Ball State Postgame Notes
Ball State Postgame Notes Ball State 41, Eastern Kentucky (Sept. 17, 2016) TEAM NOTES Ball State debuted a new red helmet in today’s home opener. It was the first time the Cardinals have worn red helmets since 1970. -
The Ball State defense held Eastern Kentucky scoreless until the 3:29 mark of the fourth quarter. The Cardinals were looking for their first shutout since Oct. 4, 2008 against Toledo (31-0).
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The Cardinals won the field position battle having the ball for a season-best 38:59 while Eastern Kentucky controlled the ball for 21:01.
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Ball State’s defense tallied its most sacks in at least 10 years with eight in today’s contest. The 14 tackles for loss were the most by the defense since Jan. 1, 2009 when the Cardinals had 15 against Tulsa in the GMAC Bowl.
OFFENSIVE NOTES Sophomore QB Riley Neal completed his first 16 pass attempts of the game, which marks the best start of his career. -
Neal hit two different receivers for touchdowns, both for their first scores of their collegiate careers. Junior WR Devin Reece and freshman WR Damon Hazelton Jr. both caught 3-yard touchdown passes in the first and second quarters. Reece also led the Cardinals in receiving yards with a personal-best 64 yards.
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Neal recorded his first rushing touchdown of the season and third of his career with a 12-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
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Sophomore RB James Gilbert recorded his third touchdown of the season and 11th of his career with an 11-yard touchdown run at the 5:17 mark in the third quarter.
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Senior RB Teddy Williamson registered his second touchdown of the season and third of his career after a 12yard run with 5:49 remaining in the game.
DEFENSIVE NOTES -
Ball State held Eastern Kentucky to three yards rushing on 27 attempts. The three rushing yards by EKU are the fewest allowed by Ball State since Nov. 24, 2007 when the Cardinals held Northern Illinois to minus-one yard on 28 carries.
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Sophomore CB Marc Walton and senior S Martez Hester each registered an interception in the second quarter. The interception marked Walton’s first of his career.
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Junior DE Anthony Winbush led the Cardinals with two sacks for the second straight game and now has nine for his career.
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Senior LB Zack Ryan led Ball State with nine tackles.
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES -
Sophomore K Morgan Hagee was 2-for-2 on field attempts, connecting on 32 yards and 41 yards. He has now made 21 career field goals.
