Ball State University Athletics
One on One with Football Coach Rich Skrosky
February 21, 2012 | Football
Ball State football's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Rich Skrosky sat down for a question and answer session about the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
Q: As you head into your second year at Ball State, do you feel the players have adapted to your style of play and offensive philosophy?
A: "The players have been great since we've gotten here a little more than a year ago. They have been hungry to learn, have bought into the "No Huddle" offense and our system in general. The thing that impressed me most was that we were able to get better as the season progressed. I can't say enough about the offensive staff and the job they did this season. Teaching and learning football is a never ending process and the coaches and players have bought into that belief. It is important we do not lose sight of that. Even though the 2011 season began with a great night against Indiana, and concluded with two tough losses in the Mid-American Conference, there is no question, we were better fundamentally and in regard to our execution."
Q: You talked a year ago about trying to achieve a complete offense. Do you think your offensive unit is getting closer to what you expect?
A: "We made a lot of strides in regard to becoming more complete. When I think of a complete offense there are a few things that come to mind. We must be good in certain situations within the game. We've moved into the upper half of the MAC in turnovers, third down conversions and Red Zone efficiency. These are three area we stress a lot and we must continue to build upon. We had a pretty good balance in the run and pass game. We have to keep working on improving these areas. We still have some areas of the offense we need to see significant improvement, most notably our ability to get some more explosive plays and improvement with our screen game."
Q: You will return two quarterbacks who have seen significant game action, one student-athlete who has been with the program for a few years and one incoming freshman. Do you like where Ball State is at that position?
A: "I cannot say enough about the QB's as a position. Keith Wenning, Kelly Page, and Brooks Medaris are great to be around every day. I am really excited about Ozzie Mann joining us this summer. He is a local kid, that I believe will have a lot of the same characteristics as the guys in our room now. Keith and Kelly both competed hard from the day we arrived and neither has let up since. Keith had a solid season in 2011 getting a high majority of the snaps. As I said earlier about the whole offense I do believe he got better as the season progressed. He has earned a great amount of respect from his teammates and the staff, and still maintains a great deal of humility. His toughness is unquestioned. His decision making and accuracy are two areas that he improved dramatically and continues to work on gaining more strides. In my opinion Kelly Page is one the best leaders on our team. His work ethic in the weight room, meeting room and practice field is second to none. He is a great teammate and a great help to Keith. I have no doubt, that when called upon, Kelly will be fine. I see a lot of the same traits in Ozzie Mann, and can't wait for him to join us. I feel privileged to work with these guys."
Q: After you have spent one year in the Mid-American Conference, what are your thoughts on the league and the defenses your offense faced?
A: "The MAC is certainly in line with the rest of college football in that parity exists. Every conference game you better be at your best. A few teams we were fortunate enough to beat were as good as anyone we played in the MAC and to lose to the MAC Champion on a last second kick says a lot about our conference. We also had a great showing in the bowl season going 4-1. I know the high scoring games that took place particularly late in the season in the MAC indicate the offenses are ahead of the defenses right now, but I believe there were some very talented defenses we faced. There were 10 teams in the country who averaged more than 475 yards per game and two were in our conference. Last year I think there were 13. I think it's a trend like most things in football and I'm sure it will level out at some point. At the end of the day, I know we better prepare every day to get better if we hope to have a chance to improve on the moderate improvements we made in 2011."
