First Quarter
Ball State won the coin toss, and chose to defer to the second half. Buffalo started its opening drive at the 25-yard line after the touchback.
The Cardinals forced a quick three-and-out to start the game on defense. After the punt, the offense took it 55 yards over nine plays capped off by a 1-yard James Gilbert touchdown. Ball State ran it eight times and passed once on the drive.
After the extra point, Ball State led 7-0 with 10:30 left in the first.
Buffalo started its next drive at its own 9-yard line.