Game Day Central: Cardinals Look to Break Through Against Northern Illinois

MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State and Northern Illinois began playing for the Bronze Stalk Trophy in 2008. The Cardinals won the initial trophy game but have not prevailed over NIU since. Ball State will look to snap that streak Saturday at 3 p.m.

Game #6: Northern Illinois at Ball State
Date: Saturday, Oct. 6
Kickoff: 3:05 p.m.
Television: ESPN3
Listen: WLBC 104.1 FM
Live Stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/ballstate/football
Social Media: @BallStateFB, @BallStateSports, #ItsTime, #ChirpChirp
Game Notes: Ball State | Northern Illinois
Game Day Information: Tickets | Parking, Tailgating and General Info | New to the Scheu in 2018

Promotions:
-Saturday is high school band day at Scheumann Stadium. Several Indiana high school bands are scheduled to perform at halftime.
-Pink rally towels will be distributed at the gates courtesy of MutualBank (while supplies last) as Ball State Athletics works to increase breast health awareness.
-#BSUSocialSellout … #BSUSocialSellout … #BSUSocialSellout … more information

Three Things to Know:
1. Ball State ranks second in the Mid-American Conference in total offense (471.8 yards per game) while Northern Illinois ranks 11th in that category (260.0 ypg). However, NIU ranks third in the league in total defense (348.6 ypg).

2. The Cardinals have scored on their opening offensive possession in four consecutive games. Ball State has outscored the opposition, 41-17, in the first quarter this season.

3. The Bronze Stalk Trophy is on the line Saturday afternoon. These two MAC rivals began competing for this trophy in 2008. Designed by nationally recognized sculptor and DeKalb artist Renee Bemis, the trophy depicts several cornstalks in tribute to the prevalence of maize around the respective home states of the rivals. Ball State has not defeated NIU since 2008.

By the Numbers:
3 – The Cardinals equaled a season high by forcing three turnovers in the win last week against Kent State. Ball State is +2 in turnover margin this year and has not been on the wrong side of the turnover battle through five games.

5 – The Cardinals defense recorded a season-high five sacks last week against Kent State.

52 – Ball State's 52 points scored last week were the most in a MAC game since the Cardinals scored 55 against Miami in 2013.

Game Day Central: Cardinals Look to Break Through Against Northern Illinois

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