Ball State University Athletics
Cardinals' Defense Disrupted Auburn Despite Defeat
September 09, 2025 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State's front seven delivered a hard-fought showing in its visit at Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium last weekend. Against an offensive line that consists of several professional prospects, the Cardinals' defense maintained pressure, setting the Tigers back on several occasions.
In total, the Cardinals completed five sacks and four forced fumbles against the Southeastern Conference member, along with eight tackles for loss that forced the Tigers back 41 yards.
Redshirt junior outside linebacker DeJuan Echoles Jr. earned his first career sack for five yards Saturday night, along with a team-high two forced fumbles and tackles for loss. Defensive tackle Drew Hughes also claimed his first career sack, taking down the down the opposition seven yards back.
Scott Hudson was awarded the second sack of his career as he contributed eight lost Auburn yards. Redshirt junior linebacker Caden Johnson was also successful on the quarterback pursuit, being credited with one sack for three yards.
Senior defensive end Nathan Voorhis completed his second sack of the season for 10 yards, the longest sack for the Cardinals this season. His strip sack early in the first quarter of play was the beginning of Ball State's defensive efforts that followed.
Redshirt senior defensive back Michael Gravely Jr.'s forced fumble in the third quarter created an opportunity to halt the Tigers' drive, which was capitalized by linebacker Joey Stemler who dove for the recovery. The defensive effort led to a Ball State field goal from 22 yards out.
The Cardinals continue their 2025 campaign Sept. 13 when they host New Hampshire at Scheumann Stadium.
In total, the Cardinals completed five sacks and four forced fumbles against the Southeastern Conference member, along with eight tackles for loss that forced the Tigers back 41 yards.
Redshirt junior outside linebacker DeJuan Echoles Jr. earned his first career sack for five yards Saturday night, along with a team-high two forced fumbles and tackles for loss. Defensive tackle Drew Hughes also claimed his first career sack, taking down the down the opposition seven yards back.
Scott Hudson was awarded the second sack of his career as he contributed eight lost Auburn yards. Redshirt junior linebacker Caden Johnson was also successful on the quarterback pursuit, being credited with one sack for three yards.
Senior defensive end Nathan Voorhis completed his second sack of the season for 10 yards, the longest sack for the Cardinals this season. His strip sack early in the first quarter of play was the beginning of Ball State's defensive efforts that followed.
Redshirt senior defensive back Michael Gravely Jr.'s forced fumble in the third quarter created an opportunity to halt the Tigers' drive, which was capitalized by linebacker Joey Stemler who dove for the recovery. The defensive effort led to a Ball State field goal from 22 yards out.
The Cardinals continue their 2025 campaign Sept. 13 when they host New Hampshire at Scheumann Stadium.
Players Mentioned
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