Road game woes continue for Ball State football with ugly loss | Analysis
In perhaps its most important test of the season so far, Ball State football failed resoundingly with its performance at Liberty.
Ball State football suffered a devastating 51-15 defeat at Liberty on September 19, marking an important season test. The loss left the Cardinals at 1-2 on the season, following a 56-3 loss to Ohio State and a 41-17 defeat to FCS Stony Brook. Liberty, a Group of Six team, had recently beaten Gardner-Webb and matched Ball State's 4-8 record from a year ago.
Head coach Mike Uremovich admitted Ball State failed to meet Liberty's standards, attributing the loss to personal shortcomings. The offense struggled to move the ball, while the defense failed to secure stops. Quarterback Keldric Luster managed to gain some yardage but failed to replicate the success against Stony Brook. In contrast, Liberty's quarterback Deshawn Purdie completed 13 of 20 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns.
Liberty's running game had a significant impact, gaining 212 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Ball State faced 11 penalties in two consecutive weeks, contributing to their downfall.
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