Through much discussion, BallStateSports.com has identified the top storylines of the year. We will unveil each of them one-by-one in the coming days.
The stories will be revealed in chronological order, starting with the fall season. We continue today with a look back at a pair of key victories for the football team that will hopefully set the stage for even bigger accomplishments in 2020.
Football Takes Claim to Bronze Stalk and Red Bird Rivalry Trophies
The Cardinals opened Mid-American Conference play last fall against the defending league champions, Northern Illinois, on Oct. 5. Both teams entered that game with lots of question marks after tough starts in non-conference action that saw the two teams combine to take on five Power 5 opponents.
Northern Illinois had history and recent success on its side. The Huskies had not lost to Ball State since 2008 (10 straight victories) and had a similar 1-3 start in 2018 but managed to storm back and take home the MAC championship trophy.
It looked like NIU was on its way to another win over Ball State after the first half. On a rainy and just downright miserable day, the Huskies capitalized on an early BSU interception to take a 17-3 lead into halftime. However, Ball State turned the tide in the second half with three turnovers forced. Running back Caleb Huntley went wild following the break and finished with 157 yards on 35 carries. He provided the go-ahead score on Ball State's first play of the fourth quarter, a 45-yard run.
The Cardinals outscored Northern Illinois 24-3 in the second half to take home the Bronze Stalk Trophy for just the second time ever.
In the season finale, Ball State was trying to regroup from dropping four consecutive games, three of which were decided by a total of eight points. The Cardinals could have easily packed in the season with an overall record of 4-7 heading into the Nov. 29 game against Miami (Ohio). The RedHawks entered the game winners of five straight and had already secured a spot in the MAC championship game.Running away from those Huskies!!!
Huntley makes his 2nd ?? ??
Cards lead in DeKalb! #OTM | #1AAT pic.twitter.com/JbqDbkkuVg
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) October 5, 2019
Just like the game against Northern Illinois, Ball State dominated the second half and stormed back for a 41-27 win. The stats in this one really weren't close. The Cardinals out-gained Miami 578-275 and limited the RedHawks to just 79 yards and one first down after halftime. Quarterback Drew Plitt threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns -- two of them to Yo'Heinz Tyler – and Huntley put up Huntley-type numbers – 134 rushing yards and three scores. On defense, Amechi Uzodinma II came away with a pair of fourth quarter interceptions to fuel the rally.
The win over Miami meant Ball State could hold up the Red Bird Rivalry Trophy for the first time since its inception in 2017. The victory also improved Ball State's league record to 4-4 and gave the squad's 15 seniors a win in their final game as a Cardinal.
??The Red Bird Rivalry Trophy is staying in Muncie ?? @BallStateFB uses a strong second-half to come back and take down the RedHawks!#MACtion I #ChirpChirp pic.twitter.com/2KSmql3M8l
— #MACtion (@MACSports) November 29, 2019
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