Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
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Game Day Central: Cardinals Aim For Fourth Straight Win Over Indiana on Saturday
September 08, 2016 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – After a satisfying season opening win at Georgia State last weekend, the Ball State football team faces an even tougher challenge this Saturday at Big Ten foe Indiana.
Saturday's game will be televised nationally on ESPNews and broadcast digitally via the WatchESPN app. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
This in-state rivalry has been tilted in Ball State's favor in recent meetings. The Cardinals have won three straight games over the Hoosiers, including in 2012 when the Cardinals prevailed, 41-39. Ball State kicker Steven Schott hit a 42-yard field goal as time expired to give the Cardinals the victory. Schott hit a 52-yard field goal earlier in the game as well.
These two teams are slated to meet again in 2018 (Bloomington), 2019 (Indianapolis) and 2020 (Bloomington).
This is the third straight year Ball State has lined up against a Big Ten opponent. The Cardinals nearly beat #17 Northwestern in 2015, but fell in a tight affair, 24-19. Two years ago, Ball State led at Iowa midway through the fourth quarter, 13-3, only to see the Hawkeyes score two touchdowns in the final three minutes to prevail, 17-13.
Ball State's running back group played a major factor in the opening win at Georgia State. The Cards ran for 325 yards, the most by a Ball State squad since Nov. 14, 2012 in a win versus Ohio. Sophomore RB James Gilbert notched personal highs in carries (29), rushing yards (160) and long rush (43) against Georgia State. Gilbert also tied a personal best with two touchdowns. Fellow running backs Darian Green and Teddy Williamson also reached the end zone.
Indiana is coming off a 34-13 win at FIU. The Hoosiers trailed FIU heading into the fourth quarter, 13-12, before scoring 22 unanswered points to secure the win. Indiana's defense accounted for 16 points against the Panthers thanks to a safety and two interceptions returned for touchdowns.
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