DeKALB – Logan Zschernitz still remembers the last time NIU beat Ball State University in 2021. The redshirt senior center remembers John Richardson’s celebration after kicking the game-winning field goal that lifted the Huskies over the Cardinals.
“When we won, and John Richardson ran to the sideline to get the trophy, it was a great feeling,” Zschernitz said.
The trophy Zschernitz is referring to is “The Bronze Stalk,” a traveling trophy awarded to the winner of the rivalry game between NIU and Ball State.
As the fireworks of victory went off in the November sky over Huskie Stadium, Richardson dashed to the visiting sideline to retrieve the Bronze Stalk trophy. When he couldn’t find it, he let the football world know he had ice in his veins.
Since that night, the Huskies are 0-2 against the Cardinals. Ball State took back the Bronze Stalk in 2022 with a 21-point comeback to win in double overtime. Then last season, the Cardinals eked out a win with a game-winning field goal to hand NIU a loss in DeKalb.
This Saturday, the Huskies will have a chance to bring home the Bronze Stalk and play spoiler to Ball State’s Homecoming game, one week after NIU had its own Homecoming spoiled by a 13-6 loss to the University of Toledo. Even with the two teams being bitter rivals, head coach Thomas Hammock said a victory against the Cardinals this weekend wouldn’t bear any additional satisfaction.
“We just want to win on Saturday and be 1-0,” Hammock said. “Ball State just happens to be the next opponent. It’s not any more satisfying than just trying to find a way to win a game.”
Wins against Ball State in recent years have been scarce, though. On top of a two-game losing streak, NIU has lost four of the past five Battles for the Bronze Stalk. In each of their defeats, the Huskies lost the turnover battle, had a poor showing on special teams and couldn’t hold on to a fourth-quarter lead.
Hammock said getting the better of Ball State on the road starts with the Huskies getting out of their own way.
“No. 1, let’s not beat ourselves,” Hammock said. “And if we don’t beat ourselves, and they’re good enough to beat us, then you shake their hand at the end of the game. But let’s not put ourselves in a position where we don’t have the advantage.”
Regardless of its execution, NIU will have an advantage talent-wise with the return of its best defensive player a season ago.
Ray Thomas returns
Senior defensive end Raishein “Ray” Thomas will make his 2024 debut Saturday after missing the first half of the season with an undisclosed injury. Thomas started every game for the Huskies in 2023 and finished with a team-leading 75 tackles, the most by any defensive lineman in the country. He was the only defensive lineman in the Football Bowl Subdivision to lead his team in tackles.
“He (Thomas) was our best defensive player last year,” Hammock said. “We played the whole season without him, and our defense improved. I think that tells you the type of depth we have in our program.”
As of Wednesday, Thomas is listed as a backup defensive end behind redshirt junior Jalonnie Williams on NIU’s depth chart. After watching Thomas’ hard work in the weight room over the past few months, senior linebacker Jaden Dolphin said he’s enjoyed seeing his longtime teammate back in action.
“It’s great to see him back out there and coming back and joining us,” Dolphin said. “I know he’s been waiting for that. It means a lot to him, and it also means a lot to the rest of the defense.”
Kickoff of the 17th Battle for the Bronze Stalk is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ (subscription required).
