Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
3-6 , 2-3
Massachusetts
5-4 , 2-3
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | OT | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ball St. | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 30 |
| Massachusetts | 0 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 31 |
November 04, 2026 | Football
With just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter following a UMass field goal, the Cardinals (3-6, 2-3 MAC) marched 75 yards and sent the game to overtime on a 2-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Keldric Luster.
Ball State struck first in overtime with Jalen Bonds' second rushing touchdown of the night, but a missed extra point gave the Minutemen (5-4, 2-3 MAC) an opportunity to respond. The Minutemen capitalized with a 13-yard touchdown run and successful extra-point attempt to seal the game.
Ball State took its final lead of regulation in the third quarter when Bonds broke through the UMass defense for a 42-yard rushing touchdown, his second scoring run of more than 40 yards this season. Bonds recorded the first 100-yard rushing game of his collegiate career, finishing with 132 yards on 17 carries.
The Cardinals opened the evening with a score as Jamarion McDougle hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass from Luster. The quarterback finished the night with 182 passing yards, completing 17 passes and throwing one touchdown.
With Luster leading the offense, Ball State surpassed 350 yards of total offense in a fifth straight game, for the first time since 2020.
The contest remained close throughout the first half as penalties hindered Ball State, with the Cardinals committing eight before halftime. Ball State was penalized on three consecutive UMass plays in the second quarter, giving the Minutemen 30 yards and helping them tie the game at 7.
Late in the first half, Brody Boehm connected on a 22-yard field goal to give the Cardinals a three-point advantage. However, UMass needed just 14 seconds to move 64 yards down the field and take its first lead heading into halftime.
Defensively, Ball State forced two fumbles, one each by Gabe Aramboles and Mikeah Webster. Stu Smith led the Cardinals with nine tackles, followed by Cincear Lewis and Webster with seven apiece.
Ball State continues midweek MACtion on Nov. 11 when it hosts Buffalo at Scheumann Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with the game airing on ESPN2 and WLBC 104.1 FM.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
BSU 7, UMA 0
BSU - McDougle,Jamarion 20 yd pass from Luster,Keldric (Boehm,Brody kick) 6 plays, 80 yards, TOP 03:09
BSU 7, UMA 7
UMA - Faulkner,Elijah 1 yd run (Morris,Derek kick), 11 plays, 87 yards, TOP 05:33
BSU 10, UMA 7
BSU - Boehm,Brody 22 yd field goal 13 plays, 67 yards, TOP 04:09
BSU 10, UMA 14
UMA - Lewis,Jabari 64 yd pass from Watson III,William (Morris,Derek kick) 2 plays, 64 yards, TOP 00:14
BSU 17, UMA 14
BSU - Bonds,Jalen 42 yd run (Boehm,Brody kick), 2 plays, 65 yards, TOP 00:52
BSU 17, UMA 21
UMA - Watson III,William 1 yd run (Morris,Derek kick), 4 plays, 91 yards, TOP 02:06
BSU 17, UMA 24
UMA - Morris,Derek 23 yd field goal 11 plays, 86 yards, TOP 06:45
BSU 24, UMA 24
BSU - Luster,Keldric 2 yd run (Boehm,Brody kick), 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 01:49
BSU 30, UMA 24
BSU - Bonds,Jalen 1 yd run (), 5 plays, 25 yards, TOP 00:00
BSU 30, UMA 31
UMA - Watson III,William 13 yd run (Morris,Derek kick), 3 plays, 25 yards, TOP 00:00