Memorial Stadium -- Bloomington, Ind
The Hoosiers have stepped it up against non-conference foes in recent year, winning 13 of the last 14 such matchups. Ball State, meanwhile, is stepping it up, as well, thanks to (knock on wood) a relatively healthy lineup. Thye Cardinals (1-1) have plenty of playmakers, but a wave of injuries overwhelmed BSU in 2017.
After blasting Central Connecticut State in Week One, Ball State played reasonably well in a loss at No. 8 Notre Dame last Saturday.
As for the Hoosiers, IU moved to 2-0 with a 20-9 home field victory over Virginia last week.
INDIANA HOOSIERS (2-0)
➤➤ The Hoosiers did all their scoring against Virginia in the first half. In fact, IU scored two touchdowns within 13 seconds.
After Virginia went 71 yards in 11 plays on its first possession, Indiana returned the favor with a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive.
Virginia fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and two plays later, Peyton Ramsey hit Donovan Hale with a 9-yard scoring strike.
➤➤ Indiana’s PAT attempts after its second TD was blocked and returned for a defensive score. The two-point defensive play made it a 13-9 game.
➤➤ The Hoosiers final score was a 23-yard Ramsey to Nick Westbrook touchdown pass with 1:36 to go before intermission. The only score after that was Bryce Perkins’ 20-yard pass to Chris Sharp midway through the third quarter. Indiana tossed an interception and both teams punted three times before Virginia’s final drive. That covered 64 yards in 15 plays before the clock ran out with UVA at the Hoosier’s 27-yard line.
➤➤ IU outgained the visitors 387-294. Most of Indiana’s yardage came from its ground game, and freshman Stevie Scott -- a 6-2, 233-pound workhorse -- led the way with 31 carries for 204 yards and one touchdown.
➤➤ Ramsey, a sophomore quarterback, completed 16 of 22 pass attempts for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Hale topped IU receivers with four catches for 55 yards and a score.
BALL STATE CARDINALS (1-1)
➤➤ BSU was a 34.5 point underdog against Notre Dame last week, But the Cardinals stayed with No. 8 Irish through much of contest. It was 14-6 in favor of the home team at halftime. When ND appeared to pull away with 10 third quarter points, Ball State answered with 10 fourth quarter points for the final 24-16 margin.
➤➤ Notre Dame owned a 414 to 349 yard edge in total offense, but Ball State registered 24 first down to 20 for the Irish.
➤➤ Irish interceptions preceded two touchdowns.
➤➤ Junior Ball State QB Riley Neal completed 23 of 50 passes for 180 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions against a very formidable Irish defense.
➤➤ BSU rushed for 169, with 72 provided by James Gilbert (19 carries, 72 yards.
➤➤ Justin Hall and Riley Miller combined for 12 receptions and 122 yards.
➤➤ Three Ball State defenders registered nine tackles each: LB Jaylin Thomas, LB Jacob White, and safety Bryce Cosby.
➤➤ Three Cardinals picked off Irish passes: senior Josh Miller, junior Ray Wilborn, and Antonio Phillips.