Ball State University and Kent State University are set to face off in a crucial Mid-American Conference (MAC) matchup on November 5 at 7 p.m. EST. Both teams enter the contest with a record of 3-5, making this game pivotal for their bowl eligibility hopes. Fans can catch the action live on ESPNU.
Team Performance and Key Statistics
Both teams have struggled offensively this season. Ball State ranks 133rd in the nation with an average of 272.8 yards per game, while Kent State follows closely behind at 268.3 yards, placing them at 134th in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). In terms of scoring, Ball State averages 16.4 points per game, the lowest in the FBS, while Kent State scores 18.6 points per game, ranking 125th.
Defensively, both teams also face challenges. Ball State allows an average of 415.4 yards per game, ranking 113th, whereas Kent State’s defense is the worst in the FBS, giving up 467.5 yards per game. The scoring defense statistics mirror this trend, with Ball State allowing 29.8 points per game and Kent State at 36.5 points.
On third downs, both teams struggle significantly. Ball State converts just 32.7% of their opportunities, placing them 125th, while Kent State ranks even lower at 26.8% for 135th. Furthermore, Kent State’s red zone offense has been a concern, scoring on just 75.0% of their attempts, placing them 123rd in the FBS. Ball State’s red zone defense, on the other hand, ranks 62nd, allowing scores on 83.3% of trips.
Individual Player Highlights
For Ball State, quarterback Kiael Kelly leads the offense with 982 yards, completing 57.1% of his passes with six touchdowns and five interceptions. In the rushing game, Qua Ashley has accumulated 513 yards on 101 carries, scoring four touchdowns. Meanwhile, receiver Qian Magwood has contributed 238 yards on 13 receptions with one touchdown.
Kent State’s offense is led by quarterback Dru DeShields, who has thrown for 1,109 yards this season, achieving an impressive 57.2% completion rate with 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Running back Gavin Garcia has rushed for 321 yards, and receiver Cade Wolford has been a standout with 395 yards and six touchdowns on 15 catches.
Recent Game Outcomes
In their latest outings, Ball State faced a setback, losing 21-7 to Northern Illinois on October 25. Kelly managed 136 yards on 10-of-23 passing, along with one touchdown and two interceptions. He also led the team with 86 yards on the ground. Ashley contributed with 37 yards on 11 carries.
In contrast, Kent State emerged victorious against Bowling Green, winning 24-21 on the same date. DeShields completed 13-of-22 passes for 160 yards and one touchdown. Garcia scored a rushing touchdown, while Wolford made key contributions with two receptions for 66 yards and another touchdown.
Looking ahead, Ball State will host Eastern Michigan on November 15, while Kent State will travel to face Akron on November 11. Each team aims to build momentum as the season progresses, with this matchup serving as a crucial litmus test for both programs.
