Ball State Football vs. NIU: Score, live updates for Bronze Stalk battle

(This story will be updated as the game progresses.)

Ball State football will compete for the Bronze Stalk for Ball State's homecoming game against Northern Illinois.

Ball State (2-5, 1-2 MAC) is coming off a 24-14 road loss to Vanderbilt in which the defense showed significant improvement despite the result. NIU (4-3, 1-2) lost 13-6 at home to Toledo last week. The Huskies have one of the best defenses in college football, ranking third in the FBS in total defense and first in third-down defense, but the offense has struggled with injuries in recent weeks.

The interstate rivals have been playing for the Bronze Stalk Trophy since 2008. NIU has an 11-5 record since the trophy's inception, but Ball State has won the last two meetings and four of the last five.

More: Ball State Football: NIU Scouting Report, Score Prediction for Battle for the Bronze Stalk

More: 'We're getting better every week': Ball State's defense gains confidence against Vanderbilt

Follow here for live updates as Ball State football takes on Northern Illinois in the battle for the Bronze Stalk:

NIU makes a QB change and responds with quick scoring

The Huskies elected to start Ethan Hampton at quarterback after Holst's fumble, and Hampton immediately led a 39-second scoring drive to take Ball State's lead. Hampton connected with Cam Thompson for a 54-yard touchdown pass, making the game 19-14.

Tanner Koziol grabs his second touchdown of the day

Ball State took advantage of the turnover again, and this time the Cardinals scored a touchdown instead of a field goal. Kadin Semonza hit Tanner Koziol on another fade route for a 5-yard touchdown, Koziol's second touchdown reception of the day. Jackson Courville's PAT hit the right post, keeping the score at 19-7.

Ball State keeps the momentum going with a forced fumble

Riley Tolsma knocked the ball away from Josh Holst on a QB scramble, and linebacker Keionte Newson recovered it to give the ball back to the Cardinals late in the second quarter.

Ball State adds three more after the interception

After Ball State's field goal, NIU faced a third-and-9 on the decisive drive. QB Josh Holst's pass was intercepted on the sideline by Ball State's George Udo, but the play was initially ruled an incomplete. After review, it was determined that Udo put one foot down and Ball State took over at the NIU 31-yard line. The Huskies' defense forced a three-pointer and the Cardinals settled for another field goal from Jackson Courville to bring the score to 13-7.

Ball State takes the lead with a field goal

Ball State drove downfield with ease on its third drive, making it from its own 25-yard line to the NIU 10-yard line in just three plays. After a touchdown run on second-and-goal was called back because of a holding penalty, the Huskies' defense held the Cardinals to a field goal, making the game 10-7.

Tied game after one quarter

Kadin Semonza connected with Justin Bowick and Braedon Sloan for two quick first downs before halftime expired. The Cardinals and Huskies are tied 7-7 entering the second quarter.

NIU responds with a long touchdown run

After forcing a Ball State punt, NIU advanced into Cardinals territory, converting two third-and-fives. Running back Antario Brown rebounded off two would-be tacklers and scored a 34-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7.

Huskies punt on first drive

Northern Illinois managed its first drive past midfield. On a third-and-1 from the Ball State 45-yard line, the Huskies botched a handoff and lost five yards on the play. Tom Foley's punt rolled into the end zone for a touchback.

Ball State strikes first

Ball State managed a 62-yard opening drive touchdown. Kadin Semonza looked from the 4-yard line on third-and-goal and turned to Tanner Koziol with a fade route, and Koziol made a one-handed catch to tie the score. Jackson Courville's PAT gave

Ball State gets the ball first

The 17th Battle of the Bronze Stalk began at 3:32 p.m. ET. Thanks to a good kickoff return from Malcolm Gillie, the Cardinals had a good starting position.

Ball State Football vs NIU result

Contact Cade Hampton by email at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @CadeHamp10.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Ball State Football vs. NIU: Score, Live Updates, Highlights