Scott Kovanda News

The first half for both teams was all about surviving mistakes. Ohio blocked Ball State' P Scott Kovanda's attempted kick and recovered the ball at the Bobcat 49-yard line with 36 seconds to go in the period.

MUNCIE -- Ball State has used its passing attack to complement its running game the past two contests, but the aerial focus might have to become more prominent as the season shifts to November's slate of tough opponents.

MUNCIE -- Too much celebration. Good but not great pass coverage on the winning drive.

Change is in the air this week for Ball State's football team. A starting cornerback is being benched, the rugby punting style will go on the shelf, and a new kickoff and field-goal kicker is being considered.

PHILADELPHIA -- Ball State's plan Saturday in its football game against Temple included an attempt to tire out the Owls' physical defensive front by speeding up its offense.

Section: SPORTS Originally published: 9/30/09 at 1:12 AM EST Last update: 9/30/09 at 1:12 AM EST The difference in talent between Auburn University and Ball State University was easy to spot in Saturday's 54-30 win for Auburn.

Auburn punt returner Anthony Gulley fumbled while trying to field a 50-yard boot by Ball State punter Scott Kovanda, and the Cardinals Kyle Hoke recovered the ball at the Auburn 18-yard line.

Quindarius Carr, a sophomore from Huntsville High, replaced Anthony Gulley as Auburn's punt returner in the second quarter.

Before Scott Kovanda began assessing Ball State as a destination to continue his football career in college as a punter, he wasn't aware the school had a long history of successful players at his position.

Section: SPORTS Originally published: 9/11/09 at 5:45 PM EST Last update: 9/12/09 at 2:31 AM EST Who to know Ball State Scott Kovanda - Freshman punter - Punted seven times in debut against North Texas - Had a 63-yard kick, the seventh longest punt in school history, during the third quarter - Averaged 44.1 yards per punt Ryan Hartke - Sophomore ...

All eyes will be on Ball State's defense today after the unit gave a most underwhelming performance in the season-opener. The Cardinals looked a step slow as they were confused by many things North Texas did in its spread offense, and that caused a ripple-effect throughout the defense.

Section: SPORTS Originally published: 9/5/09 at 12:50 AM EST Last update: 9/5/09 at 1:26 AM EST Defensive struggles It was a rough opening night for the Ball State University defense.