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The Ball State Cardinals are hoping that senior quarterback Keith Wenning is finally reaching his full potential. The Cardinals head coach , Pete Lembo, knows that if the team is to make it to the MAC Championship game in 2013, they will need to ride the arm of their senior quarterback. Last season, Wenning threw for 3,095 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He led the Cardinals on a six-game winning streak at the end of the season to put the Cardinals into the Beef O’Brady Bowl against the Central Florida Knights. Wenning opened up his 2013 campaign with a strong showing at home against Illinois State. Wenning threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns. He was able to lead the Cardinals on eight scoring drives en route to the 51-28 win.
This week’s opponent, the Army Cadets, will be looking to contain the Ball State offense. In last year’s matchup, the Cadets surrendered 412 total yards to the Cardinals. Cardinals starting running back Jahwan Edwards torched the Cadets for 148 yards on the ground. That opened up the passing game for Wenning. Wenning threw for 189 yards with two touchdown passes touchdowns and one interception in the Cardinals’ 30-22 victory at Michie Stadium.
Wenning looks poised to have another big game this weekend . The Cadets have a very inexperienced secondary that will be facing a veteran group of Cardinals receivers. Led by senior wide receiver Willie Snead, the Cardinals should be able to throw over the top of the Cadet secondary. Snead and sophomore Jordan Williams combined for 15 receptions with 228 yards receiving and three touchdowns in the home victory over Illinois State. The Cardinals’ offensive line should be able to protect Wenning and give him time to find his big play wide receivers. Look for Wenning to lead the Cardinals’ offense to a prolific afternoon against the Cadets.
Joseph Lisi is MAC writer for www.Rantsports.com, follow him on Twitter @GoForthe2, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google
