FOOTBALL: Lembo's Language

Coach Pete Lembo watches the game unfold against Toledo at the Glass Bowl on Sept. 20. DN PHOTO JONATHAN MIKSANEK
Coach Pete Lembo watches the game unfold against Toledo at the Glass Bowl on Sept. 20. DN PHOTO JONATHAN MIKSANEK

Lembo's Language is a weekly article, where chief football reporter David Polaski dissects statements made by Ball State head football coach Pete Lembo in his press conference.

Jahwan Edwards has had to grind things out the past two weeks ... how do you make sure he doesn’t get too overworked?

Lembo: “Jahwan has had to earn every yard he’s gotten ... it’s going to be three yards here, four yards there. If we can get five or six, that’s even better.”

David's explanation: Edwards finished the Central Michigan game with 32 rushes and two receptions, and took a pretty substantial beating in the process. To make things more difficult, change of pace back Horactio Banks is out with a hamstring injury, meaning the workload won’t decrease for Edwards. However, Edwards is a power back and has the size to carry the load on offense. If necessary, Ball State can also go to Teddy Williamson to spell Edwards for a couple of plays.

Rate Jack Milas’ performance in the last two games.

Lembo: “I would rate his first two weeks as good and encouraging, I like how he’s taken advantage of the opportunity.”

David's explanation: Milas has come out in his first two games and sparked the Ball State offense. He’s thrown five touchdowns and no interceptions, moving the ball down the field consistently and impressing the coaching staff. Lembo praised his ability to think on the run, citing a play against Central Michigan when he fumbled a snap, then picked it up and found KeVonn Mabon for a touchdown.

With Akron’s defensive prowess this season, is there any extra emphasis during practice this week on playing smart when you’re on offense?

Lembo: “I like to think we emphasize that every week ... it’s more about doing what we do and staying the course.”

David’s explanation: Akron has given up just 18.1 points per game this season, by far the best in the Mid-American Conference. The team is also No. 2 in rushing yards given up per game and passing yards allowed per game in the MAC. It’ll be one of the hardest tests Ball State’s offense faces all season, and it can’t afford to turn the ball over or commit penalties that back the offense up and make life easier for the Akron defense.

Comments

More from The Daily






This Week's Digital Issue


Loading Recent Classifieds...