NIU Football vs. Ball State Football Match Player Stats: A Comprehensive Breakdown of the 2024 Battle for the Bronze Stalk

The Northern Illinois University (NIU) Huskies and Ball State University Cardinals faced off on in a thrilling Mid-American Conference (MAC) matchup at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana. Known as the Battle for the Bronze Stalk, this rivalry game lived up to its reputation with a dramatic finish, as Ball State secured a 25-23 victory with a last-second 52-yard field goal by Jackson Courville. This key performances, and critical moments that defined the game, offering a detailed analysis for fans, analysts, and sports enthusiasts. By examining individual contributions, team strategies, and statistical highlights, we aim to provide the most comprehensive resource on the web for this matchup.

Game Overview: A Nail-Biting Finish

The 2024 NIU vs. Ball State game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams showcasing resilience and competitive spirit. The Cardinals (3-5, 2-2 MAC) outlasted the Huskies (4-4, 1-3 MAC) in a contest that saw multiple lead changes and pivotal plays in the final minutes. Ball State’s victory marked their third straight win over NIU and their fifth in the last six meetings, a significant shift in a rivalry where NIU holds a slight 25-24-2 all-time edge. The game was defined by standout performances from quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, and kickers, with individual stats painting a vivid picture of how the Cardinals retained the Bronze Stalk Trophy.

Key Player Stats: Ball State Cardinals

Quarterback: Kadin Semonza

Kadin Semonza was the orchestrator of Ball State’s offense, delivering a poised performance under pressure. He completed 20 of 33 passes for 211 yards, throwing two touchdown passes to tight end Tanner Koziol. Semonza’s ability to manage the game was evident in the final drive, where he connected on a 34-yard pass to Malcolm Gillie and a 5-yard pass to Koziol, setting up the game-winning field goal. His composure in the clutch moments was a game-changer, as he navigated NIU’s top-tier defense, which ranks third in the FBS for total defense (258.1 yards per game).

Running Back: Braedon Sloan

Braedon Sloan, Ball State’s primary running back, was instrumental in controlling the ground game against NIU’s stout rush defense, which allows just 101.6 yards per game. Sloan carried the ball multiple times, contributing to the Cardinals’ 114 rushing yards in the first half alone, surpassing NIU’s average allowance. His dual-threat ability was evident in the passing game, where he recorded receptions as the team’s third-leading receiver with 23 catches for 270 yards on the season. Sloan’s vision and speed kept NIU’s defense on its toes, opening opportunities for the passing attack.

Tight End: Tanner Koziol

Tanner Koziol emerged as the offensive MVP for Ball State, hauling in nine receptions for 78 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His first score came on a one-handed, 3-yard catch on a fade route during the opening drive, showcasing his athleticism. The second touchdown, a 6-yard grab late in the second quarter, gave Ball State a 19-7 lead. Koziol’s ability to win contested catches and exploit mismatches was critical, especially on third-and-goal situations where his back-shoulder fades proved unstoppable.

Kicker: Jackson Courville

Jackson Courville’s performance was nothing short of heroic. The sophomore kicker went 4-for-5 on field goals, with successful kicks from 24, 47, 50, and a career-long 52 yards. The 52-yarder with two seconds remaining sealed the victory, capping a wild sequence where NIU had taken a 23-22 lead with 18 seconds left. Courville’s only miss was a 33-yard attempt blocked by NIU’s Santana Banner, but his resilience in high-pressure situations earned him a place in Ball State lore.

Defensive Standouts

Ball State’s defense, led by linebackers Keionte Newson and Brandon Berger, held firm against NIU’s rushing attack. Newson led the team with 41 tackles on the season, including three tackles for loss (TFL) and three pass breakups. Berger contributed 7.5 TFLs and five sacks, disrupting NIU’s offensive rhythm. A key moment came when linebacker Joey Stemler intercepted a tipped pass, giving Ball State possession at the NIU 23 with 2:26 to play, although the subsequent field goal attempt was blocked.

Key Player Stats: Northern Illinois Huskies

Quarterback: Ethan Hampton

NIU’s quarterback situation saw a mid-game adjustment, with Ethan Hampton replacing starter Josh Holst after a fumble. Hampton completed 18 of 33 passes for an unspecified yardage total, but his impact was felt with a 54-yard touchdown pass to Cam Thompson in the second quarter, cutting Ball State’s lead to 19-14 at halftime. Hampton’s quick decision-making led a 39-second scoring drive before the break, showcasing his ability to spark the offense. However, a dropped two-point conversion pass to Thompson in the fourth quarter proved costly, as it kept NIU from tying the game at 22.

Running Back: Antario Brown

Antario Brown was NIU’s offensive workhorse, rushing 11 times for 62 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His first score, a 34-yard run in the first quarter, tied the game at 7-7 after bouncing off multiple tacklers. The second, a 6-yard run in the fourth quarter, brought NIU within two points at 22-20. Brown’s explosiveness was a bright spot for an NIU offense that struggled to find consistency, averaging just 18.3 points per game against FBS opponents.

Wide Receiver: Cam Thompson

Cam Thompson led NIU’s receiving corps with eight receptions for 128 yards and one touchdown. His 54-yard scoring catch from Hampton was a momentum-shifter, and his ability to stretch the field challenged Ball State’s secondary. Thompson’s drop on the two-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter was a rare misstep in an otherwise stellar performance.

Kicker: Kanon Woodill

Kanon Woodill’s 47-yard field goal with 18 seconds remaining gave NIU a brief 23-22 lead, setting the stage for the dramatic finish. His clutch kick was a testament to NIU’s never-say-die attitude, but it wasn’t enough to counter Courville’s heroics.

Defensive Standouts

NIU’s defense, one of the best in the nation, lived up to its billing by limiting Ball State’s explosive plays. Santana Banner’s blocked field goal with 1:51 remaining was a pivotal moment, giving NIU a chance to take the lead. The Huskies’ third-down defense, ranked first in the FBS with a 19.5% conversion rate allowed, was tested as Ball State converted 10 of 18 third downs, a season-high against NIU.

Statistical Comparison

Ball State dominated time of possession and third-down efficiency, outgaining NIU with 392 total yards, a season-high against the Huskies’ defense. NIU’s three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble) were critical, as Ball State capitalized with points off each mistake.

Critical Moments and Game-Changing Plays

1. Koziol’s One-Handed Touchdown: Early in the first quarter, Koziol’s 3-yard touchdown catch set the tone for Ball State’s offensive aggression.
2. Brown’s 34-Yard Run: NIU responded with Brown’s explosive touchdown, showcasing their ability to strike quickly.
3. Hampton’s 54-Yard TD Pass: The long connection to Thompson before halftime kept NIU in striking distance.
4. Courville’s 50-Yard Field Goal: In the third quarter, Courville’s career-long kick extended Ball State’s lead to 22-14.
5. Dropped Two-Point Conversion: Thompson’s drop on the two-point attempt in the fourth quarter prevented NIU from tying the game.
6. Banner’s Blocked Field Goal: NIU’s defense gave their offense a chance by blocking Courville’s 33-yard attempt.
7. Woodill’s Go-Ahead Kick: NIU took a 23-22 lead with 18 seconds left, only to be outdone by Ball State’s final drive.
8. Courville’s Game-Winner: The 52-yard field goal with two seconds remaining sealed Ball State’s victory.

Strategic Insights

Ball State’s game plan focused on exploiting NIU’s third-down defense and maintaining offensive balance. By rushing for 114 yards in the first half, the Cardinals forced NIU to adjust their defensive alignments, opening passing lanes for Semonza and Koziol. Their 10-minute, 16-play drive in the third quarter showcased their ability to control the clock and wear down NIU’s defense.

NIU leaned on their running game, with Brown’s big plays keeping them competitive. However, their inability to convert on third (4/19) and fourth downs (2/8) limited their offensive opportunities. The quarterback switch to Hampton provided a spark, but turnovers and the dropped two-point conversion were decisive setbacks.

Impact on the Season

For Ball State, the win improved their record to 3-5 and kept them in contention for a bowl game. The victory was a morale booster heading into a midweek matchup against Miami (Ohio). For NIU, the loss dropped them to 4-4, highlighting offensive struggles that need addressing before their next game against Western Michigan. The Huskies’ defense remains a strength, but their offense must find consistency to compete in the MAC.

Conclusion

The 2024 NIU vs. Ball State football game was a showcase of individual brilliance and team resilience, with player stats telling the story of a closely contested rivalry. Kadin Semonza’s clutch passing, Tanner Koziol’s touchdown grabs, and Jackson Courville’s historic field goal defined Ball State’s triumph, while Antario Brown, Cam Thompson, and NIU’s defense kept the Huskies in the fight until the final seconds. By analyzing the stats and key moments, we gain a deeper appreciation for the strategies and performances that shaped this memorable Battle for the Bronze Stalk. Ball State’s 25-23 victory will be remembered as one of the most thrilling chapters in this storied rivalry, and the player stats provide a roadmap for understanding how the Cardinals retained the Bronze Stalk Trophy.

FAQS