What Is 2011 Ball State Cardinals football

Overview

The 2011 Ball State Cardinals football team marked the beginning of a new era under first-year head coach Pete Lembo, who took over after the departure of previous coach Stan Parrish. Competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the Cardinals represented Ball State University as members of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) West Division.

The team finished the regular season with a 6–6 record, becoming bowl-eligible for the first time since 2008. Despite reaching the .500 mark, they were not invited to a postseason bowl game, largely due to a limited number of bowl slots and conference tie-ins.

• Record: The Cardinals ended the season with a 6–6 overall record and a 3–5 mark in MAC play, placing fourth in the West Division.
• Head Coach: Pete Lembo was hired in December 2010 and led his first season in 2011, bringing a renewed focus on special teams and discipline.
• Stadium: All home games were played at Scheumann Stadium, a 22,500-seat venue located on Ball State’s campus in Muncie, Indiana.
• Offensive Output: The team scored 286 total points across 12 games, averaging 23.8 points per game, a modest improvement from 2010.
• Defensive Performance: Ball State allowed 313 total points, averaging 26.1 points per game, highlighting areas needing improvement for future seasons.

Season Performance

The 2011 campaign was a transitional year that laid the foundation for future competitiveness under Lembo’s leadership. The team showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency, particularly in conference matchups.

• September 10 game: A 27–20 victory over Indiana stood out as a marquee non-conference win, boosting morale early in the season.
• Quarterback play: Keith Wenning started most games, throwing for 2,226 yards and 14 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.
• Running game: Junior running back Horactio Banks led the ground attack with 742 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on 157 carries.
• Special teams: Lembo’s specialty was evident, as Ball State ranked among the MAC leaders in net punting and field goal efficiency.
• October struggles: The team lost four of five games from late September to late October, including defeats to Toledo and Northern Illinois.
• Season finale: A 38–28 win over Western Michigan on November 26 secured bowl eligibility but did not result in a bowl invitation.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2011 season compares to the previous year in key statistical categories:

The 2011 season represented clear progress from the 2–10 disaster of 2010, particularly on offense and in overall competitiveness. While the defense still allowed more than 26 points per game, the improvement in win total and offensive production signaled a positive shift under new leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was pivotal in restoring confidence in the Ball State football program after years of underperformance. Though not culminating in a bowl appearance, it set the stage for future success under Pete Lembo, who would lead the team to a 9–4 record in 2012.

• Program momentum: Achieving a .500 record re-energized fan support and laid the groundwork for future recruiting success.
• Coaching impact: Pete Lembo’s emphasis on discipline and special teams quickly improved team performance and culture.
• Player development: Quarterback Keith Wenning and running back Horactio Banks emerged as reliable offensive leaders.
• Recruiting boost: The improved record helped attract higher-rated recruits in subsequent classes.
• Conference relevance: Ball State regained respect within the MAC, no longer viewed as an automatic win for opponents.
• Foundation for 2012: The experience gained in 2011 directly contributed to a 9–4 record and a bowl game appearance the following season.

The 2011 Ball State Cardinals may not have achieved postseason glory, but their resilience and improvement made them a crucial turning point in the program’s modern history.