Ball State University Athletics
#CardinalCamp15 Update: Scrimmage Saturday
August 22, 2015 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – The majority of Saturday's practice for the Ball State football team was spent in scrimmage situations. The squad has one more practice before school begins on Monday.
“There were a lot of positives to come out of today's scrimmage, but also plenty of mistakes,” head coach Pete Lembo said. “We still have a way to go to get ready for the opener.”
The coaching staff had the team go through goal line situations, tempo drives, 'move the ball' drives and two-minute situations.
In the opening goal line session, the defense made a 4th-and-goal stand inside the five-yard line. A few minutes later, junior CB Tyree Holder broke up a potential long touchdown pass to junior WR KeVonn Mabon.
The offense finally scored a touchdown thanks to back-to-back big plays from freshman QB Riley Neal. On a read option play, Neal held onto the ball and ran around the left side of the line for a 30-yard run. The very next play was a perfect 30-yard touchdown strike from Neal to redshirt freshman WR Devin Reece.
Starting QB Jack Milas engineered an impressive touchdown drive of his own. It looked like Mabon was originally going to score on a 49-yard screen pass, but that play was negated due to an illegal block in the back. Milas didn't let the penalty bother him as he continued to connect with receivers on that possession. The sophomore eventually finished the drive with a four yard scoring pass to senior WR Chris Shillings.
In the two-minute situations, both quarterbacks led the offense to field goals. Milas and the first team offense moved the ball into position for freshman K Morgan Hagee to boot a 31-yard field goal. The key play on that drive was a 20-yard pass down the seam to Shillings down the seam.
Neal also led the second team squad to a field goal, but was fortunate not to throw an interception. Early in the drive, sophomore DE Anthony Winbush dropped into coverage and undercut a Neal pass to the sideline. Winbush wasn't able to corral the pass allowing the offense to keep possession. After that play, Neal regrouped and quickly moved the offense down the field. The freshman found junior WR Aaron Hepp in the middle of the field to put the offense into field goal range. Junior K Alex Egan wrapped up the drive with a 29-yard field goal.
The Cardinals return to practice field tomorrow morning at 9:15 a.m., and then will take Monday off.
For the most up-to-date news on the football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @Pete_Lembo.
