Ball State ends non-conference slate with 45-14 loss to Northwestern

The Ball State Cardinals (1-5, 0-2 MAC) did not have have many answers for Northwestern's new-look offense in what turned out to be a 45-14 loss to the Wildcats (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten Conference) on Saturday afternoon at New Ryan Field.

The hosting 'Cats posted 21 unanswered points on two rushing scores and a passing connection to start the contest, forcing Ball State to punt twice on their first two series over the same time period.

The Cardinals fought back, endcapping the second quarter with a short TJ Horton rushing score and a Keldrick Luster pass to Jamarion McDougle from two yards out– but also gave up 10 points on a field goal from former Bowling Green placekicker Jackson Kleather and an interception return touchdown inbetween, putting the halftime score at 31-14 at the halftime break.

That would be as much offensive firepower as Ball State could muster, giving up 14 more points in the second half before game's end to put the final tally at 45-14.

Northwestern tried out some new offensive formations– including some which utilized receivers 10 yards deep in the backfield– and found success, picking up an average of 7.6 yards per play on offense and collecting 164 rushing yards and 272 rushing yards in total, scoring five touchdowns overall (three passing, two rushing).

Ball State did manage to hold Northwestern to 4-of-9 on third-down conversions, but gave up both fourth-down attempts and 26 total first downs– including three via penalty.

On that front, penalties continued to be a major part of Ball State's woes, as they once again committed 10+ penalties, with 15 flags accepted for 119 yards.

Cardinals QB Keldrick Luster finished 27-of-41 passing for a touchdown and an interception, while also collecting 10 rushing yards. Johnny Thompson Jr. and Ace Cooper held the joint-lead in rushing yards (15) on a day where 10 different Cards rushed for a combined 90 yards. Jabari Smith's 64 yards on seven receptions led the team.

Linebacker Kaleb Stewart led the defensive effort with eight tackles, including a tackle-for-loss and a sack. Cornerback Willizhuan Yates had five solo tackles to lead the team, while Ben Marsh had a forced fumble and a pass break-up.

For Northwestern, Aiden Chiles had four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) and went 17-of-23 passing for 272 yards, adding 32 rush yards. Caleb Komolafe led Northwestern's rushers with eight carries for 44 yards and a touchdown, while Griffin Wilde paced all receivers with eight catches for 144 yards and a touchdown. Chiles tossed a TD to three different receivers in the game, with Drew Wagner and Alex Honig hauling in the other scores.

Braydon Brus was a one-man wrecking crew, with eight total tackles and four TFLs– both team-highs– for the Wildcats defense. The unit had nine TFLs and two sacks on the evening. Safety Robert Fitzgerald had the pick-six in the second quarter to aid the effort.

Ball State now refocuses on the MAC slate, with a trip to Bowling Green on the schedule this weekend. Kickoff for the game is set for noon Eastern time.