#CardinalCamp19: Both Sides of the Ball Have Positive Moments in Saturday’s Scrimmage

Photo by: Ball State Athletics

#CardinalCamp19: Both Sides of the Ball Have Positive Moments in Saturday’s Scrimmage

August 10, 2019 | Football

MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State football team held its first live action scenarios of preseason camp Saturday afternoon in an unscripted scrimmage. Both sides of the ball had their moments as the team continues to gear up for its opener against Indiana at the end of the month.

The defense had the better of the offense for the first half of the scrimmage. The number one team offense quickly moved the ball inside the 10-yard line on the opening drive, keyed by a 21-yard burst by newcomer Walter Fletcher. However, the defense put the clamps on the offense at the point and held the offense to a chip shot field goal.

On the ensuing six drives, the defense stole the show. Cornerback Gerald Smith caused a loud roar from the defensive sideline when he picked off a third down pass on the second drive of the day. Freshman Nic Jones broke up a third down pass a few minutes later to stop another drive. Then came a pair of three-and-outs. Finally, freshman safety Ben Egenolf made a diving interception to get the defensive sideline to erupt once again.

Gallery: (8/10/2019) FB Scrimmage (Aug. 10)

The offense got its needed spark from a splash play from senior Malik Dunner. The wide receiver took a handoff on a jet sweep and went 60 yards down the near sideline to score the first touchdown of the day. Starting quarterback Drew Plitt found freshman Rahmon Hart Jr. behind the defense for a 48-yard completion a few seconds later to put the offense right back in scoring position. Running back Will Jones capped that drive with an 11-yard run around the right side of the line.

There were several other notable individual plays and performances in the first scrimmage. Linebacker Brock Burns and defensive lineman Jack Sape each recorded sacks. Nic Jones made a second pass break up on a deep pass near the end zone. On the offensive side, running back Caleb Huntley had an impressive 20-yard run where he broke out of a handful of tackles. Freshman quarterback Eddie Schott hooked up with fellow freshman Jalen McGaughy for a 40-yard pass late in the scrimmage.

"There were good moments running the ball offensively and there were also some really good moments defensively stopping the run," Ball State head coach Mike Neu said. "That's what it's going to come down to at the end of the day for us."

The football team will take Sunday off from practice and return to the field Monday afternoon.

The Cardinals play host to Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium in their season opener on Saturday, Aug. 31. The last time the two teams played at LOS in 2011, Ball State came away with a 27-20 victory. Click here to purchase tickets.

For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.