First Quarter
Eastern Kentucky won the toss, and chose to receive to start the game. The Colonels began their drive at their own 21-yard line.
The Cardinals tallied two sacks on the opening drive, including one by Aaron Taylor right at midfield, but Missouri transfer Maty Mauk marched the Colonels down to the Ball State 27. The drive stalled, however, and the Cardinals' offense took over.
Quarterback Riley Neal and the passing game got into an early rhythm against the Eastern Kentucky secondary. Neal finished 5-5 for 43 yards on the drive, capped off by a 3-yard touchdown pass to Devin Reece.