Ball State football vs. Northern Illinois quarter updates
By Jake Fox / October 1, 2016Quarter updates from Scheumann Stadium as Ball State (3-1) takes on Mid-American Conference rival Northern Illinois (0-4) Oct. 1.
Quarter updates from Scheumann Stadium as Ball State (3-1) takes on Mid-American Conference rival Northern Illinois (0-4) Oct. 1.
The Huskies have beaten the Cardinals seven straight times dating back to 2009 and lead the all-time series 21-20-2.
The Cardinals are coming off a 31-27 comeback over Florida Atlantic last week, while the Huskies late rally fell short in a 28-23 home loss to Western Illinois. Northern Illinois leads the all-time series 21-20-2, and has defeated Ball State seven straight times dating back to 2009.
After Ball State's 31-27 win over Florida Atlantic, the duo that connected for the Cardinals' first touchdown of the game was honored Sept. 28.
If all went according to plan for Ball State head coach Mike Neu, Schmidt would never have to leave the sideline for the Cardinals.
This year, the former NFL lineman has been in charge of rebuilding the offensive line at Ball State that was surrounded by a lot of questions after losing three senior starters from last year.
After Ball State's 31-27 comeback victory at Florida Atlantic Sept. 24, the Cardinals ended nonconference play with three wins — matching their total from all of last season.
This weekend, Ball State football won on the road, women's volleyball and soccer each won two games at home, cross country won its lone home meet of the season and field hockey dropped two games on the road. Football With the first part of their season over, there have been a lot more positives than negatives for the Cardinals. Ball State won 31-27 at Florida Atlantic Sept.
With the first part of their season over, there have been a lot more positives than negatives for the Cardinals. Ball State won 31-27 at Florida Atlantic Sept. 24 to finish the nonconference portion of its schedule with a 3-1 record. Three wins already matches last season's total with still two-thirds of the regular season left to play.
Tick. Tick. Tick. If you looked up at the video board at FAU Stadium Saturday, there was a good chance it was counting down from 30:00 after another round of lightning streaked across the sky. It was all but impossible to seize and hold momentum.
Quarter-by-quarter updates of Ball State vs. Florida Atlantic on Sept. 24 at FAU Stadium
This weekend, football hits the road for its final non-conference game, while soccer, volleyball and field hockey each begin Mid-American Conference play.
Ball State played its best complete game of the season last Saturday, a 41-14 dominant home win over Eastern Kentucky.
Jake Fox, the Daily News football writer, is traveling to the game and offered up some insight on the key positional matchups.
When Sean Wiggins got to Ball State four years ago, he didn't know Zack Ryan. But it didn't take him long to figure out that he wanted to be just like Ryan. It's easy to see why. Ryan, now a fifth-year senior for the Cardinals, has started every year of his career in the middle linebacker position. He leads the team in tackles this year with 26 tackles through three games, along with 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack.
Quarterback Riley Neal, the leader of the Cardinals' offense, said the key to their success is spreading the ball around to all the playmakers at his disposal.
The Cardinals will hit the road again this week, traveling to Boca Raton, Florida, for a game against Florida Atlantic. The Owls are 1-2 this season but coming off a 63-7 road loss to Kansas State of the Big 12.
Damon Hazelton Jr. wasn't even listed on Ball State's depth chart coming into the game against Eastern Kentucky.
Ball State Field hockey (4-4) went 0-2 this weekend in Iowa City, Iowa, losing against No. 15 Iowa (6-2), 1-4, and No. 4 Penn State (8-0), 0-7. The Cardinals got off to a good start against Iowa, taking the lead in the first half, 1-0, via a goal by senior midfielder Mikayla Mooney, her third of the season.
With Family Weekend wrapped around Ball State football's home opener, a confident air spread across the Cardinals' sideline. The swagger started with head coach Mike Neu — he said he told the players they wouldn't leave the field unless the Cardinals beat Eastern Kentucky to improve to 2-1.
