Ball State University Athletics
Saturday, September 12
Muncie, Ind.
2 p.m.
Ball State University
vs
Stony Brook
Photo by: Samantha Blankenship / Ball State University
Cardinals Look to Build on Positives Ahead of Home Opener
September 07, 2026 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State football returns to Scheumann Stadium for its 2026 home opener Saturday versus Stony Brook. Head coach Mike Uremovich, tight end Tate Hoover and defensive back Quentavius Scandrett met with the media Monday morning to reflect on the season opener at No. 1 Ohio State and discuss the Cardinals' preparation for the Seawolves.
Reflecting on the Cardinals' outing at Ohio Stadium, Uremovich noted the positives to build on while also identifying areas that need improvement. As the program enters week two, the team's attention has shifted entirely to Stony Brook.
"There were a lot of positives," Uremovich said. "The biggest positive for me was we won that game on special teams."
Uremovich highlighted punter Cole Stumbaugh, the Cardinals' coverage units and a 50-plus-yard field goal by Brody Boehm as bright spots against the Buckeyes. Offensively, Ball State's focus this week is on turning productive stretches into points and avoiding difficult third-down situations.
"We've got to stay out of third-and-longs," Uremovich said. "We've got to be more productive on first-and-second down to stay out of third-and-long."
Hoover echoed that focus after seeing the offense move the football against the Buckeyes.
"We moved the ball well, and we had some good plays," Hoover said. "Putting drives together and points on the board would be the big thing to see."
Defensively, the Cardinals are looking to build on a first half against Ohio State in which Scandrett felt the unit played well. He mentioned missed tackles and a lack of pursuit hurt Ball State in the second half, making those areas a priority going into this weekend.
"The main thing I feel we need to focus on is just tackling and being all together and flying around to the bodies on every play," Scandrett said.
Saturday gives the Cardinals their first opportunity of the season to play in front of their home crowd. BSU found success at Scheumann Stadium last season, going 4-1, and both players expressed excitement about competing in the Scheu.
"It means a lot, really," Hoover stated. "Knowing that we could win at home and have the fans there to back us up and everything."
"I'm excited to be at home and play for the fans," Scandrett said. "We've got a chip on our shoulder. The fans expect to win, and we've got to go out there and perform."
Ball State welcomes Stony Brook on Sept. 12 at Scheumann Stadium. Broadcast for the 2 p.m. contest is available on ESPN+ and WLBC 104.1 FM. Tickets are also available here.
Reflecting on the Cardinals' outing at Ohio Stadium, Uremovich noted the positives to build on while also identifying areas that need improvement. As the program enters week two, the team's attention has shifted entirely to Stony Brook.
"There were a lot of positives," Uremovich said. "The biggest positive for me was we won that game on special teams."
Uremovich highlighted punter Cole Stumbaugh, the Cardinals' coverage units and a 50-plus-yard field goal by Brody Boehm as bright spots against the Buckeyes. Offensively, Ball State's focus this week is on turning productive stretches into points and avoiding difficult third-down situations.
"We've got to stay out of third-and-longs," Uremovich said. "We've got to be more productive on first-and-second down to stay out of third-and-long."
Hoover echoed that focus after seeing the offense move the football against the Buckeyes.
"We moved the ball well, and we had some good plays," Hoover said. "Putting drives together and points on the board would be the big thing to see."
Defensively, the Cardinals are looking to build on a first half against Ohio State in which Scandrett felt the unit played well. He mentioned missed tackles and a lack of pursuit hurt Ball State in the second half, making those areas a priority going into this weekend.
"The main thing I feel we need to focus on is just tackling and being all together and flying around to the bodies on every play," Scandrett said.
Saturday gives the Cardinals their first opportunity of the season to play in front of their home crowd. BSU found success at Scheumann Stadium last season, going 4-1, and both players expressed excitement about competing in the Scheu.
"It means a lot, really," Hoover stated. "Knowing that we could win at home and have the fans there to back us up and everything."
"I'm excited to be at home and play for the fans," Scandrett said. "We've got a chip on our shoulder. The fans expect to win, and we've got to go out there and perform."
Ball State welcomes Stony Brook on Sept. 12 at Scheumann Stadium. Broadcast for the 2 p.m. contest is available on ESPN+ and WLBC 104.1 FM. Tickets are also available here.
Players Mentioned
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