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Ball State Football: After MAC title, what will Cardinals do for encore?

By Jackson Caudell

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Drew Plitt #9 of the Ball State Cardinals looks on during the second half of the Rocket Mortgage MAC Football Championship against the Buffalo Bulls at Ford Field on December 18, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The Ball State Cardinals won the game 38-28. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Drew Plitt #9 of the Ball State Cardinals looks on during the second half of the Rocket Mortgage MAC Football Championship against the Buffalo Bulls at Ford Field on December 18, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The Ball State Cardinals won the game 38-28. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /
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Brandon Martin, Ball State Football. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Martin, Ball State Football. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive improvement was key for Ball State’s 2020 season

While this was not an elite defense last season (they ranked 118th in passing defense), they improved enough in lots of areas for the team to win the MAC title. If it wasn’t for their defense, they might not have beaten Buffalo in the MAC title game. The thing the Cardinals are hoping for this season is continued improvement and not a backslide on defense.

One of the weaknesses of the Cardinals’ defense was the lack of a pass rush. They finished the season with just 17 sacks and will need that number to grow from last season. The defensive line is going to be led by returning starters Chris Agyemang at end and Justen Ramsey at nose tackle. The new starter among the group is projected to be Jack Sape, who is going to be looking to make an impact.

At linebacker, there is going to be an abundance of playmaking and experience. Last year’s leading tackler Brandon Martin is back for another season in Muncie and he will be looking to top his 90 tackles from last season. Jaylin Thomas and Christian Albright are two more seniors that are going to be back for the Cardinals this season and both players were really solid last season. The lone projected new starter is going to be senior Jimmy Daw, but he has plenty of playing experience and recorded 34 tackles last season.

In the secondary, there is going to be pressure on this group to improve what was a pretty bad passing defense. Safety Bryce Crosby is going to lead the back end of the defense and he finished the season well, with 9 tackles and an interception in the bowl win vs San Jose State. Joining Cosby at safety will be Brett Anderson II and at corner, look for Amechi Uzodinma II and J.T. Wahee to be the starters. With an improved pass rush, the secondary and pass defense should improve and keep Ball State’s defense from suffering any setbacks.

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