Ball State University Athletics
Football Suffers Loss to New Hampshire Saturday at Scheumann
September 13, 2009 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. - The Ball State football team fell to 0-2 in 2009 losing to New Hampshire Saturday night, 23-16, at Scheumann Stadium.
"We came out hitting, but could not make plays consistently throughout the game," head coach Stan Parrish said. "We had chances, but no one gives you anything. They are a great team for their conference. We definitely have things to work on."
Redshirt freshman quarterback Kelly Page threw his first career touchdown pass while throwing for 114 yards. Senior running back MiQuale Lewis led BSU in receiving with eight receptions for 22 yards.
Despite being outgained by 70 total yards in the first quarter, the Cardinals utilized good field position to lead 6-0 after the first quarter. Ball State forced a three-and-out on the Wildcats first possession and following a 15-yard punt return by sophomore wide receiver Briggs Orsbon, Ball State became the first team on the scoreboard behind a career-long 48-yard field goal by junior kicker Ian McGarvey.
On UNH's next possession, junior defensive end Robert Eddins notched his second career punt block and recovered it at the Wildcats' 33-yard line to allow the Cardinals to begin their second straight possession inside the Wildcats' 40-yard line.
The Cardinals were able to capitalize on the field position as McGarvey booted a 47-yard field goal to increase the Ball State lead to 6-0.
The Wildcats were able to gain momentum on their next possession, entering Ball State territory for the first time. A UNH holding penalty stalled the drive, however, and the Cardinals were able to force the Wildcats to punt.
After trading possessions, the Wildcats were able to score their first points on a safety by sacking Page, the first time Ball State has given up a safety since October 16, 2004, versus Bowling Green.
Each team proceeded to trade three-and-outs, setting up the first UNH touchdown drive which ended with a 26-yard TD pass from R.J. Toman to Joey Orlando to take its first lead of the game at 9-6.
UNH was able to stop the Cardinals on their next possession and put together its longest drive of the night. Using nine plays and 4:16, the Wildcats went 70 yards and pushed their lead to a halftime score of 16-6 on a 5-yard touchdown rush by Sean Jellison.
The Cardinals were jumpstarted by a 50-yard kick return by freshman running back Eric Williams to start the second half. Ball State used eight plays and 22 yards to put McGarvey in position to connect on his third field goal from 37 yards out.
Each team went three-and-out twice with Ball State's second three-and-out ending in a Lewis fumble at its own 8-yard line. UNH capitalized on the field position, scoring on another Jellison touchdown run on the next play to take a 23-9 lead.
Ball State fumbled the ensuing kickoff return, giving the Wildcats excellent field position again at the Cardinals' 10-yard line. A pair of UNH penalties and a sack by Eddins resulted in a 16-yard loss forcing the Wildcats back to their own 49, preventing UNH from opening up the lead.
Each team struggled until midway through the final quarter, which saw a pair of Ball State firsts. Page and freshman wide receiver Seth White each registered their first career touchdowns, connecting on a 21-yard score with 8:50 remaining cutting the UNH lead to 23-16.
The Ball State defense rose to the occasion, forcing a three-and-out and continuing the Cardinals momentum. Page led BSU on the next drive, completing four passes as the Cardinals moved down the field to the UNH 20-yard line. Following a pair of incomplete passes, Page was sacked twice as the Wildcats regained possession.
Ball State pushed UNH to a third-and-six before Toman broke a 17-yard rush to seal the victory for the Wildcats
The Cardinals travel to West Point, N.Y., Saturday for a noon kickoff versus Army. The game against the 1-1 Black Knights will mark Ball State's first road contest of the season.
