Despite being outscored just 14-12 in the second half, the Cardinals (1-2) were in a tough 31-0 hole established by the Cowboys (3-0) in the first 30 minutes of play.
"Obviously, a tough day today," head coach Mike Neu said. "I give Wyoming credit. They played a tough football game. We got off to a slow start on our end. Obviously, too many turnovers to have a chance to climb back into it.
"We competed in the second half, but unfortunately, by the time we competed, we had put ourselves in a big hole. I am proud of some of the guys for the way they competed down the stretch, but it's a disappointing day and up to me to get it fixed."
Ball State ran for 118 yards on the ground, highlighted by the running back tandem of Carson Steele and Will Jones. Steele had 13 carries for 76 yards and found the end zone for the third consecutive game to begin his career. Jones added 47 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.
Both players found paydirt in the second half, with Jones punching it in from one yard out in the third quarter, while Steele broke off a 19-yard run and drove through a plethora of Wyoming defenders to find the end zone mid-way through the fourth quarter.
Jayshon Jackson led the receiving corps with 10 catches and 92 yards. Justin Hall extended his FBS-leading receptions streak to 46 games behind three grabs for 20 yards. Hall also added a 72-yard kickoff return just before the half.
Defensively, Brett Anderson II and Jaylin Thomas tied for a team-best seven tackles. Thomas also added 1.0 tackle-for-loss. Bryce Cosby added six tackles, while Clayton Coll and J.T. Wahee chipped in with five tackles apiece (all solo).
The Cardinals converted on 9-of-17 third-down attempts during the game, while limiting the Cowboys to just 4-of-11 while on defense.
NEXT:
Ball State returns to action Saturday for Family Weekend and the opener for Mid-American Conference play when it welcomes Toledo, Sept. 25. Kick time is set for 2 p.m. ET inside Scheumann Stadium.