Opening Night looked like it was going to be a shootout between Ball State and Southeast Missouri State, but the defenses took over after each team's first possession.
Ball State's quick start the game was just a memory in the second quarter. The Cardinals scored a touchdown on the first possession of the season, but Southeast Missouri State was able to keep Ball State's offense in check the rest of the half.
Southeast Missouri State had perhaps the best scoring opportunity of the second quarter, taking over the ball on Ball State's 30-yard line after Kelly Page's first interception of the year. But the Redhawks opportunity was short lived. The visitors fumbled on the next snap and defensive end Kaylon Woods recovered for Ball State.
The Cardinals' offense relied mostly on its running backs. Eric Williams carried nine times for 49 yards and Ball State rushed for 88 yards as a team.
Page finished the half 6-for-11 for 54 yards and an interception.
Southeast Missouri State quarterback Matt Scheible completed six of his eight passes for 52 yards to lead his offense.
Continue to follow Ball State's first game of the season against Southeast Missouri State on bsudailynews.com.