4,000 yards in a single season, a threshold he crossed Sunday night.
But it’s not and never has been about numbers for Wenning. Talk to him for even five minutes, and he’ll amaze anybody with his humility and drive to win.
Wenning thanked his fans via Twitter following the game for their support.
“It’s been one hell of a run playing for Ball State,” he tweeted. “Made me a better man on the field and off.”
Wenning has certainly left his impact on Ball State, leaving it a better place on the field and off, too.
Fans should appreciate his service to the team and the school.
They should remember the good times with Wenning, such as his night against Indiana University in 2011 at Lucas Oil Stadium. He also had a masterful performance in the offense’s career day in a blowout against Army on Family Weekend the same season. More recently, he dissected an ACC defense in a statement win at Virginia. Don’t remember him jogging off the field at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in defeat.
He still is in the conversation, at the very least, of being the best player in Ball State history.
After all, he was always ready to do what was necessary, without a moment’s hesitation.
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