Photo by: Ball State University Creative Services
Top Moments from 2019 Football Season
April 02, 2020 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – Even though the spring football season has been wiped out for the Ball State Cardinals due to COVID-19, there are plenty of reasons to be excited for the Cards heading into 2020 fall campaign. Here is a look back at the top moments from 2019 for a Ball State program on the rise in the Mid-American Conference.
Season Opener vs. Indiana (at Lucas Oil Stadium), Aug. 31, 2019
A newcomer showed he was going to be an impact player for the Cardinals. Running back Walter Fletcher, a graduate transfer from Division II Edinboro, took a check-down pass from quarterback Drew Plitt and outraced defenders for a 45-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Ball State hung around with Indiana the entire game before succumbing to the Hoosiers, 34-24. Fletcher finished the season second on the team in rushing yards (726), third in touchdowns (7) and fifth in receiving yards (306).
Game 2 vs. Fordham, Sept. 7, 2019
In Ball State's home opener, quarterback Drew Plitt tied a program record with six touchdown passes in the 57-29 victory over the Rams. He tossed scoring passes to four different receivers and finished the afternoon 32-of-40 for 439 yards. Plitt's six touchdown passes equaled Keith Wenning's mark established in 2013 against Miami (Ohio). The 439 passing yards rank fourth on Ball State's single-game record chart.
Game 3 vs. Florida Atlantic, Sept. 14, 2019
It had been five years since the Ball State defense had scored a touchdown. The defense nearly scored the week before, but Tyler 'Red' Potts' pick six against Fordham was negated due to a holding penalty on the return. However, the Cardinals didn't miss out against Florida Atlantic. Outside linebacker Jordan Williams scooped up an FAU fumble and raced 60 yards untouched for Ball State's first score of the game. Williams tallied a second fumble recovery on Florida Atlantic's next possession just 13 seconds later to set up another Ball State touchdown.
Game 4 at NC State, Sept. 21, 2019
The NC State defense had not allowed a touchdown at home in 12 straight quarters leading into the game against Ball State. Wide receiver Justin Hall put an end to that streak midway through the first quarter in the first-ever meeting between the two teams. He scored on an 11-yard jet sweep on Ball State's second possession to give the Cardinals an early 7-3 lead. Ball State went on to rack up 417 offensive yards against NC State. On the defensive side of the ball, senior linebacker Jacob White had a career game with 18 tackles, the most by a BSU player since 2011.
Game 5 at Northern Illinois, Oct. 5, 2019
Ball State opened MAC play at defending league champion Northern Illinois, an opponent the Cardinals had not defeated since 2008. NIU jumped out to a 17-3 halftime lead only to see Ball State rally for 24 points in the second half to pull out a 27-20 win and reclaim the Bronze Stalk Trophy. On that rainy Saturday afternoon, Ball State leaned heavily on the running game to take control of the game. The Cardinals took the lead for good on their first play of the fourth quarter. Running back Caleb Huntley found a hole on the left side of the offensive line and rambled 45 yards to pay dirt to put Ball State ahead, 24-17. Huntley finished the game with 35 carries, the most by a MAC player in 2019.
Game 6 at Eastern Michigan, Oct. 12, 2019
Just like the week before at NIU, Ball State needed to put together a second half rally to earn a win at Eastern Michigan. This game, though, came down to the final seconds. The Cardinals took a 29-23 lead early in the fourth quarter thanks to a Drew Plitt quarterback sneak. On EMU's final possession, the Eagles moved the ball 61 yards in one minute of game action to reach the Ball State 19-yard line with 19 seconds left. Jordan Williams finally put an emphatic end to the game with a strip sack on Eastern Michigan's 4th-and-10 play. Amechi Uzodinma II recovered the fumble with one second showing on the game clock.
Game 7 vs. Toledo, Oct. 19, 2019
Ball State could do no wrong on Homecoming in its 52-14 thrashing of Toledo. The Cardinals scored five of their seven touchdowns in the first half. Meanwhile, Toledo's first half offensive numbers looked like this – 33 plays for 22 yards, minus-2 yards rushing, four sacks allowed, two fumbles lost, six consecutive punts … and zero points. Wide receiver Riley Miller finished with a pair of touchdown receptions, including one off a trick play. Wide receiver Malik Dunner touched the ball twice and scored twice on runs of 51 and 39 yards.
Game 9 at Western Michigan, Nov. 5, 2019
During Ball State's lone #MACtion game of the year, the Cardinals limped into halftime trailing host Western Michigan, 21-10. Kick returner Malik Dunner sparked a Ball State rally by returning the second half opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. It was the fourth 100-yard kickoff return for a score in Ball State history with the most recent occurrence coming in 2007 by Dante Love against Central Michigan. Dunner went on to earn All-MAC accolades as a kick returner for the third time in his career.
Game 10 vs. Central Michigan, Nov. 16, 2019
Danny Pinter began his Ball State career as a tight end. He scored his first collegiate touchdown in 2017 on a 15-yard reception in a win over UAB. Pinter then slid over to offensive tackle for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The Cardinals tried to take advantage of his receiving skills against No. 8 Notre Dame in 2018 with a lateral play on the 8-yard line. That play came up short against the Fighting Irish. The Cardinals set up a similar play in the second quarter against Central Michigan. This time, the trick play worked to perfection as Pinter waltzed into the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown rush. Pinter went on to be named the team's MVP at the end of the season and made a splash at the NFL Combine in February.
Game 12 vs. Miami (Ohio), Nov. 29, 2019
Ball State led the league and ranked 15th nationally in turnovers gained (24) in 2019. Two of those turnovers played a huge part in the win over Miami (Ohio) in the season finale. Playing for the Red Bird Rivalry Trophy, the Cardinals tied the game at 27 early in the fourth quarter thanks to a 5-yard touchdown run from Caleb Huntley. On Miami's next two possessions, Amechi Uzodinma II came up with a pair of interceptions to keep the RedHawks from regaining the lead. The second interception set up the go-ahead score for Ball State. Yo'Heinz Tyler scored on a 40-yard touchdown catch four plays later to give the Cardinals the lead for the first time, 34-27. Ball State went on to knock off the eventual MAC champions and claim the Red Bird Rivalry Trophy for the first time since the trophy was introduced in 2017.
Ball State opens the 2020 season on Thursday, Sept. 3 with a home game against Maine.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
Season Opener vs. Indiana (at Lucas Oil Stadium), Aug. 31, 2019
A newcomer showed he was going to be an impact player for the Cardinals. Running back Walter Fletcher, a graduate transfer from Division II Edinboro, took a check-down pass from quarterback Drew Plitt and outraced defenders for a 45-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Ball State hung around with Indiana the entire game before succumbing to the Hoosiers, 34-24. Fletcher finished the season second on the team in rushing yards (726), third in touchdowns (7) and fifth in receiving yards (306).
41 career D-II touchdowns. And now a big first one in D-
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) August 31, 2019
I.
Former D-II All-American Walter Fletcher breaking tackles and housing it to answer IU's touchdown.#ChirpChirp | #WeFly | #OTM pic.twitter.com/q7K64eYdTk
Game 2 vs. Fordham, Sept. 7, 2019
In Ball State's home opener, quarterback Drew Plitt tied a program record with six touchdown passes in the 57-29 victory over the Rams. He tossed scoring passes to four different receivers and finished the afternoon 32-of-40 for 439 yards. Plitt's six touchdown passes equaled Keith Wenning's mark established in 2013 against Miami (Ohio). The 439 passing yards rank fourth on Ball State's single-game record chart.
The play-action. Drew with all day. Justin running free. Cardinals on the board.#ChirpChirp | #WeFly | #OTM pic.twitter.com/P7IE5YkdOA
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) September 7, 2019
Game 3 vs. Florida Atlantic, Sept. 14, 2019
It had been five years since the Ball State defense had scored a touchdown. The defense nearly scored the week before, but Tyler 'Red' Potts' pick six against Fordham was negated due to a holding penalty on the return. However, the Cardinals didn't miss out against Florida Atlantic. Outside linebacker Jordan Williams scooped up an FAU fumble and raced 60 yards untouched for Ball State's first score of the game. Williams tallied a second fumble recovery on Florida Atlantic's next possession just 13 seconds later to set up another Ball State touchdown.
#ScoopNScore. All square. #OTM pic.twitter.com/NKl9MgsWph
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) September 14, 2019
Game 4 at NC State, Sept. 21, 2019
The NC State defense had not allowed a touchdown at home in 12 straight quarters leading into the game against Ball State. Wide receiver Justin Hall put an end to that streak midway through the first quarter in the first-ever meeting between the two teams. He scored on an 11-yard jet sweep on Ball State's second possession to give the Cardinals an early 7-3 lead. Ball State went on to rack up 417 offensive yards against NC State. On the defensive side of the ball, senior linebacker Jacob White had a career game with 18 tackles, the most by a BSU player since 2011.
???? to the ??
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) September 21, 2019
Justin Hall. TD. Cards lead. #OTM #1AAT pic.twitter.com/cetVFKaEnt
Game 5 at Northern Illinois, Oct. 5, 2019
Ball State opened MAC play at defending league champion Northern Illinois, an opponent the Cardinals had not defeated since 2008. NIU jumped out to a 17-3 halftime lead only to see Ball State rally for 24 points in the second half to pull out a 27-20 win and reclaim the Bronze Stalk Trophy. On that rainy Saturday afternoon, Ball State leaned heavily on the running game to take control of the game. The Cardinals took the lead for good on their first play of the fourth quarter. Running back Caleb Huntley found a hole on the left side of the offensive line and rambled 45 yards to pay dirt to put Ball State ahead, 24-17. Huntley finished the game with 35 carries, the most by a MAC player in 2019.
Running away from those Huskies!!!
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) October 5, 2019
Huntley makes his 2nd ?? ??
Cards lead in DeKalb! #OTM | #1AAT pic.twitter.com/JbqDbkkuVg
Game 6 at Eastern Michigan, Oct. 12, 2019
Just like the week before at NIU, Ball State needed to put together a second half rally to earn a win at Eastern Michigan. This game, though, came down to the final seconds. The Cardinals took a 29-23 lead early in the fourth quarter thanks to a Drew Plitt quarterback sneak. On EMU's final possession, the Eagles moved the ball 61 yards in one minute of game action to reach the Ball State 19-yard line with 19 seconds left. Jordan Williams finally put an emphatic end to the game with a strip sack on Eastern Michigan's 4th-and-10 play. Amechi Uzodinma II recovered the fumble with one second showing on the game clock.
Headed home to Muncie at 2-0 in the MAC! Back at Scheumann next Saturday for Homecoming!#SeeYouAtTheScheu | #OTM pic.twitter.com/CnvhUCLUWH
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) October 12, 2019
Game 7 vs. Toledo, Oct. 19, 2019
Ball State could do no wrong on Homecoming in its 52-14 thrashing of Toledo. The Cardinals scored five of their seven touchdowns in the first half. Meanwhile, Toledo's first half offensive numbers looked like this – 33 plays for 22 yards, minus-2 yards rushing, four sacks allowed, two fumbles lost, six consecutive punts … and zero points. Wide receiver Riley Miller finished with a pair of touchdown receptions, including one off a trick play. Wide receiver Malik Dunner touched the ball twice and scored twice on runs of 51 and 39 yards.
Well, we are coming up on Halloween ... Some trickeration at the Scheu!
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) October 19, 2019
Plitt to Miller again, with Fletcher in between.
Cardinals filling up the scoreboard in the 1st quarter! #OTM | #1AAT pic.twitter.com/02AK3NLsNM
Game 9 at Western Michigan, Nov. 5, 2019
During Ball State's lone #MACtion game of the year, the Cardinals limped into halftime trailing host Western Michigan, 21-10. Kick returner Malik Dunner sparked a Ball State rally by returning the second half opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. It was the fourth 100-yard kickoff return for a score in Ball State history with the most recent occurrence coming in 2007 by Dante Love against Central Michigan. Dunner went on to earn All-MAC accolades as a kick returner for the third time in his career.
Oops he Dunn it again ... @Malikforpres | #MACtion pic.twitter.com/mFBH6Wwgvi
— #MACtion (@MACSports) November 6, 2019
Game 10 vs. Central Michigan, Nov. 16, 2019
Danny Pinter began his Ball State career as a tight end. He scored his first collegiate touchdown in 2017 on a 15-yard reception in a win over UAB. Pinter then slid over to offensive tackle for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The Cardinals tried to take advantage of his receiving skills against No. 8 Notre Dame in 2018 with a lateral play on the 8-yard line. That play came up short against the Fighting Irish. The Cardinals set up a similar play in the second quarter against Central Michigan. This time, the trick play worked to perfection as Pinter waltzed into the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown rush. Pinter went on to be named the team's MVP at the end of the season and made a splash at the NFL Combine in February.
The BIG FELLA trucks into the end zone for a TOUCHDOWN!@BallStateFB leads 10-3 pic.twitter.com/FJsM3Yv2zl
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) November 16, 2019
Game 12 vs. Miami (Ohio), Nov. 29, 2019
Ball State led the league and ranked 15th nationally in turnovers gained (24) in 2019. Two of those turnovers played a huge part in the win over Miami (Ohio) in the season finale. Playing for the Red Bird Rivalry Trophy, the Cardinals tied the game at 27 early in the fourth quarter thanks to a 5-yard touchdown run from Caleb Huntley. On Miami's next two possessions, Amechi Uzodinma II came up with a pair of interceptions to keep the RedHawks from regaining the lead. The second interception set up the go-ahead score for Ball State. Yo'Heinz Tyler scored on a 40-yard touchdown catch four plays later to give the Cardinals the lead for the first time, 34-27. Ball State went on to knock off the eventual MAC champions and claim the Red Bird Rivalry Trophy for the first time since the trophy was introduced in 2017.
.@ajuzodinma is a BALL HAWK!
— #MACtion (@MACSports) November 29, 2019
He comes up with a second straight INT for @BallStateFB with 10 minutes left in the game! #MACtion pic.twitter.com/Gh0ogk1wCv
Ball State opens the 2020 season on Thursday, Sept. 3 with a home game against Maine.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
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