Score: Ball State 16, Northern Illinois 14
Starting the quarter at Ball State's 12-yard line, Northern Illinois quickly added to its lead.
The score was extended to 14-3 after a one-yard touchdown run from Leighton Settle, the second rushing touchdown of the game for Northern Illinois.
On Ball State's next possession, running back Horactio Banks picked up a key third and long to keep the drive alive. Ball State wanted a pass interference call on a first and goal play when a Northern Illinois defender pushed down Jamill Smith, but no flag was thrown.
Again Ball State had to settle for a field goal inside the red zone. Kicker Steven Schott made his second field goal of the game, this one from 27-yards to cut Northern Illinois' lead to 14-6.
Northern Illinois started at its own 12-yard line in the next drive after a muffed kickoff return. Ball State forced a three-and-out following two big hits from Justin Cruz and Eric Patterson. The punt was fair caught at the Ball State 49, giving the Cardinals excellent field position to start its next drive.
On the first play, Keith Wenning was hit as he threw a pass for Smith, but instead found Northern Illinois' Jimmie Ward. A couple of penalties on Northern Illinois pushed the offense back to its own 39-yard line. The Huskies couldn't recover from the penalties and were forced to punt.
Following a 30-yard reception from Smith, Wenning found Willie Snead for a 12-yard touchdown reception to cut the Huskies' lead to 14-13.
On the following kickoff, Northern Illinois' Tommylee Lewis fumbled as he was hit, and Ball State recovered the loose ball at the Northern Illinois 23-yard line. Ball State couldn't turn the takeaway into a touchdown but settled for a 43-yard field goal from Schott to put Ball State up 16-14.
Read More
Ball State football’s blowout loss to Ohio summarizes failed season
By Kyle Smedley / 11 hours agoAfter the Bobcats’ 42-21 routing, the Cardinals finished the season with their worst record since 2017.
Ball State football pushes through outside noise ahead of Black Friday game against Ohio
By Kyle Smedley / YesterdayThe Cardinals are setback by injuries and early transfer portal entries heading into the final game of the season against the Bobcats.
