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Photo by: Samantha (Blankenship) Ellis/Ball State University
Ball State’s Dynamic Attack Reached Rare Heights Against Stony Brook
September 15, 2026 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. -- In a win over Stony Brook during Ball State's 2026 home opener, the Cardinals' offense showcased dynamic production spread across its talented units of backs and receivers. The production against the Seawolves was a combination that has rarely been seen in the program over the past two decades.
Ball State had 10 players record a reception while running back TJ Horton surpassed 100 rushing yards. Since 1995, the Cardinals have had 10 different pass-catchers in a game on 10 occasions, but only twice have they paired that production with a 100-yard rusher.
The other occurrence came nearly 21 years ago against Bowling Green on Sept. 10, 2005, at Scheumann Stadium. Charles Wynn rushed for 111 yards in Ball State's 40-31 loss to the Falcons.
In 2026, Horton helped the Cardinals finish on the winning side. He rushed for 125 yards on nine carries, accounting for more than half of Ball State's 226 net rushing yards. His 54-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter helped seal the victory.
Quarterback Keldric Luster orchestrated a balanced attack that produced 482 total yards, Ball State's most since recording 520 at Buffalo in 2024. Luster completed 27 of 32 passes for 256 yards, setting a program record with an .844 completion percentage among signal-callers with at least 30 attempts.
The performance also provided a sharp contrast to Ball State's offensive production a season ago. The Cardinals averaged 271.7 yards and 15.8 points per game in 2025, including just 139.9 passing yards per contest. Against Stony Brook, Ball State nearly doubled last season's average offensive output.
Luster completed 18 passes in the first half alone, surpassing Ball State's season high of 17 completions in an entire game last season.
Jabari Smith led the receiving corps with six catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. Jalen Bonds and Tate Hoover also caught touchdown passes, while Jamarion McDougle recorded the Cardinals' longest reception at 28 yards.
Bonds contributed on the ground as well, scoring on a 49-yard run in the fourth quarter after hauling in a 23-yard touchdown pass in the second.
Four Cardinals finished with at least four receptions, marking the first time Ball State accomplished that feat since its 2024 matchup with Central Michigan.
Ball State carries its dynamic offensive production into week three action, traveling to Liberty to battle the Flames on Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. ET, with broadcast available on ESPN+ and WLBC 104.1 FM.
Ball State had 10 players record a reception while running back TJ Horton surpassed 100 rushing yards. Since 1995, the Cardinals have had 10 different pass-catchers in a game on 10 occasions, but only twice have they paired that production with a 100-yard rusher.
The other occurrence came nearly 21 years ago against Bowling Green on Sept. 10, 2005, at Scheumann Stadium. Charles Wynn rushed for 111 yards in Ball State's 40-31 loss to the Falcons.
In 2026, Horton helped the Cardinals finish on the winning side. He rushed for 125 yards on nine carries, accounting for more than half of Ball State's 226 net rushing yards. His 54-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter helped seal the victory.
Quarterback Keldric Luster orchestrated a balanced attack that produced 482 total yards, Ball State's most since recording 520 at Buffalo in 2024. Luster completed 27 of 32 passes for 256 yards, setting a program record with an .844 completion percentage among signal-callers with at least 30 attempts.
The performance also provided a sharp contrast to Ball State's offensive production a season ago. The Cardinals averaged 271.7 yards and 15.8 points per game in 2025, including just 139.9 passing yards per contest. Against Stony Brook, Ball State nearly doubled last season's average offensive output.
Luster completed 18 passes in the first half alone, surpassing Ball State's season high of 17 completions in an entire game last season.
Jabari Smith led the receiving corps with six catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. Jalen Bonds and Tate Hoover also caught touchdown passes, while Jamarion McDougle recorded the Cardinals' longest reception at 28 yards.
Bonds contributed on the ground as well, scoring on a 49-yard run in the fourth quarter after hauling in a 23-yard touchdown pass in the second.
Four Cardinals finished with at least four receptions, marking the first time Ball State accomplished that feat since its 2024 matchup with Central Michigan.
Ball State carries its dynamic offensive production into week three action, traveling to Liberty to battle the Flames on Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. ET, with broadcast available on ESPN+ and WLBC 104.1 FM.
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