First Quarter
Ball State got favorable field position after a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the kickoff. Sophomore quarterback Riley Neal hit Jordan Hogue down the seam for a long gain on the first play, but a holding penalty brought it back. Three plays later, Neal was picked off by Jerome Smith who took it all the way back for a touchdown and a quick 7-0 lead.
The second drive ended the same way as the first for the Cardinals. James Gilbert got two carries for seven yards. Neal was tipped and intercepted on third down — again by Jerome Smith — giving Georgia State the ball on the Ball State 32-yard line.