by Ball State football looked to make it back-to-back wins against Western Michigan as the Cardinals took the field in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
However, the Red and White’s second Mid-American Conference (MAC) game did not go their way as they fell 42-0 to the Broncos.
Here are three notes from the loss.
Two different stories in the first half
The Cardinals didn’t do much in the first half.
In fact, it wasn’t just one area where they struggled, as Ball State’s (2-4, 1-1 MAC) offense finished the first quarter with a total of 16 yards of offense, including -15 rushing yards. By halftime, they recorded 78 yards without scoring.
But for the Broncos (4-3, 3-0 MAC), there was no issue adding to the points category on the scoreboard. After a one-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, they added two more scores with another rushing touchdown and a five-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.
Western Michigan ended the half with 212 yards — 62 rushing yards and 150 passing yards — and averaged 7.1 yards per play. The Cardinals only averaged 2.4.
Due to the poor performance, Ball State never ran a play in the red zone. In fact, the Cardinals only passed midfield once in the half, but turned the ball over on downs at the Western Michigan 45-yard line.
Ball State’s offense never found momentum
Ball State head coach Mike Uremovich said during the week that he wanted his offense to start games quicker. However, that did not register in today’s game, as they ended the first half with zero points for the second straight week.
Yet, it wasn’t just the first half where the Red and White faltered. Throughout the rest of the game, the Cardinals couldn’t get in sync or find a rhythm.
The group finished the game with 85 yards and recorded negative four yards in the third quarter. The offensive line allowed pressure in the backfield throughout the game as Kelly was sacked five times in the loss.
Because of this, the Cardinals punted 10 times and ended the game with a zero in the scoring category.
Ball State forced two turnovers
Possibly the only bright spot for Ball State was that the Cardinals took the ball from the Broncos two times.
One came in the first quarter as Ball State recovered a fumble on a punt, as the Broncos didn’t maintain the catch. Though this could have given the Red and White some momentum, the drive ended with the Cardinals turning the ball over on downs.
This was the farthest the Cardinals advanced into enemy territory the entire game.
The last takeaway was an interception by sophomore Eric McClain in the third quarter, which was the Cardinals’ first pick of the year. However, the Cardinals were forced to punt for the ninth time.
Ball State will next host Akron Saturday, Oct. 18, at 3:30 p.m.
Contact Zach Carter via email at zachary.carter@bsu.edu, zachcarter039@gmail.com or via X @ZachCarter85.
