MUNCIE, Ind. — In what was an encouraging performance by Ball State football in the second and third quarters, the team let the game slip away late.
The Cardinals (1-3, 0-1 MAC) led 23-20 in the beginning of the final frame but fell 34-23 at Georgia Southern (3-1). Although the loss was disheartening, BSU's likely put together its best outing of the season thus far.
Here are three takeaways from the game:
Ball State couldn't get key stops on third down
The Cardinals just couldn't get the big stop.
Georgia Southern entered Saturday ranked fourth in the FBS with a 62% conversion rate on third down, and Ball State's defense was 44th (31.