Ball State Hosts Indiana State In 2023 Home Opener at Scheumann Stadium
September 11, 2023 | Football
| Ball State (0-2; 0-0 MAC) vs. Indiana State | |
| Game 3 - vs. Indiana State (0-2; 0-0 MVFC) | Saturday, Sept. 16 at 2:00 p.m. Live Stats | ESPN+ |
| Notes | Ball State | Indiana State | Media Center |
| Social Media | X (Twitter)Â | Instagram |
 After a two-week trek through the Southeastern Conference, Ball State returns to Scheumann Stadium for its 2023 home opener against state rival Indiana State. The Victory Bell is on the line in this rivalry game, with Ball State seeking to take back the traveling trophy after the Sycamores won in 2014. Saturday's gameday sponsor is the ROTC.
** The Cardinals have won six of the past seven meetings against Indiana State, but haven't played the Sycamores since a 27-20 home defeat to ISU in 2014. In a rivalry series conducted 60 times in the 20th century, the Cardinals and Sycamores have played just three times since 2000 -- 2002, 2003 and 2014, all at Scheumann Stadium.
** But for turnovers against its early SEC foes, Ball State has had a successful early run with ball control and minimizing mistakes. Ball State's seven penalties are so far the fewest in the MAC and rank ninth in the country. Similarly, the Cardinals' 26.6 penalty yards per game lead the MAC and rank seventh nationally. Ball State's average time of possession is 34:45, second in the MAC to Northern Illinois (36:23) and currently 10th among FBS teams.
** The Cardinals showed well against Kentucky and Georgia, but were undone by second-quarter turnovers in each game. Kentucky and Georgia both scored on special teams touchdowns, too. In all, Ball State allowed 45 points over two games directly tied to second-quarter turnovers and special teams touchdowns. Otherwise, Ball State played within a combined 38-17 score in the first, third and fourth quarters.
** The Cardinals defense was stout while allowing fewer than half of Kentucky and Georgia's total points and minimizing big plays. Kentucky reached the red zone just twice. Ball State led the possession battle in both games and outdualed Kentucky with 18 first downs to 17.Â
WHAT A WIN MEANS:
** The Cardinals will move into the win column for the first time this season and win their home opener for the 13th time in 14 seasons. Last year's home-opening defeat to Western Michigan ended a run of 12 straight home-opening wins.
** The Cardinals will defeat Indiana State for the seventh in eight meetings since 1988.
** Mike Neu will capture his 34th victory as head coach of his alma mater, matching Brady Hoke's win total from 2003-08 -- tied for seventh in career coaching wins at Ball State.