It was far from the ideal start to the season and the Stan Parrish era for the Ball State University football team on Thursday night.
The University of North Texas upset Ball State 20-10 Thursday at Scheumann Stadium, ending the Cardinals' 14-game regular season winning streak.
"It was a team loss," Parrish said. "The way we played is unacceptable to me."
The Cardinals never held a lead, turned the ball over twice, converted two third downs and missed a key field goal. On top of all that, senior tight end Madaris Grant suffered what Parrish called a possible career-ending injury. Parrish said Grant likely tore his ACL.
The loss of Grant severely hampered Ball State's running game, Parrish said.
"We lost half our running game," he said. "If there was one guy we didn't want to lose, that was him."
The loss was especially difficult because of the inexperience on Ball State's offensive line. Three of the five starters were freshman, who at times struggled to deal with the Mean Green's defensive front.
"We were a little inconsistent," junior Michael Switzer said. "We played tough but we're nowhere near where we need to be."
Senior running back MiQuale Lewis still managed his 13th career 100-yard rushing game, with 103 yards and a touchdown. It was his 26th-career rushing touchdown, tying for fourth all-time at Ball State.
The line struggled to protect freshman quarterback Kelly Page, but did not allow a sack. Page said he was pleased with the line's play, but Parrish had a different view.
"You can never tell an offensive line until you see the film," Parrish said. "Don't kid yourself, it won't be great, we only scored 10 points. But it'll be a starting point."
Page's debut was overshadowed by the loss as well as the debut of North Texas' own signal caller, Riley Dodge. The freshman completed his first 11 passes and finished 23-for-33 for 216 yards and a touchdown. Dodge also was intercepted and rushed 12 times for 73 yards.
"Their quarterback did a pretty good job," Parrish said. "He kept us off balance pretty well."
The Mean Green struck early in the game, scoring on their first possession. The visitors drove 55 yards on eight plays, finishing the drive off with a three-yard run from Lance Dunbar.
The Cardinals were unable to stop the rushing game early, as Dodge and running back Cam Montgomery took advantage of big holes up the middle. Defensive end Brandon Crawford said the defense was overaggressive, but was able to make an adjustment.
"The coaches drew it up and showed us what we were doing wrong," Crawford said. "As the second quarter progressed we started to get a feel for what was going on a bit better."
By then it was too late. The Cardinals' ineffectiveness on offense made a 10-point deficit insurmountable. The Cardinals were able to tie the game at 10 with 12:41 left in the game, but the Mean Green answered the call.
After Lewis scampered for a 27-yard touchdown, Dodge led his team on a 66-yard scoring drive, culminating with a four-yard pass to Michael Outlaw in the end zone. On the next possession, freshman running back Eric Williams coughed up the football. North Texas converted the excellent field position into a field goal.
"Young backs sometimes have to learn the hard way," Parrish said.
Page led Ball State back down the field on a 58-yard drive that stalled on the Mean Green's 14-yard line. Junior Ian McGarvey missed a field goal attempt, which allowed North Texas to eat up the remaining clock.
Despite the loss, Parrish remained upbeat in his team's ability to overcome the opening night loss.
"We have to keep our confidence," he said. "Ball State football is in a little bit of a transition period. We've got to win in the transition. We've got to get the silly stuff corrected."
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