Saturday, September 20
Storrs, CT
3:30 p.m.
Ball State University
25
at
31
University of Connecticut
Ball State Falls to UConn on the Road
September 20, 2025 | Football
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – In its final non-conference matchup of 2025, Ball State met Connecticut at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in front of 25,025, falling to UConn 31-25.
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.
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.
Players Mentioned
LB
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WR
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K
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QB
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WR
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WR
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