Say What?

The Ball State "Fighting" Cardinals are the best collegiate football squad in the Hoosier State.

Yeah, I said it. Forget Purdue, IU, even Charlie Weis and the boys from South Bend. The undefeated Cards roll into their bye week with a sound defense who have given up 7 points the last two weeks and an offense who are making plays when they need it the most.

Last week, BSU cracked the polls for the first time in it's history and this week have moved up
one spot to lay claims to being the 24th best team in the nation. Ball St.'s record is it best start since 1965 where the Muncie squad rolled off 9 straight wins to start the '65 campaign.

The obvious question at hand is, how are they doing it?

It's simple really. It all goes back to the first fundamental for football success, coaching.

Coach Hoke, Stan Parrish, and Mark Smith know their strengths and how to maximize them. Outside a few key guys, this team is not loaded with super athletes or five star recruits. All 22 guys know their role and how to play them.

Hoke, with his Big Ten background, is running the ball down his opponents throat. Andre Ramsey, Kyle Cornwell, Dan Gerberry, Robert Brewster, and Nick Switzer are the best front five in the Mid-American Conference and the junior running back, MiQuale Lewis is reaping the benefits. Number 33 has 914 yards and 13 touchdowns through 7 games this season. He has eclipsed the century mark in six straight games.

After losing Dante Love at Indiana, changes would have to be made. Offensive Coordinator Stan Parrish knew this and has his offense back on track. True freshman Briggs Orsbon (not OSBORNE!) has taken advantage of this opportunity and adjusted nicely. Watching all 7 games, Parrish is calling some-what conservative plays that allow his wideouts to get open. As generic as that sounds, that's the best way to describe it. Wide receiver is the deepest position on this team and guys, like Orsbon, are great possession receivers. Orsbon has 28 catches, for 314 yards, on 3 TDs this year.