Battle for the Bronze Stalk halftime report

NIU and Ball State tied at 14

Patrick Murphy | Northern Star

NIU football personnel communicate with the team on the sideline Nov. 4, during NIU’s 49-30 loss to the University at Buffalo Bulls at Huskie Stadium.

By James Krause

DeKALB — The Huskies football team heads to halftime tied 14-14 against the Ball State University Cardinals in the Battle for the Bronze Stalk.

The Huskies had a chance to break the tie as the half expired on a 45-yard field goal attempt by redshirt sophomore kicker John Richardson, but the kick sailed wide left.

NIU scored on their opening drive with redshirt senior quarterback Ross Bowers throwing a 17-yard pass to redshirt senior wide receiver Tyrice Richie for a touchdown.

The Cardinals had to wait until the second quarter for their first score, with redshirt senior quarterback Drew Plitt finding graduate wide receiver Antwan Davis for a five-yard touchdown pass to make it 7-7.

The Huskies retook the lead on the ensuing drive, assisted by a 47-yard catch and run by first-year receiver Trayvon Rudolph. Junior running back Erin Collins ended the drive with a two-yard touchdown run.

After a nearly flawless half, Bowers threw an interception to junior cornerback Amechi Uzodinma II and it was returned 71-yards for a touchdown, tying the game at 14-14.

The second half is live on ESPN News.