Semonza leads Ball State to 42-34 victory over Missouri State
- Kadin Semonza threw four touchdown passes, leading Ball State to a season-opening win.
- The game featured a high-scoring final quarter, with both teams combining for 48 points.
- Ball State's victory establishes a strong start to their season, while Missouri State remains winless.
On Saturday, Ball State kicked off its season with a thrilling 42-34 victory over Missouri State in Muncie, Indiana. Kadin Semonza was instrumental in the win, throwing four touchdown passes, including a crucial 5-yard pass to Tanner Koziol that extended the Cardinals' lead to 35-21 with just seven minutes left in the game. The match was marked by a high-scoring final quarter, where both teams combined for 48 points, showcasing the offensive prowess of both squads. Missouri State initially took the lead with a defensive touchdown, as P.J. Hall returned a bobbled pass for a 59-yard pick-six. The game was tied at halftime, setting the stage for a competitive second half. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the third quarter, but Semonza's 11-yard touchdown pass to Braedon Sloan on the first play of the fourth quarter shifted the momentum in favor of Ball State. Sloan not only contributed with a touchdown reception but also rushed for 103 yards on 21 carries, proving to be a dual threat for the Cardinals. Jacob Clark, the quarterback for Missouri State, completed 19 of 32 passes for 258 yards, including one touchdown and an interception, but it wasn't enough to secure a win. The victory marks a strong start for Ball State, while Missouri State continues to search for its first win of the season, now sitting at 0-2. The game highlighted the offensive capabilities of both teams and set a competitive tone for the rest of the season.