Wide receiver KeVonn Mabon dodges a defender while running the ball during the Cardinals’ game against Akron on Oct. 22 in Scheumann Stadium. Ball State lost 25 to 35. Paige Grider// DN
SPORTS

Turnovers mar otherwise stellar offensive performance for Ball State

With 41 points on the board and 542 offensive yards, Ball State’s offense still could’ve had a better day. Senior receiver KeVonn Mabon even finished his last home game with 12 catches for 149 yards and three touchdowns (two receiving, one rushing) – but five turnovers and an inability to convert on third down cost the Cardinals in their 48-41 loss to Eastern Michigan. “We’re not losing to these teams, we’re really just beating ourselves,” Mabon said. “All of our losses, we beat ourselves.”



Ball State's backup quarterback Jack Milas prepares to throw a pass during the game against Western Michigan on Nov. 1 in Scheumann Stadium. The Cardinals lost 52-20. Grace Ramey // DN
SPORTS

Strengths of Western Michigan can cloud evaluation of Ball State's performance

With a backup quarterback running up against a top 25 opponent – what exactly does Ball State’s 52-20 loss to Western Michigan mean? After all, the Cardinals offense was able to move the ball – albeit it struggled to punch the ball into the end zone – several young players flashed their potential and the team still has a path to bowl eligibility. “There’s a lot of things that were good on tape, and I know we’ll be excited about some things that we put on tape about tonight’s game,” head coach Mike Neu said.



The Cardinals prepare to run onto the field before the game against Akron on Oct. 22 in Scheumann Stadium. Ball State lost 25 to 35. Grace Ramey // DN
SPORTS

Chirp: X-factors against Western Michigan

After a few extra days off, Ball State (4-4) plays host to No. 17 Western Michigan (8-0) at 8 p.m. on Nov. 1. The Broncos raced out to a 30-0 lead in last year's meeting and walked off their home field with a 54-7 blowout victory.


Ball State's new head football coach Mike Neu coaches from the sidelines during the game against Northern Illinois on Oct. 1 in Scheumann Stadium. Neu played collegiate football at Ball State where he was named 1993 Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Grace Ramey // DN
SPORTS

Football coaches using extra days off for recruiting

With a couple extra days before the Cardinals take on Western Michigan, several of the coaches hit the road early this week for recruiting. Since the team doesn't have a true bye week, head coach Mike Neu said this is the biggest week they've had to connect with recruits.


Ball State's quarterback Riley Neal attempts to run the ball down the field during the game against Akron on Oct. 22 in Scheumann Stadium. The Cardinals lost 25 to 35. Grace Ramey // DN
SPORTS

Neal and passing game continue to struggle in loss to Akron

Ball State's offense built a big lead against Akron Oct. 22, but couldn't sustain a drive in the second half as the Zips came back to win 35-25. After Neal threw for just 187 yards and an interception in the loss, head coach Mike Neu was asked about the notion that he has regressed this season.






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