Ball State University Athletics
Football Opener Just Eight Days Away
August 27, 2015 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State football team continued its preparation for the 2015 season opener with a two-hour Wednesday afternoon practice. For ticket information to the Sept. 3 game against VMI, please call 1-888-BSU-TICKET. Some more news and notes from football practice are below …
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE: The squad has practice time scheduled for the next seven days leading up to the opener against VMI. Practice is slated for 3:35 p.m. again tomorrow before moving to 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Ball State is expected to scrimmage for part of the practice Friday evening. Monday and Tuesday practices will return to 3:35 p.m. while Wednesday's walk-through is closed to the public.
GO DEEP: The top two quarterbacks, Jack Milas and Riley Neal, both connected on beautiful bombs during the team sessions Wednesday. Milas was first to strike with a 50-yard pass to junior WR Cywettnie Brown. A few minutes later, junior DB Darius Conaway nearly intercepted a Neal short pass attempt. Neal shook off that play and proceeded to connect with sophomore WR Jordan Hogue perfectly in stride for a 70-yard touchdown pass.
QUOTING COACH LEMBO: “Jack [Milas] has done a nice job of orchestrating the offense this preseason and going all the way back to the spring. He has a lot on his shoulders and he's handled it well. Jack has completed a high percentage of passes, distributed the ball well and has been a leader in the huddle and with his productivity. Riley [Neall] definitely has a presence on the field. He's impressive physically, both in his arm strength and his size. It's not easy taking so many reps with the two's as a true freshman, but he is very coachable and is a quick learner.”
INJURY UPDATE: Senior WR Jordan Williams has returned to practice and wore a huge smile on his face all afternoon. He wore a blue shirt to signify no-contact in contact drills, but Coach Lembo fully expects Williams to be ready for VMI.
BRING ON THE KEYDETS: After 22 preseason practices, the Cardinals will do something a little different for practice No. 23. Coach Lembo expects to set aside some time at Thursday's practice to focus on game planning for VMI.
CONDUCTOR LEMBO: The Muncie Symphony Orchestra held a free concert tonight at Minnetrista. The Pride of Mid America Marching Band made a special guest appearance and Coach Lembo was on hand to introduce the band. Coach Lembo spoke to the crowd about supporting athletics and the arts in Muncie. The Muncie Symphony Orchestra will hold its next concert on Sept. 19 in Sursa Hall beginning at 4 p.m.
For the most up-to-date news on the football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @Pete_Lembo.
