Ball State University Athletics
Pete Lembo Press Conference - Western Michigan Week
November 03, 2015 | Football
On Darian Green's kickoff return to start the second half against UMass …
Of course Darian gets the credit for the return, but there are several guys on that unit that really did outstanding jobs to make that return happen. Keenan Noel had a big kick out block. Stu Stanley did exactly what he was coached to do and that is never chase a missed block. He put his foot in the ground and went north and blocked the kicker. That was really the block that made it an 85-yard return instead of a 35-yard return. Zack Ryan had a huge block in his position. It was really great to see some of those guys in that unit step up and do what they are coached to do.
Looking ahead to a quick turnaround at Western Michigan …
Western Michigan is an outstanding team. They are playing very well right now. They've won four straight. They are a fast, physical team … I am very impressed with their special teams. The first thing I do as well as coach [Justin] Lustig is look at kickoff coverage. Kickoff coverage kind of sets the tone for the entire football team. These guys are very active and very aggressive. They bring an attitude about them in kickoff coverage.
It's a small world …
I have great respect for their offensive and defensive coordinators. They have a great coaching staff. It is a small world in coaching, Ed Pinkham and Kirk Ciarrocca, we know each other very well the three of us. We coached against each other several times when we were all on the East Coast. They are two very good coordinators.
On Ian Anderson filling in on the offensive line against UMass …
I watched Ian Anderson closely from the sidelines and I thought he played well in the game in the second half. When I watched the film Saturday night, I was even more impressed with how he played. It is special to see a kid get an opportunity and then take advantage of it. He played very tough and very physical. He will get a chance to start this week.
The feeling inside the locker room right now …
This is a tight knit team. They are starting to appreciate winning and everything you have to put into it to have success. They are a good group and they keep putting forth the effort. There are a lot of good kids and they appreciate the opportunity they are getting here. They value being at Ball State and representing Ball State.
