Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
0-2 , 0-0
Georgia
2-0 , 0-0
After Scoreless First Quarter, Pivotal Second Period Pushes Top-Ranked Georgia Past Cardinals
September 09, 2023 | Football
But linebacker Keionte Newson forced a fumble to thwart the Bulldogs' opening drive and freshman quarterback Kadin Semonza drove the Cardinals past midfield as part of an 11-play drive on Ball State's first possession. Ball State controlled the ball and the clock through a scoreless draw in the game's opening period.
A 31-point second period, though, catapulted Georgia into control and the Bulldogs rode their momentum to a 45-3 victory. The Cardinals got their only points on Jackson Courville's 28-yard field goal in the fourth period. It was the first field goal of his career.
Semonza was strong in the first period, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards. Tanner Koziol was the recipient of two of those passes and finished the day with three receptions overall.
Georgia opened its scoring on a 69-yard punt return and then its defense took advantage of three Ball State interceptions over the next four series. The first interception came on a long out-route 30 yards downfield on a 3rd-down play that served as a well-placed punt at the Georgia 22-yard-line. The next two, though, were the result of ill-bouncing deflections, including one off the back heel of would-be receiver Maximus Webster. Nonetheless, the Bulldogs took advantage and went into the locker room leading 31-0.
Georgia tacked on two more touchdowns in the third quarter while Ball State's Layne Hatcher took over at quarterback. Hatcher finished the day 10-of-16 for 82 yards and the Cardinals' longest play of the day – a 28-yard strike to Ahmad Edwards.
Ball State returns to action next Saturday for its home opener against state rival Indiana State. It is Family Weekend. Kickoff is 2:00 p.m.
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Team Stats
BSU 0, UGA 7
UGA - Mews,Mekhi 69 yd punt return (Woodring,Peyton kick)
BSU 0, UGA 14
UGA - Rosemy-Jacksaint,Marcus 7 yd pass from Beck,Carson (Woodring,Peyton kick) 6 plays, 78 yards, TOP 02:25
BSU 0, UGA 21
UGA - Bell,Dillon 21 yd run (Woodring,Peyton kick), 2 plays, 30 yards, TOP 00:51
BSU 0, UGA 24
UGA - Woodring,Peyton 35 yd field goal 12 plays, 42 yards, TOP 05:28
BSU 0, UGA 31
UGA - Milton,Kendall 1 yd run (Woodring,Peyton kick), 4 plays, 20 yards, TOP 01:04
BSU 0, UGA 38
UGA - Jones,Cash 27 yd pass from Beck,Carson (Woodring,Peyton kick) 8 plays, 80 yards, TOP 04:14
BSU 0, UGA 45
UGA - Robinson II,Roderick 12 yd run (Woodring,Peyton kick), 3 plays, 67 yards, TOP 01:21
BSU 3, UGA 45
BSU - Courville,Jackson 27 yd field goal 15 plays, 55 yards, TOP 06:41
