by Ball State football looked for its first win of the 2025 season as the Red and White took on Auburn on the road Saturday evening. However, the Cardinals’ second game of the year did not end in the win column as they fell to the Tigers 42-3.
Here are three notes from the game.
Another slow start for Ball State
Similar to their 31-0 week-one loss at Purdue, the Cardinals struggled to get anything going to begin the first quarter. Though the defense forced Auburn to punt on its opening drive, the Tigers began their scoring assualt at the 4:15 mark with a 46-yard touchdown run from junior running back Jeremiah Cobb.
While Auburn found the endzone in the first period, the Cardinals did not match their opponent. The Red and White went three-and-out in their first three drives, with all resulting in punts. With 46 seconds in the opening quarter, Auburn scored once again as junior quarterback Jackson Arnold hit a receiver for a 30-yard touchdown pass.
Ball State finished the first quarter with 16 offensive yards while the Tigers recorded 117.
Mistakes hurt the Cardinals
While Auburn’s offense and defense looked good in the win, Ball State didn’t help its cause as errors plagued the Red and White. On what looked like a promising drive in the first half — which went for 53 yards on 10 plays — Ball State redshirt senior starting QB1 Kiael Kelly began to throw the ball. However, he lost the ball, which was ruled a fumble, allowing Auburn to take possession.
On the next drive, redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Darin Conley grabbed his first collegiate interception as the ball bounced off the hands of an Auburn receiver. However, the turnover was erased as senior defensive end Nathan Voorhis was called for a roughing-the-passer penalty.
Like their week-one loss to the Boilermakers, Ball State’s secondary struggled to defend against the Tigers’ pass game. This resulted in multiple blown coverages throughout the evening, which allowed Auburn to score three passing touchdowns and record 271 passing yards.
Offensive struggles continue
Ball State has yet to score a touchdown this season. Though redshirt junior kicker Carson Holmer gave the Cardinals their first score of the season with a 22-yard field goal, the Red and Black are still allergic to the endzone.
They have played a Big Ten team in Purdue and now a Southeastern Conference opponent, but the stat is still a negative one nonetheless. The Cardinals’ offense has not been able to get momentum going this season. In today’s loss, they finished the game with a total of 68 offensive yards (71 passing, -3 rushing).
Kelly finished the game going 10-for-16, and he was sacked six times with one fumble. Redshirt junior running back Qua Ashley led the Cardinals with 10 yards on the ground.
Ball State will begin its home schedule Saturday, Sept. 13, as New Hampshire visits Muncie. The game is set to start at 2 p.m.
Contact Zach Carter via email at zachary.carter@bsu.edu, zachcarter039@gmail.com or via X @ZachCarter85.
