After a rough start to the 2016 season, Northern Illinois began conference play in typical Husky-fashion: with a win. Rod Carey and the Huskies (1-4) defeated Ball State (3-2) 31-24 to earn the Bronze Stalk Trophy in Muncie and their first victory of the season.
The Huskies defense entered the matchup with only two sacks and one interception on the year, but re-established themselves. Led by junior outside linebacker Bobby Jones IV, the Huskies defensive unit caused trouble for the Cardinals, sacking quarterback Riley Neal three times and picking him off once.
Senior Anthony Maddie, replacing injured quarterback Drew Hare, captained the best offensive performance of the season for Northern Illinois.