First Quarter
Ball State won the toss, and chose to receive. The Cardinals started their opening drive on the 25-yard line after a touchback.
Redshirt junior Jack Milas got the start at quarterback because sophomore Riley Neal has a knee injury. Sophomore running back James Gilbert crossed the 1,000 yard plateau with a 4-yard carry on the opening drive. Milas had the offense moving in Western Michigan territory, but was picked by junior corner Darius Phillips who returned it for six.
After the extra point, Western Michigan had a 7-0 lead with 12:08 left in the quarter.