Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Bobby Ellis (Ball State Creative Services)
Football Moves Towards Home Matchup with Toledo
September 28, 2026 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State football returns home to continue Mid-American Conference play Saturday against Toledo as the Cardinals look to bounce back from a Week 4 defeat at Kent State. Head coach Mike Uremovich, along with Tyler Mizzell and Mikeah Webster, met with the media Monday to discuss the importance of moving their focus towards Toledo and conference play.
Uremovich reiterated the team's focus of moving past last week as Ball State hosts a strong 3-1 Toledo opponent.
"I think we are pretty urgent every week," Uremovich said. "I know they are not happy with the way that we played on Saturday, but I don't think that whether we win or lose, we approach any week any differently."
Uremovich discussed that his team is currently battling some injuries at this point in the season. Penalties remain his biggest point of concern after Ball State committed seven last week and 29 over the past three weeks.
"We're heading into almost the midpoint of the season and we have a lot of guys out right now," Uremovich said. "But that's college football. Nobody is going to feel sorry for you. You have to show up and play."
The Cardinals hope to use their depth and execution to still find ways to get the job done.
"That's why you recruit and practice," Uremovich said. "You have to coach everybody because the next guy has to step up and there are going to be injuries."
Defensively, Ball State is focused on getting the Rockets into third-and-long situations. Uremovich described that distance situations give the defense the chance to get creative with their pressure.
Webster also emphasized the effort of the Cardinals' defense, but said execution is needed to get the unit off of the field.
"Our effort is great. We have great players on defense," Webster said. "But we have to work on execution, executing the plays that are called, and just get the ball down."
For Ball State, the team understands that the competitiveness of the MAC makes each week a priority. Mizzell said the offense needs to find ways to make explosive plays to change the momentum of the game.
"When you can go out there and create explosive plays, you are going to put some points on the board," Mizzell said. "As an offense we have to find ways to create more explosive plays and that comes with scoring more points." Last week, while playing place of injured QB Keldric Luster, Mizzell amassed just 30 yards passing in the first half, but explosive plays helped him to accumulate 134 in the second half. He connected on 33- and 38-yard pass plays in the second half.
The Cardinals understand that the time during the week is crucial for getting prepared for Saturday at this point of their season.
"You win the game on Saturdays, from Tuesday through Friday," Webster said. "We have to bounce back from the losses that we've had, but we're ready to go and ready to prove ourselves."
The Cardinals are set to host Toledo at Scheumann Stadium on Oct. 3, with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m. Broadcast will be available on ESPN+ and WLBC Radio 104.5.
Uremovich reiterated the team's focus of moving past last week as Ball State hosts a strong 3-1 Toledo opponent.
"I think we are pretty urgent every week," Uremovich said. "I know they are not happy with the way that we played on Saturday, but I don't think that whether we win or lose, we approach any week any differently."
Uremovich discussed that his team is currently battling some injuries at this point in the season. Penalties remain his biggest point of concern after Ball State committed seven last week and 29 over the past three weeks.
"We're heading into almost the midpoint of the season and we have a lot of guys out right now," Uremovich said. "But that's college football. Nobody is going to feel sorry for you. You have to show up and play."
The Cardinals hope to use their depth and execution to still find ways to get the job done.
"That's why you recruit and practice," Uremovich said. "You have to coach everybody because the next guy has to step up and there are going to be injuries."
Defensively, Ball State is focused on getting the Rockets into third-and-long situations. Uremovich described that distance situations give the defense the chance to get creative with their pressure.
Webster also emphasized the effort of the Cardinals' defense, but said execution is needed to get the unit off of the field.
"Our effort is great. We have great players on defense," Webster said. "But we have to work on execution, executing the plays that are called, and just get the ball down."
For Ball State, the team understands that the competitiveness of the MAC makes each week a priority. Mizzell said the offense needs to find ways to make explosive plays to change the momentum of the game.
"When you can go out there and create explosive plays, you are going to put some points on the board," Mizzell said. "As an offense we have to find ways to create more explosive plays and that comes with scoring more points." Last week, while playing place of injured QB Keldric Luster, Mizzell amassed just 30 yards passing in the first half, but explosive plays helped him to accumulate 134 in the second half. He connected on 33- and 38-yard pass plays in the second half.
The Cardinals understand that the time during the week is crucial for getting prepared for Saturday at this point of their season.
"You win the game on Saturdays, from Tuesday through Friday," Webster said. "We have to bounce back from the losses that we've had, but we're ready to go and ready to prove ourselves."
The Cardinals are set to host Toledo at Scheumann Stadium on Oct. 3, with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m. Broadcast will be available on ESPN+ and WLBC Radio 104.5.
Players Mentioned
Wednesday, September 23
Tuesday, September 22
Sunday, September 20
Thursday, September 17