Ball State University Athletics
Growth on Both Sides of the Ball Lead Cardinals Into Opener
August 29, 2025 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – Before Ball State hits the road to take on the Boilermakers in their season opener, head coach Mike Uremovich and defensive coordinator Jeff Knowles discussed the team's preparation during week one with the Cardinals' "Voice" Mick Tidrow.
"I think it's night and day since spring ball," Uremovich stated. "It's still our first year, so we're learning how to practice. We're learning the tempo as we practice, and [the players] have done a great job with the consistency of effort you need to have in practice."
On the defensive side of the ball, Knowles took pride in the influx of talent he's observed thus far, crediting the defense's ability to establish themselves as difference makers and highlighting their second nature to play fast and free.
When discussing the growth of the defensive line, Knowles shared his confidence in how they've been able to come together under coach Adam Siwicki.
"Coach Siwicki has done a great job," Knowles stated. "Just seeing how together they are, with all the competition in there – those guys have come together so well and are really pulling for each other. I know they're going to play hard, and they're going to play together."
On offense the confidence level is mirrored, which Uremovich credits to the unit's understanding of execution.
"Going into the first game, they know their assignments," Uremovich stated. "If we can go the right way and know who we're blocking and who we're picking up, we can go play."
Both Ball State and Purdue go into Saturday's matchup with largely rebuilt rosters and coaching staffs compared to a year prior. Uremovich and the Cardinals' preparation has been about analyzing what they can about an unfamiliar opponent.
"We've watched their guys," Uremovich stated. "We've been able to see what they can and can't do. Outside of that, we've just got to feel them out and get through the first quarter and see what they're doing."
The Cardinals open the 2025 season Saturday at noon against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.
"I think it's night and day since spring ball," Uremovich stated. "It's still our first year, so we're learning how to practice. We're learning the tempo as we practice, and [the players] have done a great job with the consistency of effort you need to have in practice."
On the defensive side of the ball, Knowles took pride in the influx of talent he's observed thus far, crediting the defense's ability to establish themselves as difference makers and highlighting their second nature to play fast and free.
When discussing the growth of the defensive line, Knowles shared his confidence in how they've been able to come together under coach Adam Siwicki.
"Coach Siwicki has done a great job," Knowles stated. "Just seeing how together they are, with all the competition in there – those guys have come together so well and are really pulling for each other. I know they're going to play hard, and they're going to play together."
On offense the confidence level is mirrored, which Uremovich credits to the unit's understanding of execution.
"Going into the first game, they know their assignments," Uremovich stated. "If we can go the right way and know who we're blocking and who we're picking up, we can go play."
Both Ball State and Purdue go into Saturday's matchup with largely rebuilt rosters and coaching staffs compared to a year prior. Uremovich and the Cardinals' preparation has been about analyzing what they can about an unfamiliar opponent.
"We've watched their guys," Uremovich stated. "We've been able to see what they can and can't do. Outside of that, we've just got to feel them out and get through the first quarter and see what they're doing."
The Cardinals open the 2025 season Saturday at noon against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.
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