MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) — Riley Neal threw for two touchdowns, ran for another and Ball State held Eastern Kentucky to 3 yards rushing in a 41-14 victory Saturday.
The Cardinals (2-1) rolled to a 27-0 halftime lead with Neal throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to Devin Reece, a 5-yarder to Damon Hazelton Jr. and running 12 yards for another score while Morgan Hagee kicked field goals of 41 and 32 yards.
James Gilbert and Teddy Williamson added 1-yard touchdown runs for a 41-0 lead and the only question was whether the Cardinals would post their first shutout since 2008. The Colonels (1-2) avoided that fate when they scored twice in the final 3:29.
And with that, BSU chalks up a "W" against Eastern Kentucky, 41-14! The Cards WIN their 2016 Home Opener! #GoCards pic.twitter.com/x6TlygOrDO
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) September 17, 2016
Neal finished 28 of 39 for 238 yards while the Cardinals rushed for 193 yards.
Maty Mauk was 19 of 32 for 285 yards and a touchdown for Eastern Kentucky (1-2) with Ryan Markush catching five passes for 104 yards. The Colonels had 128 yards in penalties.
