Luke Probasco 
A Deep Dive into the 2024 Ball State Cardinals.
By Luke Probasco from The G5 Hive
In our Worker Bee Series, we explore the world of G5 college football, focusing on the teams that make it exciting. Today, we’re looking at the Ball State Cardinals, who finished their 2023 season with a 4-8 record. They wrapped up their spring practice on April 6th with their spring game, giving us a glimpse into what we can expect for 2024.
Our special guest, Rob Calhoun, is a seasoned Ball State sports reporter for Sideline Sports. Rob has been a Ball State season ticket holder for 25 years and has contributed to several sports platforms, building a strong following for the Ball State account on social media.
Offensive Struggles in 2023
In 2023, Ball State’s offense faced significant challenges. They ranked 122nd in total offense, averaging 308 yards per game, and 128th in passing offense, with just 136.6 yards per game. However, they performed better in rushing offense, ranking 53rd with 171.5 yards per game. Scoring was also a struggle, with the team averaging 18.3 points per game.
Quarterback Battle
The quarterback position saw a fierce competition between Kadin Semonza and Kiael Kelly. Semonza emerged as the starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Kelly, a highly athletic player, will have an expanded role in the offense, similar to how Taysom Hill is used in the NFL.
Running Back Room
The running back room experienced significant changes with the loss of key players to the transfer portal. However, the return of Vaughn Pemberton and the addition of promising freshmen like T.J. Horton and a two-time all-conference back from Eastern Kentucky have strengthened the lineup. Pemberton is expected to lead, with Horton and the Eastern Kentucky transfer providing depth.
Wide Receivers
The wide receiver corps looks promising with returning players Ty Robinson, Malcolm Gillie, and Nick Presley. The team also added transfers Justin Bowick from Eastern Illinois and Trey Firestone from Purdue. Robinson, who transferred from Colorado last year, is expected to lead the group, while Bowick and Gillie add speed and versatility.
Tight Ends
Despite losing Brady Hunt to South Carolina, Ball State retains Tanner Koziol, one of the top tight ends in the G5. Koziol has a strong connection with Semonza and is expected to play a significant role in the offense, operating as a hybrid tight end and wide receiver.
Offensive Line
The offensive line faced potential losses but saw several key players return, including Jon Mucciolo, Damon Kaylor, and All-MAC Ethan Crowe. With experienced fourth- and fifth-year seniors, the offensive line should be a solid unit, supporting both the passing and running games.
Key Players to Watch
- Kadin Semonza: The starting quarterback is expected to have a breakout season, demonstrating his strong arm and accuracy.
- Tanner Koziol: The standout tight end will be a key target in the passing game.
- Ty Robinson: The wide receiver is poised for a thousand-yard season, building on his strong performances last year.
- Kiael Kelly: With his athleticism, Kelly could be a versatile playmaker in various offensive roles.
Conclusion
The Ball State Cardinals are looking to improve on their 2023 performance with a revamped and more balanced offense. Key returning players and new additions provide hope for a successful 2024 season. With a mix of experienced seniors and promising newcomers, Ball State fans have much to look forward to as the team aims to make a mark in the G5 landscape.
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