The Ball State Cardinals looked poised for a road Big Ten win. The Cardinals roared back from a 16-7 halftime deficit at Illinois with a pair of third quarter touchdowns.
With a little over five minutes remaining, Ball State intercepted Illinois and was gifted with the ball around midfield, all while maintaining a 21-16 lead. The Cardinals went three-and-out on the decisive possession, leaving the door ajar for the Fighting Illini to retake the lead.
Lovie Smith's team did just that, sprinting down the field after a 52-yard punt return reversed Illinois' fortune. One Illinois touchdown later and one 54-yard blocked field goal later, Ball State is scratching its heads, wondering how it fell to 0-1 after a great defensive performance.