by Ball State football headed west as they faced Northern Illinois for the Battle of the Bronze Stalk trophy. With the Huskies leaving the Mid-American Conference (MAC) following the season, this matchup was likely the final edition, unless they meet again in a future non-conference contest.
After four quarters of football, it was the Huskies ending the game with the Bronze Stalk trophy in their hands as they defeated the Cardinals 21-7.
Here are three notes from Ball State’s second MAC loss and fifth road defeat of the season.
Another slow road start for Ball State
Coming into the game, Ball State (3-5, 2-2 MAC) struggled to find any momentum on the road. After going 0-4 in away games, they looked to change that and keep the Bronze Stalk trophy in Muncie. But to begin the game, it looked like the Cardinals wanted to do anything but that.
The issue of starting games continued this week as the first drive of the game ended with a punt after Ball State went three-and-out. On its first drive following the punt, the Huskies ran three plays, recording 60 yards. The drive was capped off with a 53-yard touchdown rush from sophomore running back Telly Johnson Jr.
After the inaugural score, Ball State’s offense struggled once again. They went three-and-out on their second drive of the day, forcing another punt. Though the Cardinal defense forced the Huskies to punt as well, Ball State’s offense had another three-and-out, which led to the Red and White’s third-straight punt.
In their first three drives, the Cardinals didn’t get past their own-34-yard line, with their longest drive being just nine yards.
However, Ball State’s defense ended the quarter with a big play in the end zone as redshirt senior defensive back Joedrick Lewis intercepted a pass from Northern Illinois redshirt sophomore QB1 Josh Holst. This stopped a 10-play, 46-yard drive from the Huskies.
The Cardinals’ inconsistent play continued in the first half
Though the temperature in DeKalb, Illinois, only reached a high of 55 degrees, the Cardinals’ offense caught fire after the turnover. On the ensuing drive, Ball State drove 80 yards down the field on 11 plays. Ball State redshirt senior QB1 Kiael Kelly ended the drive with a one-yard touchdown pass to redshirt senior tight end Drew Cassens.
This tied the game 7-7.
But throughout the remainder of the first half, it was an up-and-down performance for both teams. In the second quarter, NIU had three drives that ended in turnovers on downs, a punt and a lost fumble.
Although the Cardinals showed some positive signs, such as the fumble recovery, they also had moments that hurt them. Facing a fourth and five with 7:04 left in the period, Ball State elected to attempt a 45-yard field goal. However, the kick from redshirt junior kicker Carson Holmer sailed right and was no good.
The rest of the quarter did not go the Cardinals’ way as their final two drives of the first half ended with a punt and an unsuccessful drive before halftime.
Ball State had 146 yards in the first half to Northern Illinois’ 191. Between Kelly and Holst combined, the dueling quarterbacks went 7-for-17.
Mistakes haunt Cardinals in second half
Though Ball State entered the final 30 minutes of play tied with the Huskies, the competitiveness was lopsided following the midgame break. Northern Illinois opened the half with a 15-play, 78-yard drive that ended with a rushing score from Holst. Throughout the frame, Ball State’s defense had no answers for their opponent’s pass and run game.
Following the score, Ball State began to drive down the field as well. However, Kelly attempted a deep pass on the run, but he sailed his target. Due to this, the pass was intercepted.
With NIU facing a third and five after the turnover, senior defensive end Nathan Voorhis used a perfectly timed pass rush to bring down Holst. This forced a punt from the Huskies, which would have given the Cardinals possession and another chance to find momentum.
One problem. The punt return was muffed, and Northern Illinois jumped on the ball. Four plays later, the Huskies scored on a 16-yard pass play, making it a 21-7 game in the fourth quarter. Though the Cardinals had another chance to strike, Kelly threw his second interception of the game at Northern Illinois ‘ one-yard line.
Ball State again had one last opportunity to try and make something happen. But the Red and White ran out of time as they dropped their fifth contest this season. The Cardinals dropped the all-time series with the Huskies 26-25-2, and the Bronze Stalk trophy will stay in DeKalb.
Ball State allowed 305 rushing yards, which is the most the Cardinals have given up in 2025. On the flip side, the Red and White recorded 139 yards on the ground and 136 through the air.
The Cardinals will next host Kent State at Scheumann Stadium Wednesday, Nov. 5. The starting time is to be decided at a later date.
Contact Zach Carter via email at zachary.carter@bsu.edu, zachcarter039@gmail.com or via X @ZachCarter85.
