Photo by: Sam Findley/Ball State Athletics
Uremovich, Cardinals Turn Focus to Homecoming Test Against Akron
October 13, 2025 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – Following Saturday's road loss at Western Michigan, Ball State football turns its focus to rebounding at home as it prepares to face Akron this weekend inside Scheumann Stadium for the Cardinals' 98th homecoming game. Head coach Mike Uremovich, linebacker Joey Stemler and quarterback Kiael Kelly met with the media Monday morning ahead of the Oct. 18 matchup.
After falling to the Broncos this past weekend, Uremovich emphasized internal reflection for both coaches and players.
"Whatever's on the film is a reflection of me and our staff," Uremovich said. "It starts with us as a staff, putting our guys in the best position to execute. When we go out and don't play very well, the first thing we've got to do is look in the mirror and see what we can do better as coaches."
The theme of accountability carried into the players' messages. Stemler, one of the team's leading defensive standouts, said the defense's primary goal is to improve communication and cohesion.
"Being the leader of the defense, I take full responsibility," Stemler said. "We need to play physical no matter what until the whistle blows. We know we'll get it fixed."
Kelly echoed that leadership mindset on offense.
"The team goes as far as the people at the top will go," Kelly said. "We need to look in the mirror and see what we can do better and find different ways to approach."
Kelly also noted that the Cardinals' offensive approach will rely on renewed aggression and energy.
"We've just got to be more physical," he said. "We've got to be the aggressors. We've got to fight back and fight first, not waiting to get punched in the mouth."
Ball State returns to Scheumann Stadium for its Homecoming matchup against Akron on Saturday, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Tickets to the game are still available.
After falling to the Broncos this past weekend, Uremovich emphasized internal reflection for both coaches and players.
"Whatever's on the film is a reflection of me and our staff," Uremovich said. "It starts with us as a staff, putting our guys in the best position to execute. When we go out and don't play very well, the first thing we've got to do is look in the mirror and see what we can do better as coaches."
The theme of accountability carried into the players' messages. Stemler, one of the team's leading defensive standouts, said the defense's primary goal is to improve communication and cohesion.
"Being the leader of the defense, I take full responsibility," Stemler said. "We need to play physical no matter what until the whistle blows. We know we'll get it fixed."
Kelly echoed that leadership mindset on offense.
"The team goes as far as the people at the top will go," Kelly said. "We need to look in the mirror and see what we can do better and find different ways to approach."
Kelly also noted that the Cardinals' offensive approach will rely on renewed aggression and energy.
"We've just got to be more physical," he said. "We've got to be the aggressors. We've got to fight back and fight first, not waiting to get punched in the mouth."
Ball State returns to Scheumann Stadium for its Homecoming matchup against Akron on Saturday, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Tickets to the game are still available.
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