Ball State University
1-3 , 0-0
University of Connecticut
2-2 , 0-0
Ball State Falls to UConn on the Road
September 20, 2025 | Football
The Huskies' (2-2) 67-yard dash into the endzone at the two-minute mark in the fourth quarter was the score that brought the contest just out of reach for the Cardinals (1-3, 0-0 MAC). Ball State quickly responded, covering 65 yards and giving Dahya Patel his second-career touchdown. Ball State was successful on the two-point conversion to cut the lead to six, but the Huskies would control the ball and run out the final nine seconds of the game.
Both teams scored most of their offense in the final quarter, going back-and-forth with two touchdowns each.
Seeing a 10-point deficit in the opening quarter, Ball State gained momentum in the closing minutes, started by a career-best 53-yard connection between Kiael Kelly and Qian Magwood. With the first throw of his career two plays later, Magwood returned a handoff back to Kelly for a 19-yard reception, shrinking the gap to three.
After a UConn touchdown just over midway in the third quarter, Carson Holmer converted on his single field goal attempt from 23 yards out, bringing the score to 17-10 going into the final quarter.
The Cardinals had a successful afternoon in the passing game, scoring two of their three touchdowns from the air. Donovan Hamilton was the target of seven throws for 61 yards, leading the unit. Ball State had a total of three receivers with 40 yards or more.
Kelly threw a season-high 17 completions, tallying 209 yards with one touchdown on a 71% completion percentage.
On the ground, Ashley led with 86 yards on 18 attempts, including the Cardinals initial touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Alfred Chea led the defensive unit at his former stomping ground, totaling eight tackles. Ball State finished the contest with two tackles for loss, as well as two pass breakups.
The Cardinals return home Oct. 4 to open conference play against Ohio. Kickoff is slated for noon, with broadcasting available on CBS Sports Network and WLBC 104.1 FM.
Team Stats
BST 0, UCN 3
UCN - Freeman,Chris 30 yd field goal 4 plays, 7 yards, TOP 01:47
BST 0, UCN 10
UCN - Bell,Skyler 2 yd pass from Fagnano,Joe (Freeman,Chris kick) 10 plays, 85 yards, TOP 05:36
BST 7, UCN 10
BST - Kelly,Kiael 19 yd pass from Magwood,Qian (Holmer,Carson kick) 6 plays, 83 yards, TOP 02:32
BST 7, UCN 17
UCN - Smith,Terrence 1 yd run (Freeman,Chris kick), 14 plays, 60 yards, TOP 05:45
BST 10, UCN 17
BST - Holmer,Carson 23 yd field goal 11 plays, 69 yards, TOP 05:27
BST 10, UCN 24
UCN - Edwards,Cam 32 yd run (Freeman,Chris kick), 10 plays, 67 yards, TOP 05:09
BST 17, UCN 24
BST - Ashley,Qua 1 yd run (Holmer,Carson kick), 8 plays, 65 yards, TOP 03:10
BST 17, UCN 31
UCN - Edwards,Cam 67 yd run (Freeman,Chris kick), 3 plays, 68 yards, TOP 01:35
BST 25, UCN 31
BST - Patel,Dahya 11 yd pass from Kelly,Kiael (Gross,Koby pass) 6 plays, 65 yards, TOP 01:30
